Radio & TV
Apple Music launches Isgubhu, the definitive home of Africa’s Dance and Electronic music

Apple Music has launched Isgubhu, the ultimate destination for African Dance and Electronic music.
Africa’s bustling and bubbling Dance & Electronic music scene has become a global player over the last few decades and Apple Music is on a mission to spotlight and elevate the work of the DJs, producers and artists in this space.
“Apple Music has been a long term supporter of the incredible DJs, artists and producers within the Dance and Electronic music community in Africa and we’re very excited about the launch of Isgubhu. Our regional teams are true advocates for the culture and we’re committed to continuing to connect artists to a global audience,” says Stephen Campbell, Apple Music’s Global Head of Dance and Electronic music.
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 from South African maestros like Black Coffee, Prince Kaybee, Black Motion and DJ Lag, Kenyan producers Euggy and Slikback to Uganda’s prolific group Nihiloxica.
Several sub-genres will live under the banner of Isgubhu including Gqom, Amapiano, Kwaito, Mzansi House, Deep House and Shangaan Electro, as well as a dedicated section for Essential Albums that will highlight seminal African Dance and Electronic albums for easy discovery.
Isgubhu will also house a collection of playlists including Spotlight On: – a focus on boutique African dance & electronic labels like Soul Candi, House Afrika, Stay True Sounds and Uganda’s Hakuna Kulala & Nyege Nyege Tapes), Isgubhu Voices – a focus on the best Dance and Electronic tracks that feature vocals, and an overarching genre playlist that is currently curated by Black Coffee, the first Isgubhu cover star.
“It’s a true honour to be titled as the very first Isgubhu hero artist by my friends at Apple Music. To me, home is everything… the absolute core of my being. Bringing the sounds of South Africa to the world is a life-long mission I’ll never stop chasing after.” – Black Coffee.
There will also be a spotlight on Isugbhu By… where one handpicked artist will curate their favourite African Dance and Electronic albums to feature for the month. The first artist will be DJ Lag who had this to say “These are albums that shaped me. Releases like Big Nuz’s ‘Undisputed’ made me dream big about being a producer one day, I was only 14 at the time. I love South African dance music I think we have a vibrant scene that keeps regenerating and reinventing itself every few years. Kwaito, Afro House, Gqom, Amapiano are movements here, not only music genres.”
Isgubhu will also include a selection of exclusive DJ mixes from the continent’s hottest DJs including: DJ Zinhle, Caiiro, Kabza De Small, Kyle Watson, Stiff Pap, DBN Gogo, Da Capo, Gina Jeanz, and more.
“Apple Music has always shown great interest in my labels and the independent music they showcase from incredibly talented artists around South Africa. The support received from Apple Music really goes a long way in this day and age when non-commercial music has to compete with Top 40 worldwide hits on global playlists. Thank you for always making it about the music and supporting Stay True Sounds & STY TRU BTS and their artists to release homegrown independent music to the world.” – Kid Fonque (Stay True Sounds founder)
“As an independent artist it’s so rarely possible to get your music on most playlists and in my case it was different as Apple Music showed me love and support on my album Agora which got playlisted on a couple of platforms, in addition I got a rare opportunity to do the One Mix which has been so far one of my highlights of 2020. I am so excited about the Isgubhu campaign taking my music to a global audience which will indeed expose our music in South Africa to the global market.” – Caiiro.
“For those who know me well, know that its been my vision & dream to take my music further across borders. Apple Music amplified the reach by supporting my music on editorial playlists, making sure I’m heard by the audience that relates to the picture I’m painting. The opportunity, which I don’t take for granted, to showcase what I listen to & share some of my successful releases on Apple Music’s One Mix show has definitely exposed me & my sound to the global audience. I’m very excited about the Isgubhu initiative, because it will steer my music the direction I want it to go also helping in reaching the global audience far & beyond.” – Cornelius SA
“On the 6th of September 2019 I got the news that Apple Music had crowned me their New Artist Spotlight for the month, giving me and my music a global spotlight. Through their support I’ve gained so many great opportunities, opening for Lionbabe’s Worldwide Virtual tour and landing on a stage with Tom Misch. I’m super excited about Apple Music’s new Isgubhu campaign taking African Dance and Electronic music to the next level and showing the world what we do best.” – Sio
Find Isgubhu on Apple Music http://apple.co/Isgubhu
People & Lifestyle
Meet the Top 10 Finalists! Miss Malaika Ghana 2023…. Grand Finale on 24th November!

When the call for this year’s edition dubbed #thebloomseason was made, thousands responded and showed up. And after a series of audition processes, 20 ladies were selected to begin this life changing journey. Weeks have gone by, weeks of intense training, laughter, tears, highs, lows and of course, evictions which have dropped the numbers down from 20 to the big 10 finalists. And now we are ready for a showdown, the prestigious Miss Malaika Ghana 2023 Grand Finale, and it’s happening on Friday, the 24th of November at the Grand Arena (AICC), 8pm prompt.
Meet the Final 10 Delegates.
Pristine Adzo Agbozo is a 23-year-old graduate of KNUST (voting code 43). Bridgetta Glover is a 24-year-old graduate of the Koforidua Technical University (code 19). Comfort Amoah, AKA Reina, is a 23-year-old graduate of Action Progressive Institute (code 31). Fareeda Habib is a 23-year-old graduate of KNUST (code 33). Fortune Akua Agyeman is a 23-year-old graduate of KNUST (21). Christiana Bervelyn Anim is a 22-year-old graduate of UPSA (code 14). Lady Nana Yaa Nyarko is a 22-year-old graduate of KNUST (code 2). Kimberly Akornortey is a 23-year-old student of University of Ghana (code 6). Charlotte Mawusi Gokah is a 25-year-old graduate of Adonten (code 1). Enyam Dzandu is a 21-year-old student of University of Ghana (45).
Get ready to witness a night where fashion meets glitz and glamor, as the beautiful and smart finalists take the stage in an ultimate spectacle of elegance. This is the crowning moment of the bloom season queen. Who gets the enviable right as the next Queen? Who wins the Crown, the Car, and the Cash.
Tickets for this extraordinary evening are selling for GHc100 at Charterhouse or dial *713*33*24# and follow the prompts. For more information, call 0501288520.
Performing Live are artistes of the new school; Mr Drew, Sefa, Olive the Boy, Loli X Lola, Maya Blu and Banzy Banero.
Get more on-the-go information on Miss Malaika Ghana socials; Instagram & Twitter: @missmalaikagh and Facebook: Miss Malaika Ghana. Watch each episode on CharterhouseLive on YouTube.
Miss Malaika Ghana is a Charterhouse production and is proudly brought to you by GTP, Shandy Bosoe and Pepsodent. With support from Vaseline, Atlas Rent-A-Car, Geisha, BVS Butchery, Ecogel, Locus Estates, Special Ice, Tasty Tom, Best Wester n Plus Beach Hotel, Tigon Creative Studios and Media partners.
People & Lifestyle
Kwame Sarfo makes cast of Netflix’s largest reality show yet, ‘Squid Game: The Challenge’

Old Bridge, New Jersey-based Kwame Sarfo, who is the founder of Obrempong Home, has been cast in Netflix’s biggest reality show yet, ‘ Squid Game: The Challenge‘! (more…)
Listen
Apple Music reveals Yung D3mz as the latest Up Next Artist in Ghana

Apple Music today announced Afro-fusion rapper and songwriter Yung D3mz (real name Nicholas Edem Coffie) is the latest musician to be featured in its Up Next artist development program in Ghana.
“Look ma, I’m Up Next! It’s an honour to be considered amongst the new guard of Ghanaian music,” he tells Apple Music. “I’m super geeked for this major opportunity to share my story and my art. As an avid listener, it’s legit a full-circle moment to be discovered the same way I found some of my favs, a befitting milestone to my journey.”
Born and raised in Ghana’s Tema Metropolis, Yung D3mz began writing songs at the tender age of 11 as a way to focus his energy into a passion. It was only around 2017 that he threw himself into production, motivated by his intense love for music and curiosity for all things production-related.
Influenced by the sounds of Travis Scott, Burna Boy, 6lack, Wizkid, The Weeknd and a whole host of other groundbreaking artists, Yung D3mz’ built a reputation for exuding versatility with a sound that’s smooth but comprises raw melodic elements.
With his debut EP Yung (2021) he fuses his African heritage with Western pop stylings, best exuded in uptempo single “Fever” and the ballad-esque “Carolina”. His new R&B-soul single “Do What You Want” (2023), available to stream on Apple Music, further cements his status as a musical chameleon as he flexes an ultra smooth vocal.
As the latest Up Next act to be spotlighted in Ghana, Yung D3mz will be featured across Apple Music’s Up Next playlist. The curated Up Next playlist features a dynamic class of new and emerging artists, thoughtfully hand-picked by Apple Music editors from around the world. The playlist is genre agnostic and represents a line-up of artists our global editors are passionate about and eager to expose to a larger audience.
The vast global Up Next roster of past talent includes Grammy-nominated and critically lauded talent like 6lack, Daniel Caesar, H.E.R., Greta Van Fleet, Khalid, Amy Shark, Billie Eilish, Sabrina Claudio, Sigrid, Mr Eazi, Stefflon Don, Bad Bunny, Juice WLRD, 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, Foushee and Tems
Radio & TV
Apple Music announces sizzling Summertime Sounds campaign with Grammy Award winner Zakes Bantwini & Africa Now Radio’s Nandi Madida

Apple Music’s Summertime Sounds campaign has become the go-to space for all the hottest summer-themed content and the year’s biggest tracks, and this festive season they are heating things up with Grammy Award winner, dance music producer, songwriter and artist Zakes Bantwini and Africa Now Radio host Nandi Madida.
As husband and wife, this powerhouse duo are at the forefront of music trends, and Nandi Madida has created an exclusive Summertime Sounds playlist for Apple Music that features all of the tracks on heavy rotation in their household, for subscribers to enjoy.
“The reason I chose these songs as my songs of the summer is to celebrate life and the beautiful music we have globally. Music is truly the best form of escapism,” Nandi tells Apple Music.
“The perfect place to enjoy this playlist is somewhere on the coast with great views or out and about with friends,” Zakes says.
Additionally, Zakes Bantwini has created an exclusive DJ mix for Apple Music’s Summertime Sounds. He tells Apple Music: “There are two specific songs on the mix that are singles off my new album The Star is Reborn that will be released on December 8th. These songs have a very special place in my heart, as one is dedicated to my mom ‘Mama Thula’, and the other to my dad ‘Abaseko’, who are both late and I miss and love them dearly.”
“This summer I’m looking forward to traveling the world and experiencing different cultures, discovering new music and enjoying great food,” he adds. “I’m also looking forward to spending some quality time with my beautiful family.”
Discover Summertime Sounds here
Discover Nandi’s playlist here
Discover Zakes exclusive DJ mix here
Radio & TV
Must-watch trailer: cheerleaders are turning up dead in Trompoppie

Homebrew pulled together an equally all-star crew, including SAFTA nominees Sunel Haasbroek (Hans Steek Die Rubicon Oor, Alles Malan) as DOP, Marné van der Burgh (Blood & Water) as costume designer, Johan Prinsloo (Tali’s Joburg Diary) and Eva Du Preez (Nêrens, Noord-Kaap, Die Boekklub) as editors, and Loki Rothman (Troukoors) creating the original music.
Fourie’s previous project, Stiekyt, was an intensely personal arthouse hit, nominated for five 2023 SAFTAs after screening at International Film Festival Rotterdam and at Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, where festival programmer Edvinas Pukšta described the film as “Hitchcock meets Almodóvar in a South African drag club.”
In contrast, Fourie says he wanted to make Trompoppie for a much wider audience. “Trompoppie is a love letter to audiences,” he says. “It’s a wild ride but it’s entertainment, pure and simple, a whodunnit made to keep you on the edge of your seat, to get you excited to be the first to know what’s going to happen next before your friends and colleagues. I wanted my mother to be able to watch it, my sisters, my friends: anyone should be able to watch it and be surprised and entertained.”
While you wait for 7 December 2023, watch Fourie’s films Stiekyt, Die Windpomp, and Liewe Kersfeesvader on Showmax, as well as his series Tydelik Terminaal.
Watch and embed the Trompoppie trailer:
Radio & TV
Showmax Original “Tejiri” Premieres on Akwaaba Magic This November

An ongoing long-term investment by MultiChoice in developing talent for the content, production and entertainment industry is having an impact across Africa and helping to grow vibrant new economic hubs on the continent. This investment, the Multichoice Talent Factory (MTF), is a shared-value initiative that provides a platform for the TV and film industries to develop talent and build partnerships.
Earlier this year, Africa’s premium streaming platform, Showmax, commissioned some Ghanaian alumni of the MTF initiative to produce a feature length film titled “Tejiri”. This came because of a successful pitch which these alumni had completed to the Showmax team. Shot here in Ghana by award-winning directors Deladem Duvi and Joshua Tsootsoo, this duo assembled a team comprising other MTF Alumni amongst others to accomplish this project “Tejiri”.
“Tejiri” is a compelling film that delves into the intricacies of power, corruption, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Set against the backdrop of an average African society, the story revolves around Tejiri, a young man whose life takes an unexpected turn when he is randomly thrown into prison for a crime, he knows nothing about. As he struggles to comprehend the injustice he has been subjected to, the outside world begins to unravel the mystery of his disappearance. He must define his place in this vicious new world if he is to survive or be found, as lead Detective Prempeh and his partner Baako race against time to uncover the mystery behind his disappearance.
At its core, the film aims to explore the duality of society both as a collective organism driven by political interests, and as an entity that can profoundly impact individual lives. It takes the audience on a rollercoaster journey, witnessing the contrasting perspectives of an average African society grappling with greed and the constant manipulation of its politicians, while simultaneously examining the profound, life-altering effects such machinations can have on one person.
“It came as no surprise to us when the organisers of the International Festival of Author Film of Rabat selected our film Tejiri for screening at the 28th edition of the International Festival of Author Film in the Africa Cinema Section scheduled for Rabat Morocco in December 2023,” said Deladem Duvi. “My team and I are excited about this rare opportunity to share our film with the world at this festival. Similarly, we encourage African movie lovers to make a date for the premiere of ‘Tejiri’ on DStv and GOtv on the 19th of November 2023.”
“Our vision was to celebrate of the unyielding human spirit in finding the light through our film and would like to extend our appreciation to Showmax, cast, crew, the MTF and all other supporters who in diverse ways supported us.”
The Africa wide premiere of the Showmax original “Tejiri” on Akwaaba Magic is scheduled for the 19th of November 2023 at 7pm on DStv (Ch150) and GOtv (Ch102).
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