Nigeria’s Winny is latest Apple Music Up Next artist

The artist development initiative aims to identify and showcase emerging talent. Winny joins fellow Nigerians Wavy The Creator, Rema, Burna Boy, Mr Eazi and Tems, all of whom have previously appeared on the Up Next platform.

More recent beneficiaries of the programme from Nigeria include Pawzz, Novemba, Ogranya, Majeeed, Khaid, Ninety, Young Jonn, T.I Blaze, Browny Pondis, Ajebo Hustlers, Jaido P, and SGaWD.

As the newest Up Next artist to be spotlighted in Nigeria, Winny will feature across Apple Music’s Up Next playlist, which showcases a dynamic class of new and emerging artists hand-picked by Apple Music’s editors from around the world.

Born Winifred Ohili Adanu and raised in Benue State, Winny cites Jamaican artists Chronixx and Kranium, and Afrobeats icon Wizkid as her influences. Her sound blends reggae, R&B and Afrobeats, which serve as the foundation for her exploration of the themes of love, compassion and identity.

“It’s honestly been surreal being at this very point in my professional career to now being considered ‘Up Next’,” she said. “Growing up in the city of Jos, Nigeria, listening to a lot of reggae and indigenous music inspired my sound.

“I’m grateful to everyone that has played a part in my journey and has been supporting me so far. Thank you for accepting my sound.”