Apple Music launches African Now Radio

Africa Now Radio is hosted by Nigeria’s DJ Cuppy, who was recently added to Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30 list. 

The show will be aired weekly for one hour and feature a mix of contemporary and traditional popular African sounds, including genres like Afrobeat, rap, house, kuduro and more.

“The show represents a journey from West to East and North to South, but importantly a narrative of Africa then to Africa now,” DJ Cuppy said. 

The first episode highlighted Nigerian producer Kiddominant, who is known for producing African hits such as Davido’s ‘Fall’ and AKA’s ‘Fela In Versace’. He joined DJ Cuppy via FaceTime to discuss his new single ‘eWallet’ featuring South African rapper Cassper Nyovest and taken from his forthcoming debut album due for release in the second half of 2020. South African actress and Queen Sono lead Pearl Thusi shared her favourite African proverb and current favourite African song.

Following Apple Music’s announcement, several African artists and industry leaders have endorsed the new project. “Apple Music is a huge support system for ensuring African music reaches as many ears as possible all over the globe. As an Apple Music Up Next artist, the impact of that honour is still being felt today. So more grease to them. They’re family now, always love,” Burna Boy said.

Chocolate City Music vice-president Aibee Abidoye said: “Apple Music has been a key partner in our digital growth this year. They have patiently educated us on everything from planning for efficiency to making Apple Music available to us. Our artists are still very grateful and impressed by the learnings from the Apple team three months later! It doesn’t get better than that.”

Africa Now Radio is available here.