Apple Music continues to champion African music with exciting new features and artist spotlights that highlight the continent’s rich and diverse musical landscape. This month, the streaming giant has made several notable announcements, underscoring its commitment to promoting African talent globally.

Apple Music Announces DJ Stokie As The Latest Isgubhu Cover Star

Apple Music has announced Johannesburg-based Amapiano DJ and producer DJ Stokie (Setoki Mbatha) as the next Isgubhu cover star. DJ Stokie expressed his gratitude, stating, “I never thought that music could put me this far, and I am honoured to have been selected for Isgubhu.” His music journey began in the early ’90s in Soweto, drawing inspiration from local artists, and he gained recognition with energetic performances in YFM’s Mad Half Hour competition in 2006. As Amapiano grew in popularity, DJ Stokie emerged as a key figure, pushing the genre’s boundaries. His new album “Immortal” (2024) on Apple Music aims to redefine Amapiano with ten innovative tracks. To celebrate his Isgubhu feature, he created a playlist with his favorite Amapiano tracks. Launched in early 2021, Isgubhu is Apple Music’s platform dedicated to African Dance and Electronic music, highlighting African DJs, producers, and creatives.

Check out Isgubhu only on Apple Music http://apple.co/Isgubhu

Apple Music’s Latest Africa Rising Recipient Is Afro-Pop Singer-Songwriter Taves

Apple Music announced Nigerian Afro-Pop singer-songwriter taves (Toluwani Ayomide Aluko) as the latest featured artist in its Africa Rising artist development program. taves expressed his excitement, saying, “I am honoured to be chosen as Apple Music’s Africa Rising artist. It’s a testament to hard work, resilience and the limitless potential from Africa as a whole. It inspires me to make more music and share my creativity with the world.” Born in Port Harcourt, taves started creating demos while studying at the Ibadan International School and gained traction with his unique covers of tracks by CKay and Lojay. His career took off after his cover of BNXN’s “For Days” led to being signed by BNXN’s label, To Your Ears Entertainment. Influenced by Asa, Burna Boy, Khalid, and Omah Lay, taves blends traditional African music with modern elements. His debut EP, “Are You Listening?” (2024), available on Apple Music, showcases his storytelling and lyrical skills.

Discover Africa Rising here: applemusic.com/africarising

Apple Music Announces Blxckie as July’s Featured Artist for Rap Life Africa

Apple Music announced Blxckie (Sihle Sithole) as July’s featured artist for Rap Life Africa. The episode, presented by Global Editorial Head of Hip-Hop and R&B, Ebro Darden, showcased new music from Blxckie, including his latest single “pull up” featuring Beau Nox. Ebro and Africa Now Radio host, Nandi Madida, discuss the single, which is available to stream on Apple Music. Rap Life Radio also featured Nigerian rap veteran Olamide’s new single “Hello Habibi” and a collaboration between SA rapper Nasty C and Polish rapper Oskar83 titled “In The Right Place.” Blxckie, who recently signed to Def Jam and toured North America with Dreamville’s Bas, expressed his excitement, saying, “I would like to express my gratitude to Apple Music for featuring me on the cover of this month’s Rap Life Africa playlist cover. The journey continues, and it is encouraging to witness progress in the right direction. See you soon.”

Tune in to Rap Life Radio With Ebro now on Apple Music 1.