Apple Music Announces Aymos As The Latest Isgubhu Cover Star.
Today, Apple Music announced South African Amapiano song writer, Amos Shilias known officially as “Aymos” the next Isgubhu cover star to celebrate the arrival of his 14-track debut abulm, Yimi Lo.
“Being on Apple Music’s Isgubhu cover is a huge honour. Dance music is a reflection of who we are as South Africans. I think of African dance music like a bamboo tree that has spread across nations and I’m proud to be a branch of that movement.”
The church in Tembisa where he was born and bred gave him the avenue to explore his talent in music. Aymos have scaled throughthe music industry by being a back stage singer to a session pianist. It was his featurre on “Emcimbini”, alongside Kabza de Small, DJ Maphorisa, Samthing Soweto, Mas Musiq and Myztrol, that established his place among the cream of SA’s Amapiano crop, as the track proceeded to top song charts.
Aymos collobration with EP ” Shona Malanga” got him two SAMA nominations (Best Amapiano Album and Duo of the Year) in 2021. With the release of his debut abulm, Aymos champions the sound “Afro-Yano” which he depicts as “Amapiano with Soul and warmth”. Heartfelt, expressively determined and percussive, the album features productions from the King of Amapiano Kabza, De Small, and South African DJ heavyweights Major League DJz, Josiah De Disciple, DBN Gogo and more, with singers Sekiwe and Boohle, prolific rapper Focalistic and Afro-house music luminary Zakes Bantwini.
Aymos has made a selective Isgubhu playlist that contains tracks that are commendable of South Africa’s exceptional Amapiano type.
“I chose these songs because they signify a moment of reckoning about the transition of Amapiano. It’s evident that Amapiano changes all the time. The tempo keeps dropping, and the type of log drums used have evolved over time. As a result, it makes it hard for other countries to jump on it and make it sound like the real Amapiano unless it’s made by its very own people.”
Taking over from Isgubhu By… for the month is South African producer Cornelius SACornelius Mashilane known officially as Cornelius SA who is a self-educated DJ and producer from Soshanguve, Pretoria. He has ascended through the ranks by making chart-peaking cadenced melodious music.
“Curating Isgubhu By… was one of the hardest things to do with so much beautifully produced music coming out of Africa. I carefully selected some of the finest cuts I really dig and some which I go to for inspiration, motivation or meditation. I included music from those that shaped who I am, to songs from music peers I speak to on a daily basis.”
Launched earlier this year, Isgubhu is the definitive home of African Dance and Electronic music on Apple Music and features the work of African Electronic DJs, producers and artistes. Isgubhu, a Zulu word which signifies Beat and used to attribute banging hits, gives recognition to an evergreen set of genres and the African artistes who play had an essential role in molding and reforming the Dance and Electronic scene across the world.
Isgubhu also houses a collection of playlists including Spotlight On – a focus on boutique labels like Soul Candi, House Afrika, Stay True Sounds and Uganda’s Hakuna Kulala & Nyege Nyege Tapes and Isgubhu Voices – a focus on the best Dance and Electronic tracks that feature vocals.