Four Voices. One Continent. Apple Music Unveils the May Edition of Up Next: Africa’s Next Wave of Breakout Stars – HYPE Magazine

Bathed in purple and blue lighting, a person wearing a fuzzy sweater covers part of their face with one hand, eyes closed—evoking the introspective mood of an Apple Music Up Next Africa breakout star.

Blending Bongo Flava, Afrobeats, and soul, Tanzanian artist royazdad delivers a sound that feels rooted and radical all at once. His breakout mixtape The Cure and viral single “Kioo” mark him as a voice for the future—deeply rhythmic, emotionally rich, and globally poised. “Fans can expect fresh sounds, big collaborations, and a mission to connect African music to the world,” he says.

As part of Apple Music’s Up Next program, these four artists join a growing legacy of talent hand-picked by Apple Music editors for their…