Nigerian Alt-Pop Star EKENE Crowned Apple Music's Africa Rising Cover Star

Apple Music has announced Nigerian singer-songwriter EKENE as this month's cover star for its Africa Rising playlist, a platform dedicated to promoting the continent's next generation of musical talent. The alt-pop artist joins a distinguished roster of African musicians who have been showcased through the initiative since its launch in 2020.

EKENE's sound stands apart from mainstream Afrobeats trends, rooted instead in stripped-back R&B with textured production and soulful melodies. His debut single 'Lullaby' introduced audiences to his introspective approach, with lyrics exploring themes of identity, belonging and self-discovery that resonate with young Africans navigating modern life.

His latest project, Little Us, takes the form of a deeply personal conversation between EKENE and his younger self. The work reflects on growing up in a strict, religious Nigerian household, examining how family expectations, emotional repression and faith shaped his identity. The project balances moments of heaviness with warmth, inviting listeners to reconsider their own inherited patterns and personal growth.

"This project is really me trying to stay in touch with my younger self. I am understanding him, forgiving him, and saying the things I didn't know how to say back then," EKENE explained. "I just want people to hear it and feel seen."

As Africa Rising cover star, EKENE will be featured prominently across the playlist, appear on Apple Music 1 in conversation with host Ebro Darden, and feature in an Africa Now Radio episode with Nandi Madida. Previous Africa Rising artists including Tyla, Rema, Tems and Ayra Starr have gone on to achieve major international success.