Halo Yagami, a South African singer-songwriter, released his debut EP, Usiba, on January 14th.
The up-and-comer has been named Apple Music’s Up Next artist for February, and will be featured on the streaming service’s Up Next playlist, which has been carefully handpicked by Apple Music editors.
Halo Yagami told SowetanLive that the achievement proves he is on the “correct track.”
HALO YAGAMI’S MUSIC JOURNEY
Monde Ngcobo aka Halo Yagami relocated to Johannesburg from KwaMashu, Durban to pursue a career in music. Since the release of his debut EP Usiba in January, he has achieved 40 000 streams on iTunes.
The four-track EP features rapper Maglera Doe Boy and R&B star Marcus Harvey. Before releasing the EP, the 26-year-old musician collaborated with the likes of Sjava, Phila Dlozi and hip-hop producer MashBeatz.
A stand-out track from the genre-bending EP is Follow Me. The song has a smooth and easy beat, perfect for winding down.
LISTEN TO ‘FOLLOW ME’ HERE
APPLE MUSIC UP NEXT
Halo Yagami has been chosen as Apple Music’s Up Next artist for February. He told SowetanLive that the news was shared with him on Thursday 3 February, but it still has not sunk in.
“It is good news to me. It means everything to me. It means I am on the right path. I am super grateful and super humbled that they have chosen me out of many talented people out there. It inspired me to work even harder.”
Sharing the news on Instagram he wrote: “My journey has been a crazy rollercoaster so far. From leaving my hometown to quitting my full-time job just a few weeks ago.”
Halo Yagami will be also featured on Apple Music’s Up Next playlist.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR HALO YAGAMI?
Halo Yagami added in his Instagram post that being chosen for Apple Music’s Up Next artist is a stepping stone in his journey.
“What felt impossible yesterday feels attainable today. This is where it all starts, this is the opening scene in the movie and this is where my story begins.”
Other South African musicians who have been chosen for Apple Music’s Up Next programme are Una Rams, LucasRaps, Filah Lah Lah and Blxckie.