Apple Music's Africa Rising program unveils its Class of '25, spotlighting the continent's most promising emerging talents. Nigerian Afrobeats artist KAESTYLE, Kenyan indie-soul singer Njerae, and South African vocalist Lusanda lead this year's cohort, set to redefine African music on the global stage.
Apple Music's groundbreaking artist development program, Africa Rising, has once again set the stage for the next generation of African superstars with its Class of '25 announcement. This year's lineup features an eclectic mix of talent, including Nigerian Afrobeats artist and producer KAESTYLE, Kenyan indie-soul sensation Njerae, and South African singer-songwriter Lusanda.
The program, which has been instrumental in launching the careers of global sensations like Tyla, Omah Lay, and Tems since its inception in 2020, continues to shine a spotlight on the continent's most promising emerging artists.
KAESTYLE, the Nigerian prodigy, is ready to take the Afrobeats scene by storm. "It feels great to be seen," he says, hinting at more singles and possibly a full body of work in 2025.
KAESTYLE recently released his debut EP "Afro-Fusion," a vibrant blend of Afrobeats and contemporary R&B that has gained traction across streaming platforms. His single "Joro" has become a viral sensation on TikTok, showcasing his unique production style and catchy hooks.
Njerae, representing Kenya and East Africa, expresses her excitement about introducing her unique indie-soul sound to global audiences. She sees this as a pivotal moment for Kenya's creative community.
Njerae made waves with her latest single "Siwezi," a soulful ballad that topped the Kenyan charts for three consecutive weeks. Her upcoming album "Nairobi Nights," set to release in March 2025, promises to further establish her as a leading voice in East African indie-soul.
South African talent Lusanda is honored to be a representative and advocate for African music on the world stage. She teases collaborations with amazing producers and songwriters across genres, both from the continent and beyond.
Lusanda collaborated with renowned South African producer Black Coffee on the hit single "African Dream," which earned her a spot on Billboard's Global 200 chart. Her powerful vocals and emotive songwriting have drawn comparisons to the likes of Miriam Makeba and Brenda Fassie, setting high expectations for her forthcoming debut album.
The Class of '25 also includes Nigerian singer, songwriter, and producer FOLA, and rising Ghanaian beatmaker AratheJay, both eager to make their mark on the global music scene.
Music lovers can tune into an exclusive Africa Now Radio episode with Nandi Madida on January 17, 2025, to hear more from these rising stars.
As these artists continue to push boundaries and redefine African music, the Africa Rising program once again proves its ability to identify and nurture the continent's most exciting new voices.
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
