SA: Apple Music shines spotlight on popsnotthefather in May

The announcement follows the release of popsnotthefather’s debut album NNNN. The album, which features tracks like ‘On&ON’, ‘BREAKYOUOFF’, ‘REDWINE’ and ‘DOWNONMYKNEES’, is available for streaming on all major music streaming platforms.

Pops’s album NNNN (Not Now, Not Never) is a celebration of the female form and an eclectic collection of hip hop-rooted tracks.

"It's super crazy," popsnotthefather said. "It means that we're finally being recognised for what we're doing. We've spent hours in the studio and I've slept on the floor and I'd be like, 'What am I even doing right now?' But it's so great and so surreal to be included as Apple Music's New Artist Spotlight."

Popsnotthefather, born Lungani Siseko Mabude, is a Gauteng-based rapper and singer who fuses smooth hip hop with experimental melodies. He credits his cousin Onke for introducing him to hip hop, as well as his friend and producer 808x, for persuading him to dabble in rap music.

His 2018 debut single ‘DTF’ and subsequent high-profile feature on The Big Hash’s 2019 album Save Me (2019) put him on the map. Popsnotthefather also draws influence from such artists as King Krule, The Weeknd and Tame Impala.

Previous South African artists who have been featured on Apple Music’s New Artist Spotlight platform include Honeymoan, Mthunzi, Sino Msolo, Shasha, Ami Faku, Sio, Elizée and Malachi, Sho Madjozi, Simmy, Dope Saint Jude, Darkie Fiction, Dutchkid, Emerger and Thandi Ntuli.

Listen to popsnotthefather on Apple Music.