Apple Music today announces genre-bending artist LUUKHANYO as the latest artist to be featured in its Up Next artist development program in South Africa.

“It feels surreal,” he tells Apple Music. “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.”

Born and raised in Durban, LUUKHANYO has carved a distinct lane in South Africa’s evolving soundscape with his seamless blend of soul, R&B, hip hop, and alternative pop. Known for his sharp lyrical perspective and smooth yet emotive delivery, his music captures both introspection and groove with a duality that defines his artistry.

His latest project, Season One, marks a new chapter in his sonic evolution. Crafted with a cinematic approach to storytelling, the record explores themes of love, identity, and self-discovery, all while drawing listeners into lush, textured production and his effortless vocal tone. Featuring collaborations with K.Keed, Yanga Chief, and Marcus Harvey, Season Onepositions LUUKHANYO as one of the most versatile and forward-thinking voices in South Africa’s new generation of artists.

“I’ve always wanted my music to feel like a conversation. Honest, vulnerable, but also confident,” he tells Apple Music. “It’s about creating something that connects with people beyond just the sound.”

As the latest Up Next act to be spotlighted in South Africa, LUUKHANYO will be featured on Apple Music’s Up Next playlist. The curated Up Next playlist features a dynamic class of new and emerging artists, thoughtfully hand-picked by Apple Music editors from around the world. The playlist is genre-agnostic and represents a line-up of artists our global editors are passionate about and eager to expose to a larger 

The vast global Up Next roster of past talent includes Grammy-nominated and critically lauded talent like 6lack, Daniel Caesar, H.E.R., Greta Van Fleet, Khalid, Amy Shark, Billie Eilish, Sabrina Claudio, Sigrid, Mr Eazi, Stefflon Don, Bad Bunny, Juice WLRD, Bazzi, Jax Jones, NCT 127, Summer Walker, Tierra Whack, Dean Lewis, Pink Sweat$, Koffee, Megan Thee Stallion, Burna Boy, Clairo, Lunay, Jessie Reyez, Orville Peck, Victoria Monét, Ingrid Andress, Conan Gray, Don Toliver, Rema, BENEE, Holly Humberstone, Natanael Cano, Givēon, beabadoobee, Arlo Parks, Tate McRae, Foushee and Tems.