Apple Music announces AraTheJay as the ‘Up Next Artiste’ in Ghana

Apple Music today announced the latest musician to be featured in its Up Next artist development program in Ghana is spiritual HighLife singer-songwriter, AraTheJay (real name Samuel Ofei Ankrah Badu).

“I feel truly privileged to be featured on Apple Music’s Up Next. Having my music recognized by the Apple team in this way is very meaningful for me and shows that good music really resonates across borders,” he tells Apple Music. “But to be selected as a sort of representative of Ghana, a place that has shaped and inspired me throughout my life, is truly special. Ghana’s vibrant culture, creativity, and energy have always been a part of my journey, and I’m deeply grateful to God for this moment. This recognition fuels my passion to continue spreading love, positivity, and purpose through my music, while connecting with amazing fans across the world.”

Born in Sekondi, even though AraTheJay spent most of his childhood in Kenya, his musical identity was mainly shaped by the rich heritage of Ghana’s cultural sounds, and as a result his subsequent style is characterised by its complex themes and emotions. His breakthrough came with the release of his single “Sankofa”, which he quickly followed with “Sankofa Remix” featuring Highlife superstar King Promise, that won him a dedicated audience all over the country.

Taking inspiration from the film, Finding Nemo, he created the persona of Nimo K. Constantine, navigating his way through life’s ups and down with courage and resolution, just like his namesake. His latest album Find Nimo Series: The Capsule (2024), available to stream on Apple Music, is a unique blend of Afrobeats melodies and introspective lyrics that touch on deeply spiritual themes, while reinforcing his message of positivity and love.

As the latest Up Next act to be spotlighted in Ghana, AraTheJay 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.