SA: Apple Music shines spotlight on Thando in December

Thando’s addition to the platform comes after the release of her six-track EP A Force to Be Reckoned With in November. The EP is available for streaming on Apple Music and features ‘First in Line’, ‘All in Me’, ‘Do You Want Me To’, ‘Weak’, ‘One More Night’ and ‘FTBRW’.

The album chronicles the story of Thando’s love life and how she has let go of some relationships with each song detailing the story of a new relationship.

“This is so surreal and I am so grateful for such an incredible opportunity,” the 20-year-old Thando said. “Music and singing will always be who I am and to be celebrated for that is truly amazing. I’m honoured to be chosen for Apple Music’s New Artist Spotlight campaign.”

Thando, who was born Thando Ngoasheng in Johannesburg, wrote her first song at the beginning of South Africa’s COVID-19 lockdown in March. She went on to release a string of singles independently and managed to draw the attention of local radio stations and UK music blog IndustryMe, which positioned her as a rising star. 

Her music is rooted in the new wave of R&B that has emerged across South Africa over the past two years. She draws influence from such artists as Billie Eilish and Sam Smith. Thando, who is studying accounting and finance, also fuses soul and pop in her music.

Previous South African artists who have been featured on Apple Music’s New Artist Spotlight include Honeymoan, Mthunzi, Sino Msolo, Shasha, Ami Faku, Sio, Elizée and Malachi, Sho Madjozi, Simmy, Dope Saint Jude, Darkie Fiction, Dutchkid, Emerger and Thandi Ntuli, among others.

Listen to Thando on Apple Music.