SA: Karyendasoul named Apple Music’s latest Isgubhu cover star

The announcement coincides with the release of Karyendasoul’s 10-track debut album We Live 4 Our Music on 7 April. The project, which features Zakes Bantwini, Ami Faku, Msaki, Simmy and Jordan Arts, is available for streaming on Apple Music in Spatial Audio. The collaborations on the album are all expertly shaped to form a strikingly cohesive debut.

“These are some of my favourite dance tunes that I jam to on and off stage,” Karyendasoul told Apple Music. “I feel the dance music scene is at its most interesting time on the continent and the music is reaching great heights globally. These are tracks I believe will best represent that. A big shout out to Apple Music for taking African dance music to the world.”

Originally from Nqamakwe in the Eastern Cape, Kayrendasoul, born Bonga Ntozini, gained recognition after featuring on the Dopewax Approved: Kenny Dope & Friends compilation album for Europe’s biggest electronic music conference, ADE (Amsterdam Dance Event), chosen by US house DJ and producer Kenny Dope. As a result, Karyendasoul used the opportunity to take Afro-house to new heights globally. The release of his Imizamo EP (2021) saw the project's lead single ‘iMali’, featuring Zakes Bantwini and Nana Atta, appear on a number of flagship playlists, including the Top 100 Songs of South Africa 2022 and Mzansi Hits.

Launched in early 2021, Isgubhu is the definitive home of African dance and electronic music on Apple Music, spotlighting and elevating the work of African electronic DJs, producers and creatives. Isgubhu, a Zulu word meaning beat and used to refer to a banging song, pays homage to an evergreen set of genres and the African artists who have played a pivotal role in shaping the dance and electronic scene across the world.

Meanwhile, Isgubhu’s spotlight mix this month comes from BeatsByHerZA, a platform that was created to spotlight female alternative DJs and selectors across South Africa. BeatsByHerZA’s first Apple Music DJ Mix features selections from Sis Madlisa, Katie 2.0, Chainz, S-Girl and DJ Liziwe ‘Mamthug’ Kwanini.