Njerae is the representative of East Africa in Apple Music’s 2025 Africa Rising Class

After Nikita Kering in 2021, independent Afro-soul singer Njerae is the second East African performer to represent Kenya and East Africa as an Apple Music Africa Rising Star. Shortly after releasing her new track, “beg for it,” a love ballad that is already garnering a ton of support from fans around the area, she received the recognition. 

Other awardees in the class of 2025 include promising Ghanaian beatmaker AratheJay, Nigerian singer-songwriter and producer FOLA, South African singer-songwriter Lusanda, and Nigerian Afrbeats musician and producer KAESTYLE. 

Beginning in 2020, the artist development program presents Africa’s most promising up-and-coming musicians, bringing their music to new audiences and providing them a platform. 

Being chosen for the Africa Rising Class of ’25 and having the opportunity to represent Kenya and all of East Africa is a great honor for me. I am thrilled that my music will be heard by people throughout the world since I think this is a significant turning point for Kenya’s creative scene. I want to thank Apple Music for encouraging me and believing in me.

Njerae is a singer, songwriter, and producer who was born and raised in Kenya.

She describes her music as Afro-Indie with a hint of soul and R&B. She has performed at several of her own-curated events as well as Folk Fusion, Jamhuri Jam Sessions, Gig Dynamics Open House, Blankets and ine, Raha Fest, Nairobi Street Food Fest, and Cheche Sessions. 

After earning her bachelor’s degree in psychology, Njerae aspires to start a counseling facility where she may apply music therapy. As a graduate of Perform Music Incubator, she has prepared herself for both live music performance and music entrepreneurship.