From South Africa to Nigeria, Ghana to East Africa – meet the fresh talent elevating African sound to new heights.
Apple Music is proud to reveal the latest selection of artists featured in its acclaimed Up Next artist development program. This month, the spotlight shines on four exceptional acts: Jst Sako (South Africa), Rayona (Nigeria), 99 PHACES (Ghana), and Phina (East Africa). United by authenticity and innovation, each artist reflects the sonic richness and cultural depth of their region while carving out a place on the global stage.
South Africa
Jst Sako
Afro-Fusion songwriter and producer Jst Sako unveils his deeply personal debut album TUKA. A fourteen-track odyssey that captures his evolution through love, heartbreak, longing and renewal. Raised in Daveyton, Sako blends intimate storytelling with collaborations from Manu WorldStar, Gemma Griffiths, and more.
Nigeria
Rayona
At just 19, Rayona is redefining Afrobeats with a fearless fusion of R&B and pop. Her debut single CRAZE introduced a fiery energy, while follow-up Testimony cemented her reputation as a voice unafraid to turn vulnerability into strength. With her debut EP on the way, Rayona’s artistry is both intimate and expansive.
Ghana
99 PHACES
A multidisciplinary creative collective formed in 2022, 99 PHACES merges music, digital arts, and fine arts into a bold, forward-thinking movement. Their upcoming sophomore album THE KIDS ARE JUST FINE is a coming-of-age diary that captures survival, community, and joy on Ghana’s creative frontier.
East Africa
Phina
Tanzanian singer-songwriter Phina blends Bongo Flava, Afrobeat and R&B into an unmistakable sound. After winning Bongo Star Search in 2018, she has gone on to release cultural anthems like Upo Nyonyo, Rara, and Manu. With accolades at home and recognition on the continental stage, Phina continues to expand her reach.
As part of Apple Music’s Up Next program, these four artists join a growing legacy of talent hand-picked by Apple Music editors for their originality, impact, and global potential. The Up Next playlist remains genre-agnostic, showcasing the best emerging voices from across the world.
Listen to the Up Next playlist here: apple.co/3eITdJ