Apple Music today announces Afro-Fusion songwriter and producer Jst Sako as the latest artist to be featured in its Up Next artist development program in South Africa.
Its truly humbling, he tells Apple Music. To stand in this moment, embraced by the very journey I surrendered to, is both overwhelming and affirming. It took a village, every soul who believed in and walked with me. And to be recognised by Apple Music only amplifies that truth.
Born Ntsako Mhlanga, Jst Sako emerged from Daveyton, a township in the East Rand, with an early passion for music and performance, now coming to fruition on his debut album TUKA a fourteen track musical odyssey of Afro-Fusion.
Written over the course of several years, TUKA is deeply personal, capturing Sakos evolution not only as an artist but as a man navigating love, heartbreak, longing and renewal. And with a cast of collaborators who each bring their own depth to the project, including Manu WorldStar, Gemma Griffiths, Lolli Native, ReasonHD, KLY and Loki, this expansive yet intimate record offers pure sonic inspiration to fans alike.
I poured my soul into creating this first album, every beat, every word, crafted for the people. Now, its only right I devote just as much heart to bringing it to them, Sako tells Apple Music.
As the latest Up Next act to be spotlighted in South Africa, Jst Sako will be featured on Apple Musics Up Next playlist https://apple.co/3eITdJd. The curated Up Next playlist features a dynamic class of new and emerging artists, thoughtfully hand-picked by Apple Music editors from around the world. The playlist is genre agnostic and represents a line-up of artists our global editors are passionate about and eager to expose to a larger audience.
The vast global Up Next roster of past talent includes Grammy-nominated and critically lauded talent like 6lack, Daniel Caesar, H.E.R., Greta Van Fleet, Khalid, Amy Shark, Billie Eilish, Sabrina Claudio, Sigrid, Mr Eazi, Stefflon Don, Bad Bunny, Juice WLRD, Bazzi, Jax Jones, NCT 127, Summer Walker, Tierra Whack, Dean Lewis, Pink Sweat$, Koffee, Megan Thee Stallion, Burna Boy, Clairo, Lunay, Jessie Reyez, Orville Peck, Victoria Monét, Ingrid Andress, Conan Gray, Don Toliver, Rema, BENEE, Holly Humberstone, Natanael Cano, Givēon, beabadoobee, Arlo Parks, Tate McRae, Foushee and Tems.
About Apple Music
Apple loves music. Apple revolutionized the music experience with iPod and iTunes. Today, the award-winning Apple Music celebrates musicians, songwriters, producers, and fans with a catalog of over 100 million songs, expertly curated playlists, and the best artist interviews, conversations, and global premieres with Apple Music Radio. With original content from the most respected and beloved people in music, autoplay, time-synced lyrics, lossless audio, and immersive sound powered by Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos, Apple Music offers the worlds best listening experience, helping listeners discover new music and enjoy their favorites while empowering the global artist community. Apple Music is available in over 165 countries and regions on iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, HomePod mini, CarPlay, and online at music.apple.com, plus popular smart speakers, smart TVs, and Android and Windows devices. Apple Music is ad-free and never shares consumer data with third parties. More information is available at apple.com/apple-music
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