Burna Boy gets Apple Music nod

Up Next is Apple Music’s monthly artist programme geared towards identifying, showcasing and elevating rising star talent.

Burna Boy is the only African singer featured on the list, which also includes J Balvin (Colombia), Octavian (UK/France), Maisie Peters (UK), King Princess (US), Khalid (US) and Tenille (Canada). As part of Apple Music’s Up Next programme, the ‘Ye’ hitmaker will make his debut appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on 23 July.

To celebrate his success, Apple Music has featured Burna Boy’s ‘Dangote’ song on the Up Next list.

"I’m super excited to be part of the Apple Music Up Next campaign,” Burna Boy said. “Apple continuously comes up with new initiatives to support artists globally and push the African culture. It’s an honour to be a part of this and with my African Giant album coming out soon, the timing is perfect."

“My granddad was a DJ in Lagos; all the records would come to him first,” Burna Boy told Apple Music in an exclusive Up Next interview. “I would find myself being inspired by things that I’ve heard as a kid: Nigerian music or African music, some French music or some Jamaican music. When it’s time for music to be made, it’s almost like my ancestors just come into me and then it’s them.”

Apple Music's global editorial head of hip hop and R&B, Ebro Darden, said: “Burna Boy has built his brand his way and has been on fire all over Africa and the UK. He does things his way and Apple Music is honoured to be able to connect with Burna Boy on this moment and help make the name even more well-known.”

Burna Boy’s music has been featured on Apple Music on an array of popular playlists like The Plug, New Fire, Up Next, The Beats 1 List and The A-List: African Music. He has been featured on Beats 1 multiple times, with reoccurring spins by Apple Music hosts Ebro Darden and Julie Adenuga as well as on artist-led shows Ramona Radio with Vince Staples and Play Dirty Radio with Krept & Konan.

In 2019, Burna Boy achieved impressive milestones in the US with a debut performance at Coachella, a BET Award for Best International Act, and now a coveted spot on Apple Music’s prestigious Up Next programme.

His new single ‘Anybody’ will be featured on his highly anticipated album African Giant slated for release on 26 July.