Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Osafo Daniel
Published on 2024-03-04 17:35:21
Apple Music recently announced that Nigerian street-hop singer-songwriter and rapper, Candy Bleakz (real name Akiode Blessing Mariam), is the latest featured artist in its Africa Rising artist development program. Candy expressed her gratitude for being chosen as the African Rising Artist for the month of March, attributing it to God, diligence, hard work, and the right team. She highlighted that 2024 is the year of the dragon in the Chinese horoscope, signaling new beginnings for her career.
Candy’s musical journey began at the age of eight when she started singing in the church choir. It was not until she won a school competition by filling in for an absent performer that she started writing her own lyrics and exploring talent show opportunities. While studying Medicine at Onabisi Onabanjo University in Nigeria, she made the bold decision to pursue music full-time. In 2016, she won the Lagos Got Talent show and caught the attention of Mi Abaga, the then-CEO of Chocolate City.
Upon signing to Chocolate City under the Street Billionaires imprint, Candy became part of the Yoruba Hip Hop group. A collaboration with Warner Music led to her reinvention as a solo artist, releasing singles like “Kelegbe” and “Won La.” Her EP “Fire” in 2022 and its single “Tikuku”, produced by Grammy-winning producer Rexxie, solidified her reputation as a street-hop force globally. Subsequent releases like “Wale” and “Wale” (Remix) featuring Simi have further cemented her status in the music industry.
Fans can now enjoy Candy Bleakz’s latest music along with other emerging African artists on the Apple Music Africa Rising Playlist. Africa Rising is an exclusive artist development program by Apple Music that aims to showcase the next generation of African superstars. Previous Africa Rising artists include Omah Lay, Manu Worldstar, Tems, Amaarae, Ayra Starr, Yaw Tog, Blxckie, and Nikita Kering.
Apple Music’s commitment to promoting African talent can be seen through initiatives like Africa Now Radio, which has featured interviews with top African artists. The platform also runs the Up Next program, highlighting emerging artists like Tems, Rema, Burna Boy, and Mr Eazi. With a global reach spanning over 165 countries, Apple Music continues to be a valuable platform for African musicians to reach a wider audience.
In conclusion, Candy Bleakz’s inclusion in the Africa Rising program underscores her talent and potential as an artist on the rise. Her unique blend of street-hop music and powerful storytelling sets her apart in the industry. As she embarks on a promising year ahead, fans can anticipate more groundbreaking music from this rising star.
