Apple Music has selected Johannesburg-born singer-songwriter Thando Zide as the newest artist to join its Up Next program in South Africa, a global initiative designed to spotlight emerging talent.
Musical Roots and Early Collaborations
Raised in Soweto in a household filled with choir rehearsals and rich vocal harmonies, Zide’s musical foundation was laid early by her parents’ deep appreciation for music. She later honed her skills at the National School of the Arts in Johannesburg, where she studied orchestral performance, choir, and a cappella music, developing into a compelling Afro-soul vocalist known for emotional depth and technical precision.
Her career has been bolstered by collaborations with notable South African artists, including Manana, Nduduzo Makhathini, Kelvin Momo, Jabulile Majola, and Nomfundo Moh. In 2023, she released her acclaimed debut EP Umvulo, which featured standout tracks “iNtwenhle” and “iLanga Lakho,” and cemented her reputation for music that is rich in feeling, deeply personal, and rooted in the textures of home.
Debut Album ‘Ku Ngawe’
Now, Zide is entering a new phase with her debut album, Ku Ngawe. The 11-track project is steeped in R&B and soul, pairing layered instrumentation with intimate songwriting. It features contributions from celebrated South African songwriters Msaki, Manana, and Ami Faku.
Up Next Program and Artist Quote
As the latest Up Next act in South Africa, Zide will be featured across Apple Music’s Up Next playlist. The curated playlist showcases a dynamic class of new and emerging artists, hand-picked by Apple Music editors worldwide. The playlist is genre-agnostic and represents a line-up of artists the global editorial team is passionate about and eager to introduce to a larger audience.
“This selection and recognition by Apple Up Next as an emerging and independent artist is a great honour, truly. And it comes at a time of great reflection for me,” Zide said. “This recognition and support from Apple is evidence that all those challenging moments were necessary. This makes the hard work put in behind the scenes worth it. So, I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity.”
Past Up Next Artists
The global Up Next roster has previously included:
- 6lack
- Daniel Caesar
- H.E.R.
- Greta Van Fleet
- Khalid
- Amy Shark
- Billie Eilish
- Sabrina Claudio
- Sigrid
- Mr Eazi
- Stefflon Don
- Bad Bunny
- Juice WRLD
- Bazzi
- Jax Jones
- NCT 127
- Summer Walker
- Tierra Whack
- Dean Lewis
- Pink Sweat$
- Koffee
- Megan Thee Stallion
- Burna Boy
- Clairo
- Lunay
- Jessie Reyez
- Orville Peck
- Victoria Monét
- Ingrid Andress
- Conan Gray
- Don Toliver
- Rema
- BENEE
- Holly Humberstone
- Natanael Cano
- Givēon
- beabadoobee
- Arlo Parks
- Tate McRae
- Fousheé
- Tems
Apple Music Features and Availability
Apple Music provides a catalog of over 100 million songs, curated playlists, and Apple Music Radio. Features include time-synced lyrics, lossless audio, and Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos. The service is available in over 165 countries and regions on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, HomePod mini, CarPlay, and online at music.apple.com, as well as on popular smart speakers, smart TVs, and Android and Windows devices. Apple Music is ad-free and does not share consumer data with third parties.
