Apple Music recently introduced Afro-pop artist Abigail Chams (real name Abigail Chamungwana) as the latest feature in its Up Next artist development initiative for East Africa.
Abigail expressed her excitement, stating, “I am excited and honoured to be the focus artist on Up Next East Africa. I am thrilled for this opportunity to celebrate East African music and I represent Bongo Flava on my debut EP 5.”
Hailing from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, music has always been an essential part of Abigail’s life. As a multilingual singer, she performs in Swahili, French, and English, and she’s a proficient multi-instrumentalist playing five musical instruments: violin, piano, guitar, flute, and drums.
Collaborations with Tanzanian artists like Rayvanny (“Corazon”) and Harmonize (“Leave Me Alone”) have significantly expanded Abigail’s fanbase in Tanzania. Her appearances on The Kelly Clarkson show and performances of the national anthem at major football games in the country have further spotlighted her talent.
Abigail’s debut Afro-pop EP ‘5’ (2023) is now available for streaming on Apple Music. The EP presents an exciting exploration of 21st-century romance, blending elements of pop, amapiano, and bongo flava into an Afro-fusion tapestry that truly showcases her musical range.
Apple Music’s Up Next artist development program has a successful track record of spotlighting emerging talent since its establishment in August 2017. Notably, Nigerian Grammy Award-winning superstars Burna Boy and Tems were the first two African artists to receive this global spotlight in 2019 and 2021 respectively.
As the next Up Next artist to be highlighted in East Africa following Platform, Abigail Chams will be prominently featured across Apple Music’s East Africa Up Next playlist. This curated playlist features a diverse selection of new and emerging artists, handpicked by Apple Music editors worldwide. The playlist, spanning across genres, represents artists that our global editors are passionate about and eager to introduce to a broader audience.
The extensive Up Next roster features past talents such as Grammy-nominated and critically acclaimed artists like 6lack, Daniel Caesar, H.E.R., Greta Van Fleet, Khalid, Amy Shark, Billie Eilish, and many more, demonstrating the program’s dedication to promoting fresh, noteworthy talent from across the globe.
