Kenyan DJ Coco Em becomes Apple’s latest Isgubhu cover artist

Coco Em has also created an exclusive Isgubhu playlist that features African electronic artists’ talent. 

Apple Music today announced Kenyan DJ, producer and label owner, Coco Em, real name Emma Mbeke Nzioka, as its latest Isgubhu cover artist.

As the playlist’s cover star, Coco Em has also curated an exclusive Isgubhu playlist that showcases the wide range of electronic talent that Africa has to offer.

This includes many tracks leading the African electronic dance scene which she says is always changing and evolving.

“The African dance and electronic scene is always constantly shifting and evolving. In my own city Nairobi, options for music and cultural education have been boosted by organizations that are offering electronic music education curriculums and pushing for exploration of culture and alternative expression in the scene. The end product is an unpredictable and exciting mash-up of sounds. I believe for a scene to thrive, honest and raw artist expression must be encouraged, mentored and supported,” she tells Apple Music.

Speaking about the playlist specifically Coco says that it embodies the energy, excitement and nervousness of the post-COVID music scene.

“I always enjoy the journey of exploring and curating a good playlist. It is a direct reflection of how I present my ideas while at the heart of my DJ sets. This particular one for Apple Music’s Isgubhu encompasses the energy, expectation, excitement and nervousness of a post-Covid music journey as well as the frustration of the unpredictability of our world.”

Coco Em’s debut EP Kilumi (2022), released independently is also available to stream on Apple Music. The album was created during lockdown, pays homage to the various types of music that kept her going during that time. As a result, the EP is a vibrant collection and reflection of the most exciting moods and grooves taking over dance floors across Africa at the moment.

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