Apple Music is celebrating South Africa’s next generation for the month of June through YVNG & FREE. The campaign highlights the optimism of the young South Africans who led a movement for societal change in 1976 and  the drive and ambition shown by SA’s Gen Zs.

Featuring playlist takeovers from Lilnosebleed (The New Mzansi), Tyla (Future Hits), 2woBunnies (Isgubhu), Eloff (Cool Afrikaans) and guest playlists from Lloyiso, Will Linley, Bernice West, Scumie, Valley Sixteen, Angie Oeh and Money Badoo, Apple Music’s YVNG & FREE spotlights the next wave of musicians who are fearlessly finding new ways to tell their unique stories. 

“I think the South African hip hop scene is evolving in the best creative way for the youth. The sound that we are creating and making isn’t something the older generation have ever made but it doesn’t stop us from making what we love. I think the new generation is experimenting more rather than going back to what’s been done for several years as you’ll hear on this playlist. Everyone is doing what their heart desires and that’s what I think helps us evolve into artists.” – Lilnosebleed

“Ek dink die Afrikaanse musiek scene evolve elke dag met nuwe musiek wat uit kom en ook die nuwe klanke wat geskep word. Afrikaanse musiek skuif elke dag ook nader aan ‘n international sound wat die musiek ook baie meer spasie bied om te groei as kunstenaar. Die lyrics wat deesdae geskryf word vertel ook baie meer stories wat die kreatiewe deel van musiek meer evolve en so ook partykeer ‘n sterker boodskap kan oordra. Die temas van die nuwe evolving musiek is ook baie vry van spanning en maklik om saam te sing.” – Eloff

“These artists are great representatives of today’s young people. The youth, across the globe, have become the driving force behind the evolution of dance, fashion, content creation, and music. In South Africa, particularly, the youth create viral Amapiano hits and dance moves that are loved across the world. The youth are the source of the sauce! Their influence on music and culture is undeniable.” – Tyla

“The African dance/electronic scene has experienced remarkable growth, and it was only a matter of time before its captivating sound reached a global audience. With a rich tapestry of unique genres, Africa has offered a fresh and marketable musical landscape, captivating the world with previously unheard sounds. These genres have not only provided artists with opportunities to explore and share their music worldwide but have also empowered them to uplift their families, communities, and eradicate poverty.”- 2woBunnies