Apple Music names Umzulu Phaqa as latest Up Next artist in SA

The programme, run by Apple Music, highlights emerging artists from around the world and promotes them through curated playlists and editorial support on the platform.

“Being featured on Apple Music’s Up Next is incredibly exciting because it opens the door for the world to experience my sound,” Umzulu Phaqa said. “My music is a fusion of traditional Zulu elements and contemporary sounds, rooted in heritage but always evolving.

“My goal is to be a global superstar while staying grounded in my culture, and this moment feels like a powerful step towards that vision.”

As part of the Up Next programme, Umzulu Phaqa will be featured on the Up Next playlist on Apple Music, which showcases emerging artists selected by the platform’s editorial teams globally.

Previous artists highlighted through the programme include Billie Eilish, Khalid, Burna Boy, Tems and Megan Thee Stallion.

Born Sphiwe Moya in rural KwaZulu-Natal, Umzulu Phaqa is known for blending Afro-soul, Afropop, house and hip-hop with lyrical narratives rooted in isiZulu culture. She gained wider attention in 2025 with the release of the single ‘Mam’gobhozi’, which circulated widely online after being released in an unmastered format intended to preserve the message of the song.

Later in 2025, she collaborated with MsFit on a joint project titled And The Grammy Goes To!. The 16-minute release features tracks such as ‘GRAMMY’, ‘PUT IT DOWN’ and ‘AMAHIGH VALUE WAT WAT’.