Apple Music has announced Umzulu Phaqa as their latest Up Next featured artist. Yas, girl.
Born in rural KwaZulu-Natal, Sphiwe Moya is a South African fusion artist, singer-songwriter, and cultural storyteller. Her sound is a bold blend of Afro-soul, Afropop, House, and Hip-Hop, woven together with deep rooted isiZulu narratives that honour heritage while embracing innovation.
“Being featured on Apple Music’s Up Next is incredibly exciting because it opens the door for the world to experience my sound,” she told TATC. “My music is a fusion of traditional Zulu elements and contemporary sounds, rooted in heritage but always evolving. My goal is to be a global superstar while staying grounded in my culture, and this moment feels like a powerful step towards that vision.”
Driven by authenticity, Umzulu Phaqa refuses to chase trends, staying true to her identity and artistry. This stance defined her breakthrough 2025 single “Mam’gobhozi”, released raw and unmastered to preserve its pure message. The track went viral, sparking online conversations and cementing her as one of the most important new voices in South African music.
In 2025, she teamed up with MsFit to release the highly anticipated joint project And The Grammy Goes To!. At just 16 minutes long, the project is a masterclass in quality over quantity. From the triumphant opener “GRAMMY”, to the razor-sharp lyricism of “PUT IT DOWN”, and the socially charged “AMAHIGH VALUE WAT WAT”, the project has been hailed as a goldmine for listeners obsessed with sound, longevity, and music that will remain relevant for the next decade.
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