Apple Music Shines The Spotlight On Rising R&B-Soul Sensation Thando

Apple Music’s New Artist Spotlight for December is Thando (real name Thando Ngoasheng), a 20-year-old songstress whose music is rooted in the new wave of R&B that’s emerged across South Africa over the last two years. 

“This is so surreal and I am so grateful for such an incredible opportunity!” Thando exclaims over her inclusion in Apple Music’s burgeoning talent selection. “Music and singing will always be who I am and to be celebrated for that is truly amazing. I’m honoured to be chosen for Apple Music’s New Artist Spotlight campaign.”

Born and raised in Johannesburg, the Accounting and Finance student crafts lyrically driven music with subtle hi-hat-laced compositions that are an amalgamation of R&B, soul and alternative pop.

Thando wrote her first song at the beginning of South Africa’s forced lockdown in 2020 and went on to release a string of singles independently that have garnered the attention of national radio stations as well as Okay Africa and UK music blog IndustryMe, who positioned her as a rising star. 

Her debut EP A Force To Be Reckoned With is a sweet, 6-track release that showcases her strength as a songstress and is fuelled by her personal experiences which give the EP its honest edge as she navigates the multiple phases of a relationship. She is influenced by the raw pop expressiveness of Billie Eilish and Sam Smith and with her debut release, Thando becomes the literal manifestation of her EP’s title, prepared to conquer a scene that’s ready for the taking.  

A Force To Be Reckoned With is available to stream on Apple Music Embed Code: https://music.apple.com/za/album/a-force-to-be-reckoned-with-ep/1540511471