Apple Music today announced Amapiano DJ and producer, Kelvin Momo (real name Thato Kelvin Ledwaba), as the next Isgubhu cover star.
The release of Kelvin Momo’s third album Amukelani (2022), available to stream on Apple Music in Spatial Audio, enlists the talents of instrumentalists and producers Jay Sax, Sipho Magudulela, Mas Musiq, Yumbs and Loxion Deep, as well as vocalists Nanette, Tyla, MaWhoo, TBO, Chley, Babalwa M, and more. The result is a mammoth 26-track exploration of his self-coined ‘yanos subgenre of “Private-School Amapiano.”
To celebrate his feature, Kelvin Momo has also created an exclusive Isgubhu playlist that gives listeners a taste of what attending one of his shows would be like. “When Apple Music called me up about curating the Isgubhu, I wanted the songs to reflect not only what I listen to but the type of songs I play as part of my sets. Think of it as a Kelvin Momo gig in your pocket,” he says.
Taking over Isgubhu By… for this month is Mpumalanga-born China Charmeleon (real name Siphamandla Innocent Nene) whoes latest album Anelka draws from funk-rooted compositions “Love of My Life” to groove-laden deep house melodies “L.O.V.E.” and broodier beats “Family”. His selection of music for the playlist includes a blend of gospel, jazz, bubblegum, reggae which speak to his influences, and dance selections from his home label Stay True Sounds.
Launched in early 2021, Isgubhu is the definitive home of African Dance and Electronic music on Apple Music, and spotlights and elevates the work of African Electronic DJs, producers and creatives. Isgubhu, a Zulu word meaning “beat” and used to refer to a banging song, pays homage to an evergreen set of genres and the African artists who have played a pivotal role in shaping the Dance and Electronic scene across the world.
Isgubhu also houses a collection of playlists including Spotlight On–a focus on boutique labels like Soul Candi, House Afrika, Stay True Sounds and Uganda’s Hakuna Kulala & Nyege Nyege Tapes and Isgubhu Voices–a focus on the best Dance and Electronic tracks that feature vocals.
Check out Isgubhu only on Apple Music http://apple.co/Isgubhu
