September 1, 2022

Apple Music celebrates Heritage Month with inaugural Amaqhawe campaign

Apple Music is paying tribute to South Africa’s musical legends and heroes this Heritage Month with the launch of its latest campaign, Amaqhawe — which means “hero.”

Celebrating the musical legacies of the South African musicians who used their voices for change, Apple Music’s Amaqhawe campaign will also feature exclusively curated guest playlists from South African icons Yvonne Chaka Chaka, TKZee, Dr Rebecca Malope, DJ Ready D, Oskido, Judith Sephuma, Thandiswa Mazwai, Mafikizolo, Khuli Chana, Laurika Rauch and The Soil.

The campaign will also include an Amaqhawe playlist, curated by Apple Music’s editorial team, featuring Mzansi’s biggest and greatest songs, across all decades and genres, including the likes of Brenda Fassie, Letta Mbulu and Johnny Clegg through to Miriam Makeba, Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Mandoza.

To coincide with Heritage Month, Apple Music has commissioned a series of exclusive Home Sessions from some of South Africa’s most loved artists including: Mango Groove, Simphiwe Dana, Mi Casa & Springbok Nude Girls. Each Home Session release features the artists reimagining their signature songs as well as recording a cover version reinterpreting their favourite South African song of all time.

“This Apple Music Amaqhawe playlist celebrates some of the many classic, old school, voices and rhythms of South Africa with a dash of the contemporary. It is a nod to our unmistakable harmonies and that unshakable groove.” – Thandiswa Mazwai

“Our Apple Music Amaqhawe playlist is a mix of songs that inspired us to make music combined with a list of songs of a generation that we as TKZee inspired. It feels good to have taken and to have had the privilege to give back tremendously.” – TKZee

“I created a playlist for Apple Music’s Amaqhawe campaign with a selection of music that captures the sonic and rhythmic tapestry of our great country. Some of the music influenced me as a child growing up while others completely transformed and revolutionised my creativity, career and personality. I would like the listener to approach with an open mind and experience our diverse heritage, language and dialects that continue to evolve and impact music lovers across generations. South Africa is on a huge growth trajectory not only moving the masses locally but globally too. We celebrate , protest, cry, smile, spark interest and uplift souls with everything from Hip Hop, Jazz, Amapiano, Kwaito through to our Pop and traditional sounds. I am a student and contributor to this great rhythmic universe known to humanity as music.” – DJ Ready D