[MUSIC NEWS] Apple Music names Kaestyle & Fola among rising stars to watch out for in 2024

Nigerian rising sensations Fola & Kaestyle have been listed among the emerging African stars to watch out for in 2025.Apple Music names Kaestyle & Fola among rising stars to watch out for in 2024

Global music streaming platform Apple Music has shared its list of emerging African musical acts to watch out for in 2025.

Among the acts shortlisted are Nigerian rising sensations Fola and Kaestyle who are among the new acts carving a niche for themselves in Nigerian music.

Since 2020, Apple Music’s artist development programme Africa Rising has showcased the best and brightest emerging artists from around the continent, exposing them to global audiences and allowing their music to reach fresh ears.

With the eyes of the world firmly fixed on Africa’s vibrant music scene, Africa Rising has provided ample editorial support to emerging African artists across the Apple Music ecosystem, including Tyla, Omah Lay, Rema, Tems, Ayra Starr, Amaarae and many more.

Apple Music’s Africa Rising campaign kicks off the new year by introducing the next generation of African superstars, whose careers are poised to skyrocket.

This year’s Class of ’25 recipients include Nigerian Afrobeats artist and producer KAESTYLE, Kenyan indie-soul sensation Njerae, South African singer-songwriter Lusanda, Nigerian singer, songwriter, and producer FOLA, and rising Ghanaian beatmaker AratheJay.

Kaestyle had a standout 2024, thanks to the success of his hit track “My Dealer” featuring Omah Lay, which became one of the year’s top songs.

Reflecting on his recognition, Kaestyle shared:
“It feels amazing to be acknowledged—it’s like a reward for all the hard work. And it’s only going to get bigger in 2025. My fans can expect even more great music this year, with more singles and possibly a full project as well.”

2024 was a pivotal year for Fola, whose standout EP What A Feeling featured the hit song “Alone.” The successful collaborations with Badboy OML and BNXN made it one of the year’s top partnerships, gaining widespread commercial success.

Reflecting on being named one of the rising stars to watch in 2025, Fola shared:

“I am incredibly grateful and thrilled to be chosen by Apple Music for the Africa Rising Class of 2025. It’s a huge honor to be alongside such talented artists. 2025 will be filled with new music from me, as I’m focused on strengthening my presence in the Nigerian music scene while also pushing creative boundaries. My goal is to make music that transcends borders and connects with listeners from all backgrounds. I’m working harder than ever to bring something truly special.”

Being recognized as two of the stars to watch in 2025 is a major endorsement for both Fola and Kaestyle, with expectations that they will follow in the footsteps of other African superstars.