Today Apple Music launched the The Sounds Of Africa, a new global initiative celebrating five of the most influential music capitals across Africa— Accra, Dar es Salaam, Lagos, Nairobi and Johannesburg.
Africa’s influence on the global music industry has never been more powerful as it is today. From the streets of Lagos to the dance-floors of Johannesburg, African artists are not only contributing to worldwide sounds—they are defining them.
In an effort to spotlight the incredible efforts and feats of our rhythms, five playlists have been specially curated by a selection of artists, music executives, tastemakers and media personalities who embody the sounds of their cities, featuring a selection of new and catalogue tracks that celebrate the unique and diverse spirit of African music.
Alongside the five playlists, Apple Music has also created a series of exclusive DJ mixes, collaborating with AD DJ from Accra, DJ Vasley from Dar es Salaam, Spaceship Billy from Lagos, DJ Grauchi from Nairobi and DJ PH from Johannesburg.
The Sounds Of Johannesburg
Further south, Johannesburg’s influence is undeniable. The birthplace of Kwaito and a historic centre for musical revolution, Johannesburg continues to set the pace for fresh African sounds.
These are just a few of our South African songs that I believe represent the city’s creativity, its pain, joy, and its resilience through different generations. – Kwesta
Johannesburg lives in me—and these songs remind me why. When Tyla proudly mentioned ‘Joburg’ to the world in Jump, it wasn’t just her moment, it was ours. I felt seen, like our city’s magic was finally being recognised globally. Run Jozi by K.O and AKA sounds exactly like the city’s heartbeat—fast, gritty, unapologetic. It’s how I’ve felt walking through town knowing you have to have fire in your chest to make it here. – Nandi Madida
Joburg is a hub of urban culture, and living in a post-apartheid country, being able to partake in the nightlife of Johannesburg is as groundbreaking as today’s amapiano artists who are achieving global recognition.” – Silkour (aka Siya Metane)
I’ve always been a true Jozi native. Growing up, I was surrounded by music — from radio stations like Metro FM, Ukhozi FM and YFM to TV shows like Jam Alley and Mzansi for Sho. I was influenced by a wide range of genres, from Ringo Madlingozi’s soul to Lucky Dube’s reggae, but at the core of my youth was kwaito — the soundtrack of the streets. – Samthing Soweto
Other contributors include Tbo Touch, Refiloe Ramogase, LootLove, Ricardo Da Costa, Robin Kohl, Catherine Grenfell and Nick Hamman.
The Sounds Of Johannesburg
The artists, songs and genres are showcased in my mix, highlight the diversity in the quality South Africa has to offer. I’m excited to showcase the rich sounds Johannesburg has had to offer Africa and the rest of the world. There’s something for everyone to enjoy. – DJ PH
Listen to The Sounds Of Africa below:
The Sounds Of Lagos: https://apple.co/SoundsOfLagos
The Sounds Of Johannesburg: https://apple.co/SoundsOfJohannesburg
The Sounds Of Nairobi: https://apple.co/SoundsOfNairobi
The Sounds Of Accra: https://apple.co/SoundsOfAccra
The Sounds Of Dar es Salaam: https://apple.co/SoundsOfDarEsSalaam
