Apple Music’s New Artists for August is Azana, a Durban born singer whose Neo-soul, Afro-pop and house body of work channels the vocal powers of heavyweight musicians such Camagwini, Simphiwe Dana, Letta Mbulu, Nina Simone and Erykah Badu.
“I’m grateful to be one of the artists on the Apple Music New Artist Spotlight, this is not only exciting news but a great kick start in my career as an artist,” said Azana.
Real named Makhosazana- meaning Princess, she shortened her full name to Azana, meaning Queen. Her recording career started at the age of 15 at the encouragement of her mother, teachers and peers.
In July, the songstress released her 14-track debut album, Ingoma – meaning drum – which features award-winning musician Sun-EL Musician in a hit titled “Uhuru”. Other collaborators on the album include Sino Msolo, S-tone, Claudio x Kenza, Mthunzi.
Her hit singles “Your Love” and “Ngize Ngifike” cast the initial spell that brought Mzansi to its knees, with each song climbing local charts and music collections. Beginning with the prayer-like “Okhokho” on which she draws her ancestors ever nearer, the genre-bending “Egoli” tells the story of her journey to Johannesburg to fulfil her destiny, while “Bafazi” reminds the women of this world of their innate power.
About Apple Music’s New Artist Spotlight
Apple Music’s New Artists Spotlight is a monthly artists development feature focussed on identifying, showcasing and elevating rising star talent across Africa. Each month, Apple Music’s editorial team selects an artist to promote, utilising the full extent of the platform to raise awareness of the artists. The program has been running for the past four years and the support given to artists includes main page and genre page featuring, inclusion on the global African Editorial page, Beats 1 support, Mzansi House, Future Hits, Mzansi Hip-Hop, New Music Daily. Rising, the brand new Africa Now and more!
Pas New Artist Spotlight talent include artists such as Sho Madjozi, Amanda Black, Shekhinah, Sun El Musician and Ami Faku, Shane Eacgle, The Big Hash, Simmy, Elaine, Sino Msolo, Mthunzi, Honeymoan, Valerie Omari, popsnothefather and most recently Hunter Rose.
With over 60 million songs, Apple Music’s ad-free experience is available on iPhone, iPad, Apple watch, Apple TV, Mac and PC, Android and on the web. Apple Music offers a free 3-month trial with no commitment.
