Apple Music today announced 21-year-old Durban-born rapper and producer, Blxckie (real name Sihle Sithole) as its latest Africa Rising artist.

“This is major! I am so honoured to be recognised as the new Africa Rising Artist,” Blxckie tells Apple Music. “The faces of the global music industry are rapidly changing thanks to platforms and features like this on Apple Music. For me and my music to be chosen as a significant role player in this story is history in the making for someone like me. I want those that have believed in me B4Now to be proud. Let’s make Africa Rise!”

Having gained major street cred as a member of the Durban hip hop collective, Clout Internet Boys, it was Blxckie’s big move to South Africa’s musical hub of Johannesburg that saw him build an almost cult-like fanbase through a steady stream of singles, freestyles and music videos released during lockdown.

All this grind – writing, recording and refining – culminated in the release of his debut album B4now in May 2021, that climbed to #1 on Apple Music’s album chart on release day, and spawned the hit collaboration “Ye x4” with Nasty C.

After being crowned the winner of SportScene’s Studio Sessions freestyle competition in late 2020, Blxckie was tipped as a future star, having built his own hip hop community alongside fellow rappers and collaborators Lucas Raps, Dr Peppa, FLVME, LeoDa Leo, Yuang and 808 Sallie.

Blxckie represents a new wave of musicians that are both a product of their roots, as well as mainstream culture, and his energy and excitement have brought a renewed vigour to the SA Hip Hop scene.

The latest music from Blxckie along with that of Africa’s hottest new artists, is available now on the Apple Music Africa Rising Playlist.