Nigeria: taves joins Apple Music Africa Rising programme

The announcement follows the release of his eight-track debut EP, Are You Listening? in July. The project, which is available for streaming on Apple Music, is an intricately layered R&B-rooted body of work that reinforces his storytelling prowess and lyrical smarts, anchored by the Afropop ballad ‘A Million Things’ and neo soul offering ‘Folake’.

“I am honoured to be chosen as Apple Music’s Africa Rising artist,” taves told Apple Music. “It’s a testament to hard work, resilience and the limitless potential from Africa as a whole. It inspires me to make more music and share my creativity with the world. It’s not just about me; it’s about bringing Africa to the world. This is just the beginning. I strive to break greater boundaries and exceed expectations with the help of supporters around the world.”

Inspired by the Afro-fusion melodies of French-Nigerian singer Asa, as well as the unique stylings of Burna Boy, Khalid and Omah Lay, taves has created a style of music that merges traditional African music and modern elements with his inspirational rhythms and textured vocals, which allows him to stand apart from his contemporaries.

Born and raised in Nigeria’s Port Harcourt, taves began to create demos on his phone while he was studying at the Ibadan International School in Oyo, but it was only after he graduated that he stepped into the studio for the first time after his brother booked him a session. He then gained online traction for his unique covers of tracks from CKay and Lojay. But it was his cover of BNXN’s ‘For Days’ that was the turning point in his career, with BNXN reaching out and eventually signing taves to his label, To Your Ears Entertainment.

Apple Music’s Africa Rising is an exclusive artist development programme and companion playlist geared towards identifying, showcasing and elevating rising talent and introducing the next generation of African superstars. Africa Rising alumni include Omah Lay, Manu Worldstar, Tems, Amaarae, Ayra Starr, Yaw Tog, Blxckie and Nikita Kering.