Apple Music recognizes Urban Village for their debut album release Undondolo with their New Artist Spotlight program.
Apple Music has taken notice of Urban Village following the release of their debut album Udondolo. The Soweto-based band who blend folk, Zulu rock, Xhosa funk, mbaqanga, and maskandi, will be showcased throughout Apple Music as part of the month long Africa Rising initiative. The program has been running for the past 4 years and has given notice to critically acclaimed artists such as Omah Lay, Rema, Sho Madjozi, Amanda Black, Shekhinah, Shane Eagle, Sun El Musician, and Elaine.
Now it’s Urban Villages turn to give notice to Udondolo, a 12 track LP released with Parisian label NØ FØRMAT! RECORDS combining modern “urban” influences with traditional “village” elements, chronicling the life of the average black South African from Apartheid to present day. Apple Music has been steadily expanding its presence in the African music market for some time. Currently available in 33 sub-saharan African countries, and with offices in Urban Village’s native South Africa, Africa Rising is the latest of various initiatives; among them DJ Cuppy’s exclusive Africa Now radio segment which featured the group in its weekly playlist. The partnership is a welcome step in Urban Village’s budding career on the international stage and growing their community of “villagers” for a better tomorrow.
You can listen to Lerato Lichaba (guitar and vocals) Tubatsi Mpho Moloi (flute, guitar and mbira) Xolani “Cush” Mtshali (drums) Simangaliso “Smash” Dlamini (bass), the quartet that makes up Urban Village, now on Apple Music.
