SA: Apple Music adds Kelvin Momo as latest Isgubhu cover star

This follows the release of his third, 26-track album Amukelani, which boasts tracks like ‘Sunday’, ‘Remedy’, ‘Moonlight’ and ‘Sena We’. Released on 9 December, the album features guest such as Nanette, Tyla, MaWhoo, TBO, Chley and Babalwa M. The project is an exploration of Kelvin Momo’s self-coined genre “private-school amapiano”.

To celebrate his feature, Kelvin Momo has created an exclusive Isgubhu playlist that gives listeners a taste of what attending one of his shows would be like.

“When Apple Music called me up about curating the Isgubhu, I wanted the songs to reflect not only what I listen to but the type of songs I play as part of my sets. Think of it as a Kelvin Momo gig in your pocket,” he said.

Born Thato Kelvin Ledwaba, Kelvin Momo’s private-school amapiano is a variation of a genre that employs elements of jazz, deep house and lounge.

Taking over Isgubhu By… for this month is Mpumalanga-born China Charmeleon whose latest album Anelka draws from funk-rooted compositions, groove-laden deep house melodies and broody beats. His selection of music for the playlist includes a blend of gospel, jazz, bubblegum, reggae and dance selections from his home label Stay True Sounds.

Launched in early 2021, Isgubhu is Apple Music’s hub for African dance and electronic music, and highlights the work of African electronic DJs, producers and creatives. Isgubhu, a Zulu word meaning ‘beat’, pays homage to an evergreen set of genres and the African artists who have played a pivotal role in shaping the EDM scene around the world.