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Johannesburg, 21 January 2022: Apple Music today announced the latest featured artist in its Africa Rising artist development program as 21-year-old Nigerian-born singer-songwriter, FAVE (real name Chidozie Godsfavour).

“Being on Apple Music’s Africa Rising takes me one step closer to the dream: a gateway to the world stage. I’m proud to represent Africa with my voice and in my lyrics,” FAVE told Apple Music.

Having shown a penchant for singing from the early age of 6, it was only at the age of 19 that FAVE decided to embark on a career in music. Right off the bat her debut single “M.O.M.M.S.” (2019) showcased her impressive range and powerful tone, featuring in two of Nollywood’s most prominent TV series.

FAVE immediately followed this up with the reggae-infused single “DAL” (2020) and the Afrobeats-rooted “N.B.U (Nobody But You)” (2020), the latter of which was based off a freestyle that went viral on social media, before featuring on two tracks off superstar rapper Olamide’s 9th studio album, UY Scuti (2021).

FAVE’s debut EP, Riddim 5, is a fiery five-track release that fuses catchy Afro-pop melodies and groove-inducing Caribbean influences with a neo-R&B feel, anchored by the viral hit “Baby Riddim” which to date has racked up over 45 million streams across all platforms. With unique storytelling abilities, FAVE explores universal themes of love and heartbreak whilst making music that resonates deeply with her global audience.

The latest music from FAVE along with that of Africa’s hottest new artists, is available now on the Apple Music Africa Rising Playlist.

Apple Music’s Africa Rising, is an exclusive artist development programme and companion playlist geared towards identifying, showcasing and elevating rising talent and introducing the next generation of African superstars. Africa Rising alumni to date include: Omah Lay, Manu Worldstar, Tems, Amaarae, Ayra Starr, Yaw Tog, Blxckie, Nikita Kering and Buju. Africa Rising sees Apple Music select six artists every year who each receive a minimum of two months of editorial support across the Apple Music platform including a launch interview with Nadeska on Apple Music 1. Nadeska has also launched a new weekly Africa Rising feature on her show highlighting the hottest new artists on the continent.

Africa Rising is the latest of many Apple Music initiatives aimed at taking African talent to the world. Now available in 33 countries across Sub-Saharan Africa, Apple Music 1 is home to Africa Now Radio with host LootLove which has featured interviews with some of the continent’s hottest artists such as Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, Cassper Nyovest, Mr Eazi, Patoranking, Rayvanny, Kiddominant, Mayorkun, Fireboy DML, Adekunle Gold, Master KG, Yaw Tog, Blxckie, Nikita Kering and Buju.

Apple Music also selected Nigerian Afrobeats singer-songwriter Tems as its Up Next artist in 2021, Nigerian Afropop star Rema in 2020, Grammy Award-winning Afrofusion superstar Burna Boy in 2019, and Nigerian singer and entrepreneur Mr Eazi in 2017. Up Next is Apple Music’s global emerging artist program.

About Apple Music

Apple loves music. Apple revolutionized the music experience with iPod and iTunes. Today, Apple Music celebrates musicians, songwriters, producers, and fans with a catalog of over 90 million songs, expertly curated playlists, and the best artist interviews, conversations, and global premieres with the award-winning Apple Music Radio.

With original content from the most respected and beloved people in music, autoplay, time-sync lyrics, Lossless Audio, and immersive sound powered by Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos, Apple Music offers the world’s best listening experience, helping listeners discover new music and enjoy their favorites while empowering the global artist community. Apple Music is available in over 165 countries and regions on iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, HomePod mini, CarPlay, and online at music.apple.com, plus popular smart speakers, smart TVs, and Android and Windows devices.

Apple Music is ad-free and never shares consumer data with third parties. More information is available at apple.com/apple-music.