South African actress and singer Nandi Madida has taken the reins as the new host of Africa Now Radio on Apple Music 1. Joining the fourth season of the show, Africa Now Radio is Apple Music’s groundbreaking global African music radio program, offering exclusive interviews with some of the continent’s biggest stars.

Over the course of its run, Africa Now Radio has featured renowned artists such as Davido, Stonebwoy, Diamond Platnumz, Tiwa Savage, Wizkid, Nasty C, Rema, Ayra Starr, Asake, Omah Lay, and many others, showcasing the boldest and brightest musical and production talent Africa has to offer. With over 130 cover stars, the show has premiered more than 650 new releases, while introducing Apple Music subscribers worldwide to over 130 of Africa’s hottest emerging artists, ranging from Gyakie to CKay to Lloyiso to Uncle Waffles and Pabi Cooper. Embracing diverse genres like Amapiano, Afrobeats, highlife, Alte, house, hip-hop, bongo flava, and kuduro, Africa Now Radio remains the go-to platform for the latest African sounds.

In an interview with Apple Music, Nandi expresses her excitement about the growing recognition of Africa’s music. “What a time to be alive on this beautiful continent,” she exclaims. “We are not only the cradle of humankind but also the cradle of music, and I’m excited to celebrate Pan-Africanism with Apple Music 1’s global audience and witness the trajectory of African artists! I am a cheerleader of that movement and will ensure that I support it in any way that I can, and to shine a light on it!”

Apple Music has long been at the forefront of supporting emerging African artists, and Nandi believes in the importance of continuing that narrative. “Apple Music has been doing it before it was popular,” she emphasizes. Joining the Africa Now Radio team aligns with her commitment to highlighting Africa’s musical talent and giving rising artists the recognition they deserve.

Africa Now Radio with Nandi Madida will air weekly on Fridays, beginning June 2, at 2p Lagos/London, 3p Johannesburg/Paris, 6a LA, and 9a NYC on Apple Music 1. Listeners can tune in at apple.co/_AfricaNow to experience the vibrant sounds of Africa and discover the continent’s rising stars.