SA: CowBoii added to Apple Music Africa Rising programme

CowBoii, whose real name is Sibusiso Mokone, expressed his surprise and excitement at being selected: “Being selected as the next Apple Music Africa Rising artist had me by surprise, because the last time I saw someone being selected for that was Tyla. It showed me the impact and influence of the work that I put out there each and every day.”

The Pretoria-based artist developed his passion for music through school choirs and Sunday school sessions. Since then, he has carved a name for himself in South Africa’s vibrant amapiano scene, collaborating with leading names such as DJ Maphorisa, MFR Souls, Tyler ICU and Xduppy.

To mark the announcement, CowBoii has released a deluxe edition of his debut album, THIS AINT’ A.I: Days After A.I, featuring all 15 tracks he originally intended to release. “I wanted people to grasp the whole album… I dropped the first ten, and now I feel that it’s fitting for me to release them all together, out of gratitude to my fans and the love they have shown,” he said.

Known for his emotionally rich, bass-driven soundscapes and minimal production style, CowBoii brings a distinctive touch to the amapiano genre, allowing his creative persona to take centre stage.

His music is now featured on the Apple Music Africa Rising Playlist, which showcases the continent’s hottest emerging talent. CowBoii joins a distinguished list of Africa Rising alumni, including Omah Lay, Tems, Amaarae, Ayra Starr, Blxckie and Nikita Kering.

Launched in 2020, Africa Rising is Apple Music’s flagship programme aimed at identifying and promoting the next generation of African music stars. Six artists are selected annually to receive editorial support across the platform, including a launch interview on Apple Music 1 with host Nadeska. The initiative also includes a weekly Africa Rising feature highlighting emerging talent from across the continent.

Africa Rising is one of several Apple Music initiatives spotlighting African talent globally. Available in 33 Sub-Saharan African countries, Apple Music 1 also hosts Africa Now Radio with LootLove, which has featured interviews with top artists such as Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, Cassper Nyovest, Mr Eazi, and Master KG.

Other Apple Music global recognition programmes have featured Nigerian stars including Tems (Up Next 2021), Rema (2020), Burna Boy (2019), and Mr Eazi, the inaugural Up Next artist in 2017.

CowBoii’s selection marks another step forward for South African talent on the global stage, affirming his rising influence and the growing global appetite for the sounds of amapiano.