The Archive

The Critic and the Creator: Lessons From Both Sides of the Stage

By Gospel Chimezie

In this reflective piece, Gospel Chimezie shares how his experience reviewing Zedfest 2023 transformed his perspective as both a music critic and creative practitioner. He explores the powerful connection between criticism and creativity, highlighting how thoughtful analysis, artistic direction, collaboration, and constructive feedback contribute to artistic growth and excellence. Read how one festival experience reshaped his understanding of music , performance, and the vital role of criticism in strengthening Africa’s creative industries.

Why Criticism Shapes Art: The Purpose of Culture Lens HQ

By Culture Lens HQ Editorial

Criticism is an essential part of how art evolves, how audiences understand creative work, and how culture develops. Beyond expressing opinions or pointing out flaws, meaningful criticism encourages deeper engagement with art, challenges creative choices, and opens conversations about the ideas, messages, and impact behind a work. At Culture Lens HQ, we believe art deserves more than applause, dismissal, or a numerical rating. As a criticism and review platform, our purpose is to look beyond the surface, examine creative work thoughtfully, and offer honest, balanced perspectives.

Carnival of Colours: How Costume Show 1.0 Turned Fashion into Performance

By Oscar Enamino

“Iba” by Nathaniel Bassey is more than a song; it is an experience of worship, reverence and musical excellence.

By Gospel Chimezie

Beyond Performance: Opeyemi Olaore And Emerging Face Of African Musicology

By Professor Femi Abiodun

In Beyond Performance: Opeyemi Olaore and the Emerging Face of African Musicology, Professor Femi Abiodun highlights Olaore’s contributions to African musicology through cultural preservation, national performances, sacred music documentation, and educational innovation. His work, including the preservation of Celestial Church of Christ hymns and the integration of indigenous traditions into national cultural events, demonstrates how musicology can promote cultural identity, national unity, and heritage preservation.

Running — By Akaycentric — Critique

By Gospel Chimezie

How Constructive Music Criticism Shapes Musical Culture and Why I Chose This Path

By Gospel Chimezie

In this critical review, I examine the Nigeria–Spain Cultural Exchange Concert held on 17 July 2026 at the National Universities Commission in Abuja, focusing on how the performance explored the possibilities of dialogue between Nigerian mu

By Wing Commander Adesola Ismaila Adeyanju

In this critical review, I examine the Nigeria–Spain Cultural Exchange Concert and its exploration of cross-cultural musical dialogue between Nigerian traditions and contemporary Spanish flamenco. I focus on the musical arrangements by Tolu Ogunleye (Drtonez), the orchestration and musical direction by Opeyemi Olaore, and the interaction between instruments and musical traditions. The review considers how the concert demonstrates the possibilities of collaboration, cultural diplomacy and shared musical expression.

Unity in Motion: A Critical Review of Opeyemi Alaba Olaore’s Artistic Direction at Nigeria’s 2024 Independence Day Cultural Performance

By Oludotun Osunsanya

A critical review by Akanni Oludotun Osunsanya examining Opeyemi Alaba Olaore’s artistic direction of Nigeria’s 2024 Independence Day cultural performance, highlighting how dance, costume and choreography represented the six geopolitical zones and explored national unity through cultural diversity.

Asake’s “Sungba Remix” Featuring Burna Boy: A Study in Rhythmic Identity and Vocal Exchange

By Oscar Enamino

In this critical review, I examine Asake’s Sungba Remix featuring Burna Boy, focusing on its Amapiano-rooted rhythm, vamping piano chords, Fuji-inspired vocal embellishments, percussion and the artists’ code-switching between Yoruba, Pidgin and English. I also explore the contrasting vocal approaches of Asake and Burna Boy, including the distinctive vocal slur and rhythmic pulse that mark Burna Boy’s entrance.

Zedfest 2023: A Critical Review of Drtonez Live Music Curation, Artistic Direction and Musical Direction

By Wing Commander Adesola Ismaila Adeyanju

In this critical review, I examine the artistic and musical architecture behind Zedfest 2023, with particular attention to the work of Tolu Ogunleye, professionally known as Drtonez, who served as the festival’s Curator, Artistic Director and Music Director. The review explores how live music curation, performance sequencing, artistic direction and musical direction came together to shape the festival experience. I consider the creative decisions involved in bringing together multiple performers, establishing a coherent artistic progression as published on Thisday news

Fally Ipupa’s SL: A Study in Melody, Rhythm and Musical Expression

By Oscar Enamino