Lookatups Announced As Apple Music’s Latest Up Next Recipient

Fast rising rapper LookAtUps (real name Aphelele Klimbashe), has been named the next recipient of Apple Music’s Up Next program for October, a local version of their global emerging artist platform which they launched early in 2021.

“Honoured to be spotlighted as the Apple Music’s Up Next artist for South Africa. isiXhosa never sounded this good!” Lookatups tells Apple Music.

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Born and raised in Cape Town’s largest township, Khayelitsha, the 21-year-old rapper shunned the social pitfalls of gangsterism that are rife where he grew up, opting instead to throw himself into the music industry by releasing his compelling debut single ‘Gibela’ (2017).

With his heritage firmly intertwined with his music, fusing his Xhosa mother tongue and culture with trap and Afro-pop, while simultaneously drawing inspiration from artists like South African hip-Hop stalwart, Anatii and Nigerian superstar, Wizkid.

By creating music that directly appealed to him and his crew, Lookatups slowly and steadily began to build a following, ultimately recognised for his unique sound by being booked to perform at the lauded CottonFest, Seize the City CPT, Capsule Fest, the Ivyson Tour, and Sneaker Exchange. His new single ‘Location” (2023) is a testament to his versatility as he layers punch-packing lyrics atop a captivating beat, all wrapped in his signature timbre.