Apple Music shines spotlight on SA’s Sino Msolo

The announcement came after the release of the 22-year-old's debut album Mamela, which is inspired by artists such as Simphiwe Dana as well as the late Hugh Masekela and Miriam Makeba. Mamela, released in November 2019, will be featured in South Africa and across the continent as part of the streaming platform’s artist development programme.

“I feel so special and honoured to be chosen,” Msolo said. “It could have been anyone but me. It reminds me of the saying, 'Many are called but only few are chosen’.”

The self-taught singer-songwriter hails from Flagstaff, a small town in the Eastern Cape province. He participated in the 2017 edition of Idols SA where he made it to the top 30.

Msolo describes his 16-track album as a love story that touches on the triumphs and hardships that go along with relationships.

“The album is based on a story of a guy who falls in love and the songs go hand in hand with the challenges he faces along the relationship,” Msolo said.

His sound is also influenced by producer and multi SAMA-winning producer Sun-El Musician who signed Msolo under his Elworld Music label. Sun-El Musician hopes Mamela will achieve platinum status with his latest record.

Previous South African artists who have benefited from Apple Music’s New Artist Spotlight include Thandi Ntuli, Elizée and Malachi, Sho Madjozi, Simmy, Tellaman, Dope Saint Jude, Darkie Fiction, Dutchkid and Sha Sha, among many others.

Listen to Mamela here.