South Africa’s leading youth radio station, Y (previously known as YFM), today announced that Apple Music Radio’s Africa Now Radio with Nandi Madida will be syndicated on its station, bringing the globally focused African music show to a new audience every Sunday at 1pm from 1st November.

Since launching in 2020, Africa Now Radio has led a sonic tour across the continent, with hosts interviewing some of the biggest stars and most exciting emerging artists in African music. Each week, Africa Now Radio showcases “The Big 5” — the hottest new tracks of the week, alongside the biggest hits from across the continent, offering listeners a global platform dedicated to the sounds, stories and artists shaping Africa’s music landscape.

Y, one of the country’s fastest-growing radio stations, continues to expand its audience while evolving its sound and strengthening its position as a leading voice in youth-driven media. With a growing platform that extends far beyond radio, Y is committed to amplifying new voices, driving meaningful conversations and creating experiences that genuinely resonate with it’s audience, making this partnership a natural and powerful fit.

       “Y has played an important role in shaping South Africa’s youth culture, music and sound over the years,” shared Africa Now Radio host Nandi Madida. “It is an absolute honour to add to their legacy. I cannot wait to share amazing sounds and stories coming out of this beautiful continent.”

       “Y has always been at the forefront of connecting young South Africans withmusic and key cultural movements shaping our continent,” said Haseena Cassim, Y’s Managing Director. “Bringing Apple Music’s Africa Now Radio with Nandi Madida to our Sunday lineup is a natural extension of our ongoing commitment. This partnership gives our listeners access to a truly pan-African sound and creates another powerful platform for African artists and their stories to reach audiences not just at home, but also around the globe. We’re excited to welcome Nandi and Africa Now Radio to the Y family as we continue championing the incredible diversity and influence of African music.”
 

Africa Now Radio’s cultural impact is reflected by the artist community.

        “What Apple Music and Nandi Madida are doing with Africa Now Radio is giving our music space to live on a global stage,” noted rapper and songwriter Focalistic.“She’s one of our own giving a voice to the sounds of South Africa and beyond.”

        “Africa Now Radio with Nandi Madida champions African music on a global stage. Nandi’s passion for the continent’s sound creates a space where Amapiano and other African genres get celebrated with the context and respect they deserve,”commented DJ and record producer De Mthuda.
 

       South African rapper and songwriter Kwesta added: “Africa Now Radio is one of the most important platforms in our culture right now. What Nandi has built gives African artists a real seat at the table, telling our stories in our own voice, from the kasi all the way to the world.”

       “Shows like Africa Now Radio with Nandi Madida are important because they create a platform for African music and voices to be heard globally,” said rapper, songwriter and record producer Cassper Nyovest.

Amapiano singer Young Stunna added: “As Amapiano continues to take African sounds to the world, platforms like Africa Now Radio help showcase our culture authentically.”
 

       “Being part of Africa Now Radio with Nandi Madida was a special experience for me,” reflected DJ and Afro-house pioneer Sun-El Musician. “I think platforms like this are important because they give African artists a space to tell our stories, share our music and connect with people beyond just the music itself.”

Since 2020, Africa Now Radio has built a reputation for giving African artists a platform to speak directly to audiences around the world. The show has interviewed some of the biggest names in African music, including Rema, Tyla, Ayra Starr, TxC, BNXN, Nasty C and Angelique Kidjo, among many others.

The collaboration with Y marks the latest Apple Music radio syndication partnership for Africa Now Radio, extending the show’s radio syndication network, which also sees it broadcast on Cool FM in Nigeria on Sundays at 7pm and on YFM Ghana on Sundays at 4pm. The Africa Now Radio cover star interview is also published each week by The NATIVE Mag.

Tune in to Africa Now Radio with Nandi Madida on Y via streaming on the YWorld App, yworld.co.za, OpenView HD, DStv Channel 859 or on FM 99.2. every Sunday from 1st November at 1pm.

Listen to Africa Now Radio on Apple Music.