Apple Music spotlights South African Afro-pop sensation Mnqobi Yazo as Up Next Artist
Apple Music has unveiled its latest addition to the Up Next artist development program in South Africa, shining a spotlight on the talented Afro-pop singer-songwriter Mnqobi Yazo.
Expressing gratitude for the recognition, Yazo conveyed his appreciation to Apple Music, stating, “Thank you Apple Music for choosing me as your Up Next Local Artist in South Africa. It means a lot, more people are going to be healed through the music offering of UBHOKO.”
Hailing from the village of KwaMaphumulo and raised in the Durban township of Umlazi, Mnqobi Yazo’s musical journey is deeply rooted in traditional South African music genres like maskandi and isicathamiya. Initially drawn to rapping during his primary school years, Yazo transitioned to singing while in college, a move that marked the beginning of his professional recording career.
Influenced by acclaimed Afropop artists such as Sjava, Blaq Diamond, and Aubrey Qwana, Yazo’s distinctive style, blending isicathamiya-style drawl and maskandi falsetto, sets him apart as a unique voice in the industry. His independently released debut, Iscephu (2018), and subsequent album Impi (2020) garnered widespread attention, firmly establishing him as a musical force to be reckoned with. Now, after a hiatus, he returns with his third album UBHOKO (2024), available for streaming on Apple Music.
UBHOKO, meaning War Stick in Nguni, serves as a metaphor for life’s battles, delivering a powerful musical journey infused with spirituality and cultural significance. Across 19 tracks, Yazo skillfully addresses critical social issues such as mental health and the importance of fostering a positive mindset. The album features collaborations with notable artists including Yallunder, Njilour, Ndabaz, Igcokama Elisha, and Olefied Khetha.
As the latest Up Next artist in South Africa, Mnqobi Yazo will be prominently featured across Apple Music’s Up Next playlist, a curated selection highlighting new and emerging talent chosen by Apple Music editors worldwide. The Up Next program, now in its sixth year, has previously spotlighted Grammy-nominated artists and rising stars across various genres.
Apple Music’s commitment to supporting emerging talent extends beyond its Up Next program, with a curated companion Up Next playlist featuring a diverse array of artists hand-picked by editors from around the globe. Moreover, the program has expanded to include localized campaigns across numerous countries, amplifying the voices of artists on a global scale.
Mnqobi Yazo’s recognition as an Up Next artist underscores Apple Music’s dedication to celebrating diversity and fostering the growth of promising talent within the vibrant South African music scene.
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