The son of music boss TK Nciza and Mafikizolo, singer Nhlanhla Mafu, is paving his own path in the music industry.
Ciza (20) has been selected as Apple Music’s artist of the month of August and the latest Up Next artist in South Africa.
The young man is the fifth Mzansi star to be featured on Apple Music’s Up Next list since it started in March.
As the latest Up Next artist to be spotlighted in South Africa, Ciza will be featured across Apple Music’s South African Up Next playlist.
The playlist features a dynamic class of new and emerging artists.
Apple Music said these playlists aim to give emerging artists an opportunity to be exposed to large audiences around the world.
“The playlist is genre-agnostic and represents a line-up of artists that their global editors are passionate about and eager to expose to a larger audience,” said the platform.
Commenting on being picked as Artist of The Month, Ciza said he felt honoured.
“The music I make is a reflection of the decisions and sacrifices I have made as an artist. It’s an honour to have that recognised by Apple Music. My debut EP is about merging different African genres and creating a sound anyone can listen to,” he said.
“My music represents African love and the different ways to express it through the different lingos I use throughout the EP. This music is not just African, it’s universal,” he said.
Ciza also thanked his fans for the support.
“I am grateful for the support at such a critical time in my career as a young artist. This is a testament to the love of my music. I am proud to stand among highly rated musicians in my young career. Love to my fans who have been showing such amazing support. I love you all,” he said.
The programme that first launched in 2017 provides editorial and promotional material for the chosen artists every month and is featured in more than 10 other countries including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, France, Germany, India, Japan, Latin America, Russia, UK, USA and recently launched in Nigeria last month.
The Apple Music Next Up has featured various musicians such as South Africa’s very own Blxckie, SiBi, Valley Sixteen, Hersh and international stars such as 6lack, H.E.R., Khalid, Billie Eilish, Sabrina Claudio, Mr Eazi, Stefflon Don, Juice WLRD, Summer Walker, Tierra Whack, Megan Thee Stallion and Nigeria’s Burna Boy.
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