Feature Archives

Feature

Explainers, analyses, and essays on government policies, and political trends and movements around the continent

Faridah Folawiyo’s Year of Yes

A recurring theme in Folawiyo’s discussion of her work is accessibility, not as a marketing term but as something closer to a personal correction.

Anjola Akinmade

2 months ago

Taiwo “Ogogo” Hassan, The Custodian of Action and Nollywood’s Voice of Reason

Nollywood actor Taiwo “Ogogo” Hassan, who has died aged 66 of an unnamed cancer, inspired Nigerian film audiences and industry practitioners with his commanding performances and recorded goodwill. The actor who has stayed away from mainstream attention and conversation was the face of recent conversation after one of his daughters posted a video detailing the […]

Seyi Lasisi

1 month ago

“Starrgirl”: Ayra Starr Trades Becoming for Being

In Starrgirl, Ayra Starr does not ask you to reconsider Ayra Starr. She assumes you already know who she is and expects you to keep up. The title alone sends listeners a message before they press play. Her first two records were titled around age — 19 & Dangerous introduced a fearless, fast-talking teenager; The […]

Anjola Akinmade

1 month ago

Mid-Year Review: The 10 Best Nigerian Songs of 2026

In the spirit of culture curation, Culture Custodian has put together a list of the best songs of 2026, so far.

John Eriomala

3 months ago

What Exactly Is All This Sex Doing in Blood Sisters?

Blood Sisters Understands That Sex Can Tell a Story. It Just Doesn’t Always Know What Story It’s Telling.

Naomi Ezenwa

4 months ago

Detty December: A Souring Love Story?

For Nigerians in the Diaspora, this period, Detty December, comes with the financial obligation to spend. Keeping with the communal values of Nigeria, visiting Nigerians spend a significant portion of their largesse on gifts to family and friends

Chibuzo Emmanuel

2 years ago

Kemi Badenoch: An Expert in Truth-Telling

Ultimately, Ms. Badenoch’s relationship with Nigeria is purely transactional—a narrative to differentiate herself in British politics. She’s the outsider who rose through determination, from a McDonald’s worker to Conservative Party member at 25, to party leader. Unlike her predecessors, she can claim firsthand experience of national decline, a narrative she deploys like a political catchphrase.

Shalom Tewobola

2 years ago

Kemi Badenoch: Five Times The Tory Leader Has Taken A Swipe At Nigeria

Kemi Badenoch has beef with Nigeria. Since becoming the leader of the Conservative Party in the United Kingdom, she has frequently criticized Nigeria on various fronts. She has spoken about her early years in Nigeria, describing growing up in an atmosphere of fear and insecurity and highlighting the widespread corruption in the country. Nigerian Vice-President […]

Alex Omenye

2 years ago

My Life In Nollywood: Bolaji Ogunmola

Every week, Culture Custodian grants you an all-access backstage pass into the lives of Nollywood professionals. You get to hear their fascinating background, their behind-the-scenes stories, and more. This week’s edition features actor and filmmaker, Bolaji Ogunmola. NollyTube, a nonce for the sub-industry of Nollywood productions hosted on YouTube, is navigated by different mainstream and […]

Adedamola Adedayo

2 years ago

Africa’s New Startup Cities Are Attracting Tenants And Billions In Capital

Seth Onyango, bird story agency Africa’s construction boom is seeing spanking new startup cities sprout up across the continent to cater to the growing middle class, offer space for new businesses and attract international capital. As traditional gated communities struggle to keep up with the rising number of affluent households, privately run cities are […]

Culture Custodian Editorial Team

2 years ago

7 Predictions For Nigerian Film in 2025

As we look back on the previous year’s releases, debuts, and industry-defining moments in Nigerian Film, it’s time we look forward and embrace what this year might hold for Nigerian Film. Here’s what and who to keep an eye on as the year continues to take shape. I do not come to you by chance […]

Culture Custodian Editorial Team

2 years ago

Do Artists Have To Reinvent The Wheel With Every Release?

About a week ago Asake posted a snippet—his first since his Lungu Boy Album—to his Instagram page. In the clip, he can be seen sporting a tastefully squalid look, indicating the dawning of a new era for him. His face is strewn with a phalanx of newly inked tattoos. He’s wearing a brown distressed shirt, […]

Chibuzo Emmanuel

2 years ago

What Netflix’s Brisk Exit From Nigeria Signals For The Nigerian Music Industry

Netflix’s retreat from the Nigerian market comes in the wake of Amazon Prime’s exit from Sub-Saharan Africa. Since the earliest rumors of the exit surfaced on social media, Nollywood stakeholders and casual fans alike have expressed concern over what this might portend for Nigeria’s already beleaguered film industry. However, outside of the direct impacts on […]

Chibuzo Emmanuel

2 years ago