{"id":7562,"date":"2026-07-15T10:08:42","date_gmt":"2026-07-15T10:08:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/interspacemusic.com\/blog\/apple-music-names-thando-zide-as-up-next-artist-in-south-africa\/"},"modified":"2026-07-15T10:08:42","modified_gmt":"2026-07-15T10:08:42","slug":"apple-music-names-thando-zide-as-up-next-artist-in-south-africa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/interspacemusic.com\/blog\/apple-music-names-thando-zide-as-up-next-artist-in-south-africa\/","title":{"rendered":"Apple Music Names Thando Zide as Up Next Artist in South Africa"},"content":{"rendered":"

Apple Music has selected Johannesburg-born singer-songwriter Thando Zide<\/strong> as the newest artist to join its Up Next program in South Africa, a global initiative designed to spotlight emerging talent.<\/p>\n

Musical Roots and Early Collaborations<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Her career has been bolstered by collaborations with notable South African artists, including Manana, Nduduzo Makhathini<\/a>, Kelvin Momo, Jabulile Majola, and Nomfundo Moh. In 2023, she released her acclaimed debut EP Umvulo<\/em>, 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.<\/p>\n

Debut Album ‘Ku Ngawe’<\/h2>\n

Now, Zide is entering a new phase with her debut album, Ku Ngawe<\/em><\/a>. 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<\/a>, Manana, and Ami Faku.<\/p>\n

Up Next Program and Artist Quote<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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“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.”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Past Up Next Artists<\/h2>\n

The global Up Next roster has previously included:<\/p>\n