Apple Music has officially announced its Africa Rising: Class of 2026, spotlighting a fearless new generation of African artists redefining the continent’s sound, culture, and global influence. At the forefront of this year’s cohort is South African breakout artist CIZA, whose momentum signals one of the most anticipated breakthroughs on the continent.
Africa Rising is Apple Music’s flagship artist development programme, built to champion emerging African talent with distinct voices, bold vision, and world-class ambition. The Class of 2026 represents artists who are not only shaping their local scenes, but actively pushing African music into new global territories.
Among the standout names is CIZA, whose creative evolution and sonic confidence mark 2026 as a defining year in his journey.
“2026 is going to be a huge year for me musically,” CIZA shares. “I’ll be releasing a lot, especially collaborations with global artists. In the first quarter, fans can expect an album — Ciza’s Palace.”
With a sound that blends ambition, polish, and emotional clarity, CIZA is positioning himself as one of South Africa’s most exciting next-generation exports — and Africa Rising places him firmly on a global stage.
Joining CIZA in the Africa Rising: Class of 2026 is a diverse lineup of artists shaping the future of African music in their own lanes:
- tg.blk (Kenya) — known for her emotionally rich sound and intimate connection with listeners.“In 2026, my fans can expect a lot more music… and hopefully a bunch of music videos as well.”
- Damie (Nigeria) — a DJ and producer crafting immersive, spiritual blends of afro house and tech.“My sound is rhythmic, emotional, and designed for feeling.”
- ru. (Nigeria) — an Abuja-based Afro-pop storyteller driven by depth and soul.“That honesty without compromising the message is really where you find me.”
- Khid Ceejay (Nigeria) — an emotionally fluent pop voice bridging Afrobeats and global pop.“Being selected feels unreal. It’s a huge honour.”
- Gonaboy (Ghana) — blending highlife roots with hip-hop confidence and lived experience.“My sound is African — rooted in highlife, but I’d call it hip-hop.”
As part of the rollout, all six artists will be featured on a special edition of Apple Music’s Africa Now Radio, hosted by Nandi Madida, offering fans deeper insight into their stories, creative processes, and what’s coming next.
Launched in 2020, Africa Rising is Apple Music’s artist development programme dedicated to amplifying Africa’s most promising emerging artists. The initiative has helped introduce global audiences to stars such as Tyla, Rema, Tems, Ayra Starr, Omah Lay, and Amarae, among many others.
With the world’s eyes firmly on Africa’s music scene, Africa Rising: Class of 2026 continues that legacy — and with CIZA stepping into the spotlight, the future sounds louder, bolder, and undeniably African.
