Apple Music’s New Artist for August is Azana, a Durban born singer whose Neo-soul, Afro-pop and house body of work channels the vocal powers of heavyweight musicians such Camagwini, Simphiwe Dana, Letta Mbulu, Nina Simone and Erykah Badu.

“I’m grateful to be one of the artists on the Apple Music New Artist Spotlight, this is not only exciting news but a great kick start in my career as an artist,” said Azana.

Real name Makhosazana – meaning Princess, she shortened her full name to Azana, meaning Queen. Her recording career started at the age of 15 at the encouragement of her mother, teachers and peers.
In July, the songstress released her 14-track debut album, Ingoma – meaning song – which features award-winning musician Sun-EL Musician in a hit titled “Uhuru”. Other collaborators on the album include Sino Msolo, S-tone, Claudio x Kenza, Mthunzi.
Her hit singles “Your Love” and “Ngize Ngifike” cast the initial spell that brought Mzansi to its knees, with each song climbing local charts and music collections.
Beginning with the prayer-like “Okhokho” on which she draws her ancestors ever nearer, the genre-bending “Egoli” tells the story of her journey to Johannesburg to fulfill her destiny, while “Bafazi” reminds the women of this world of their innate power.
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