Afika

“Every now and then, we come across gifted musicians who effortlessly experiment with new sounds and styles, while finding inspirations in what’s popular. Such skills can be found in newcomer Afika’s work.”
- MTV


Since his introduction to the New York music scene in 2015, the writer, producer, and performer =Afika= has crafted an electric sound fueled by pop sensibility, crafty lyricism, and a signature South African stacked vocal trademark, reminiscent of Ladysmith Black Mambazo and “Power”-era Kanye West. If it sounds unique, it certainly is—says Grammy-nominated publishing powerhouse exec Billy Mann, “Afika balances on the razor’s edge of alternative hip-hop and reggae. I don’t know what to call it, but I like it loud.”


Since emerging, =Afika= has seen his releases land on Spotify’s US Viral 50 chart, and more recently has tried on his influencer hat as a host with Rolling Stone’s digital platform. In 2018, he was awarded the competitive June Jordan Teaching Artist Fellowship for his proposal on a pop & social justice songwriting course, which he taught at Columbia University.


With roots in South Africa and Swaziland, the African continent’s last true monarchy, =Afika= intentionally engages royal African imagery in his tone and lyrics, focusing on epic syncopated drum patterns and potent lyrics laced with life lessons on rising above circumstances. Expect a Grammy-worthy catalog of work from this creative juggernaut.