Uganda’s Mauimøon named first Apple Music Up Next East Africa artist

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

Mauimøon, whose real name Donald Otim, said he was honoured by his inclusion on the Up Next platform. “This means a lot to me as a Ugandan, a country that has a lot to offer in the music industry,” he said. “It makes me feel good that my music is being recognised, especially as an alté and R&B artist in an Afrobeats-dominated industry.”

Having spent years refining his talents as a producer under the moniker SoulChyld, Mauimøon has now shifted his focus to singing and songwriting.

His debut album From Uganda With Love (2023), released through Palagroove, showcases the evolution of his sound. As a fresh pioneer of Africa's underground atlé scene, Mauimøon fuses R&B, Afropop and hip hop, all underpinned by his warm, smooth vocals influenced by the timbres of Joe Thomas and Craig David.

“Through my latest EP, I want to evolve my sound and reconnect with my country and religion after spending some time away. Being selected as Apple Music's Up Next artist for East Africa is a priceless opportunity to see my vision become a reality,” he said.

Up Next has played an important role in spotlighting the next wave of creative talent since it was established in August 2017.

Nigerian Grammy winners Burna Boy and Tems were the first two African artists featured on the platform globally, in 2019 and 2021, respectively. And with eyes and ears around the world shifting towards the melting pot of sounds emerging from the continent, the programme was officially expanded to showcase South African and Nigerian talent in 2021.

As the first Up Next East Africa act, Mauimøon will be featured on Apple Music’s Up Next playlist. The playlist features a dynamic class of new and emerging artists, handpicked by Apple Music editors from around the world. The playlist is non-genre specific and represents a line-up of artists Apple Music’s global editors are passionate about and eager to expose to a larger audience.

The vast global Up Next roster of past talent includes 6lack, Daniel Caesar, H.E.R., Billie Eilish, Rema, Blxckie, Sabrina Claudio, Sigrid, Mr Eazi, Stefflon Don, Bad Bunny, Young Jonn, and many more.