Apple Music’s Up Next program has selected the rising star of Amapiano and pantsula, Toss (real name Pholoso Masombuka), as the latest recipient of their emerging artist initiative in South Africa. Toss’s deep voice, inspired by hip-hop, coupled with his captivating dance moves, has quickly established him as one of the most promising new acts on the music scene. He is thrilled to be featured in the Up Next program, which aims to highlight upcoming talent.
Originally from the township of Tsakane, east of Johannesburg, Toss made waves globally when a video of him dancing to “Umlando,” a song he released in January 2022 in collaboration with 9umba and Mdoovar, went viral. The trio won the SAMA for Viral Song of the Year, and Toss’s debut EP, also named “Umlando,” solidified his newfound success. The EP showcases Toss’s passion for storytelling, which is at the core of his music. With his latest single “Tetema” featuring Young Stunna and Tyler ICU, Toss aims to bring an authentic South African narrative to a worldwide audience.
Being featured in the Up Next program means Toss will be included in Apple Music’s South African Up Next playlist. This playlist features a diverse group of new and emerging artists, carefully selected by Apple Music editors from around the world. The playlist transcends genres, representing a variety of artists the editors are passionate about and eager to introduce to a larger audience.
The Up Next program has previously featured many talented and critically acclaimed artists who have gone on to achieve Grammy nominations, such as H.E.R., Khalid, and Billie Eilish. Toss’s selection for the program is a testament to his hard work and dedication, and it will undoubtedly help him gain more recognition and a wider audience. Toss’s fusion of hip-hop-inspired vocals with energetic dance moves makes him a unique and captivating performer who is sure to make an impact in the music world.
About Apple Music’s Up Next Program
The monthly Apple Music Up Next effort seeks to find, highlight, and promote up-and-coming musicians. The editorial staff handpicks one artist each month and uses the platform’s reach to present them to a larger international audience of music lovers with an emphasis on finding upcoming talents.
Billie Eilish, H.E.R., Khalid, and a host of other Grammy-nominated and well regarded performers are among the outstanding roster of former Up Next talent.
Apple Music’s Up Next initiative, now in its eighth year, has grown to include a curated playlist of fresh and up-and-coming musicians from all over the world, regardless of their genre or place of birth.
The playlist was put together by Apple Music editors, who chose songs by artists they were excited to share with a larger audience.
To further highlight the abilities of regional artists, Apple Music launched localized campaigns in a number of nations in 2021, including the U.S., U.K., Australia/New Zealand, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Greater China, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latin America, Netherlands, Nigeria, Nordics, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, and Turkey.
About Apple Music
Apple is a music aficionado, credited with revolutionizing the music industry through the introduction of iPod and iTunes, which transformed the way people consume music. With a vast collection of over 100 million songs, expertly curated playlists, and exclusive artist interviews, conversations, and worldwide premieres on Apple Music Radio, the award-winning platform now celebrates musicians, composers, producers, and fans worldwide.
Apple Music provides the world’s best listening experience, offering original content from the most esteemed and beloved artists, as well as autoplay, time-synchronized lyrics, lossless audio, and immersive sound powered by Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos.
By promoting both new and established musicians and supporting the global artist community, Apple Music helps listeners discover new music and enjoy their old favorites.
Apple Music is accessible in over 165 countries and territories via iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, HomePod mini, CarPlay, popular smart speakers, smart TVs, Android, and Windows devices. It is also available online at music.apple.com.
Apple Music is ad-free and committed to safeguarding user privacy by not sharing user information with external parties. For additional information, visit apple.com/apple-music.
