Apple Music has named genre-blending Durban-born artist LUUKHANYO as the latest Up Next artist in South Africa, spotlighting him as one of the country’s most promising new voices. “It feels surreal,” he says of the honour. “To be recognised for doing what I love — telling stories that come from real life and emotion — it’s validating. I’ve spent years shaping my sound and finding my truth through music, so this moment feels like the universe saying: keep going.” Known for weaving soul, R&B, hip hop and alternative pop into a sound that feels intimate yet expansive, LUUKHANYO has steadily carved out a lane rooted in honesty and emotional depth.
His latest project Lucky UU marks a turning point in his artistic journey. Built with a cinematic edge, the record digs into themes of love, identity and self-discovery, wrapped in lush production and his effortlessly smooth vocal tone. With features from K.Keed, Yanga Chief and Marcus Harvey, the project showcases a duality that has become central to his appeal. “I’ve always wanted my music to feel like a conversation. Honest, vulnerable, but also confident,” he explains.
As part of his Up Next selection, LUUKHANYO will be featured across Apple Music’s global Up Next playlist, joining a prestigious list of alumni including Billie Eilish, Burna Boy, Tems, Daniel Caesar and more. Genre-agnostic and curated by editors worldwide, the platform has historically catapulted artists into international spotlight, and LUUKHANYO now stands poised to follow suit.
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