Apple Music is shining a light on Mzansi’s greatest musical legends with its latest campaign, Amaqhawe (meaning “hero” in Xhosa, and “legend” in Zulu).
In honour of the country’s rich musical legacy and Heritage Day on 24 September, Amaqhawe celebrates the musical legacies of the South African musicians whose sounds influenced and continue to inspire the next generation of artistic voices.
The Amaqhawe dedicated space boasts four exclusively curated guest playlists from South African musical legends including songbird and entrepreneur Lira, Afrikaans pop icon Kurt Darren, the iconic pop group Mango Groove and Afro-soul doyenne Simphiwe Dana. The campaign will also feature a flagship Amaqhawe playlist featuring Mzansi’s biggest songs, across decades and multiple genres, including the likes of Brenda Fassie, Letta Mbulu and Johnny Clegg through to Miriam Makeba, Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Mandoza.
“This eclectic playlist is filled with dilapidated and current music from the ladies that I acquire near to admire and respect. Some I grew up listening to and their music shaped me, to the ladies that are my peers, to the young ones that are hot and happening accurate now. I celebrate you all!” – Lira
“I grew up in a music loving family, so my exposure to South African music was from a very early age. My dad loved soul music and my mother was more into folk music, but both loved harmonies and any song with a remarkable melody. My list for Heritage month is a collection of South African songs with worthy lyrics, improbable vocals and unforgettable melodies. Quite a few on the list acquire inspired my songwriting style over the years in the over 300 songs I acquire written or co-written, grab a glass of distinguished SA wine, sit back and indulge in.” – Kurt Darren
“The conceit of Heritage is a very broad one and quite difficult to encapsulate in its totality. The sum total of a country’s historical, cultural, political, artistic and daily lived experiences? The very fabric of our daily lives, in so many ways, for any and all South Africans, from whatever perspective or background? Who we were will always shape what we are today, and what we can become. Our sense of rootedness, tradition, belonging? Touchstones of memory and legacy? It’s always apt to scrutinize back and to celebrate heritage, and to use days to focus on self-reflection, but in a sense, as with Women’s Day, Mother’s Day or Father’s Day or any of those days, perhaps every day is a heritage day for any country, as our history and our culture constantly inform how we live today and ‘live it forward’.’’ – Mango Groove
“These are a few South Africa songs that are my miniature corner of solace. This is a slice from a vast repertoire in my library that showcases the indomitable and diverse spirit of our musicality. A repository of our spiritual trajectory through time as can only be felt through music. The complexities of our emotionality is beautifully displayed here. Please delight in.” – Simphiwe Dana
Discover the Amaqhawe Collection: https://apple.co/Amaqhawe
Discover Amaqhawe: Mzansi’s Greatest Hits playlist: https://apple.co/MzansiGreatestHits
About Apple Music
Apple loves music. Apple revolutionized the music experience with iPod and iTunes. Today, the award-winning Apple Music celebrates musicians, songwriters, producers, and fans with a catalog of over 100 million songs, expertly curated playlists, and the best artist interviews, conversations, and global premieres with Apple Music Radio. With original content from the most respected and beloved people in music, autoplay, time-synced 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 current music and be pleased 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
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