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Indie Afro-soul singer Njerae has become the second East African artiste, after Nikita Kering in 2021, to represent Kenya and East Africa as part of Apple Music’s Africa Rising Stars.
The recognition came shortly after the release of her new single, "Beg for It," a love ballad that has already received massive support from fans across the region.
Other recipients in the Class of 2025 include Nigerian Afrobeats artiste and producer KAESTYLE, South African singer-songwriter Lusanda, Nigerian singer, songwriter, and producer FOLA, and rising Ghanaian beatmaker AratheJay.
The artiste development programme, which began in 2020, showcases the best and most exciting emerging acts across Africa, exposing their music to new markets and introducing their voices to wider audiences.
"I am deeply honoured to be selected for the Africa Rising Class of '25 and to have the chance to represent Kenya and East Africa at large. I am very excited for global audiences to listen to my music, as I believe this is a pivotal moment for the creative community in Kenya,” she says.
Njerae has received high praise from key industry players for her outstanding work as a musician.
She was named one of the Hottest Breakout Artistes of ’24 by Hot-list Africa. Her chart-topping single "Aki Sioni" was recently ranked 10th on Apple Music's Top 100 (Kenya).
The fast-rising singer has consistently topped charts and received great acclaim, and being named to Apple Music’s Africa Rising Class of 2025 is expected to further propel her to greatness.
Her album Unintentional remains in the Apple Music Kenya Top 50 Albums chart, two years after its release. Her fans rallied behind her, helping her scoop the Album of the Year Award for Unintentional at the inaugural Digital 254 Radio Awards in 2024.
This album resonated strongly with her audience, with many interpreting it as a handbook for women navigating breakups, fostering a deeper connection with her female fans.
Taking a significant step towards modern RnB and contemporary Afro-pop sounds, Njerae released her singles "OTD" and "Valhalla" in 2023, opening new doors in the music business.
Last year, she released her EP, Out with the Old, which featured collaborations with artistes like Watendawili, Lisa Odour, Mbithi, and Maali.
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