SA: Apple Music features Manu WorldStar

Africa Rising is an exclusive artist development programme and companion playlist geared towards identifying, showcasing and elevating rising talent and introducing the next generation of African superstars.

Africa Rising will see Apple Music select six artists every year, who each receive a minimum of two months' editorial support across the Apple Music platform including Apple Music 1 radio.

"I feel really blessed and honoured,” Manu WorldStar said. “We worked so hard on this project and the platform Apple Music is giving me with Africa Rising allows for my message to be heard by the world. Thank you Apple Music for believing in young, fresh African talent.”

Born Emmanuel Mutendji in Johannesburg to Congolese parents, Manu WorldStar made waves in 2017 on the popular talent search competition Vuzu Hustle. He went on to sign an international licensing deal with Sony Music and a co-management deal with Vth Season in 2018, before releasing his debut single ‘Nalingi’. In 2019, he released a five-track EP titled Young African Story.

In June 2020 he featured Sjava, Anatii and Rouge on his debut album Molimo. A month later, his song ‘Choko’ was featured on Apple Music’s Africa Now playlist, which includes songs from some of the biggest musicians on the continent.