Afro-soul singer Njerae has been named among the prestigious Apple Music Africa Rising Stars for 2025. This recognition positions her as one of the top emerging artists on the continent, and she becomes the second East African artist, following Nikita Kering’s 2021 honor, to receive this coveted acknowledgment.
Njerae’s inclusion in the Africa Rising class comes at a perfect time, shortly after the release of her latest single, “Beg for It,” a soulful love ballad that has already garnered significant attention and support from fans across the region. The song’s popularity is a testament to Njerae’s growing influence and ability to connect with her audience through her heartfelt lyrics and smooth melodies.
Apple Music’s Africa Rising program, launched in 2020, aims to spotlight and support emerging African artists with the potential to make a global impact. The initiative helps these musicians broaden their reach and introduce their unique sound to new markets, paving the way for greater recognition and exposure. The 2025 class, which also includes Nigerian Afrobeats artist Kaestyle, South African singer-songwriter Lusanda, Nigerian producer Fola, and Ghanaian beatmaker AratheJay, represents a diverse range of talent from across the continent.
In her statement to KBC Digital, Njerae expressed her pride in representing Kenya and East Africa on such a prominent platform. “I am deeply honored to be selected for the Africa Rising Class of ’25 and get the chance to represent Kenya and East Africa at large,” she said. “I am very excited for global audiences to listen to my music, as I believe this is a pivotal moment for the creative community in Kenya.”
Njerae’s rise has not gone unnoticed by industry experts. She was recently listed among Hot-list Africa’s Hottest Breakout Artists of 2024, and her single “Aki Sioni” earned a spot in Apple Music’s Top 100 (Kenya), ranking 10th. Her album Unintentional, released two years ago, remains a fixture in Apple Music Kenya’s Top 50 albums.
The singer’s immense talent was also celebrated at the inaugural Digital 254 Radio Awards in 2024, where she won the Album of the Year award for Unintentional, further solidifying her position as a rising star in the African music scene.
Njerae’s success story reflects the growing global recognition of East African music and sets a promising stage for her continued ascent in the international music industry. With her unique sound and undeniable talent, she is undoubtedly one to watch in 2025 and beyond.
