Bensoul talks about being mentored by Sauti Sol and more on Apple Music’s Africa Now Radio

This Week’s Episode Features a Conversation With Bensoul, the 5 Hottest Tracks of the Week, and Nviiri The Storyteller’s Favourite African Proverb!

Tune in to Africa Now Radio With Cuppy This Sunday, May 9th at 2p Lagos/London / 3p Johannesburg/Paris / 6a LA / 9a NYC on Apple Music 1 and broadcast on Cool FM in Nigeria every Sunday at 6pm.

Cover Star Interview
Kenyan Afrosoul star Bensoul joins Cuppy via FaceTime on Apple Music 1 to talk about his latest track, “STEREO,” from his most recent EP, Medicine. He also discusses how he kept his fans motivated through COVID-19 lockdowns, what he’s learned from mentors like Sauti Sol, and the up-and-coming talent to watch from Nairobi.

The Big 5
Cuppy shares the 5 hottest new African tracks of the moment. This week’s selection includes new tracks from Cassper Nyovest feat. Lady Du; Shimza & Darque feat. Sino Msolo; Calema feat. Pérola, Soraia Ramos & Manecas Costa; Seyi Shay & Yemi Alade; and Spinall, Fireboy DML & 6LACK.

Africa Rising
Nigeria’s Mdee Milliana is the latest Africa Rising cover star, a campaign which shines a light on the next generation of African superstars. Listen HERE.

Proverb of the Week
Kenyan guitarist and singer-songwriter Nviiri The Storyteller shares his favourite Swahili proverb, which translates to: “I can do without alcohol and cigarettes easily, but when it comes to women, it’s a curse”—emphasising his unshakeable love for African women.

Mini Mix
In celebration of Africa Month, Cuppy finishes this week’s show with a mini-mix of Apple Music’s exclusive Nviiri The Storyteller: Africa Month playlist, curated by the singer and featuring his favourite tracks from across the continent. This weeks’ mix includes music from Adekunle Gold; Oxlade; Navy Kenzo & King Promise; Azana; and Manu WorldStar feat. Sjava, Roberto & $pacely. Listen HERE.

Tune in and listen to the full episode this Sunday, May 9th at 2p Lagos/London / 3p Johannesburg/Paris / 6a LA / 9a NYC on Apple Music 1 at apple.co/_AfricaNow or on Cool FM in Nigeria every Sunday at 6pm.

Bensoul on being mentored by Sauti Sol

It’s such a beautiful feeling. I get to learn so much, but even just interacting with most of them. They’re really amazing human beings apart from being amazing musicians. And yeah, they are big brothers. They’re always guiding us and we have this relationship where we make each other better. And the few years that I’ve spent with them, being under their label, it’s been life-changing for sure.

Bensoul on why he wrote “Stereo”

Bensoul: The song speaks about the first days of falling in love and you’ve just met-

Cuppy: The honeymoon period before it goes wrong.

Bensoul: Yeah, yeah, the honeymoon period. The love is so sweet, you guys are going on dates and that love feels so stereo you know, it hits you from all the sides, and that’s the reason why I wrote the song.

Nviiri The Storyteller’s proverb

It says: “Alcohol and cigarettes I can easily do without. When it comes to women, it’s a curse.” So I’m basically just talking about different addictions, but then away from all addictions, you get an addiction, which is literally just curse. It’s upon you – you can’t get rid of it.