Oluthando Keteyi|Published
Africa Now Radio, hosted by Nandi Madida, is bringing its celebration of African music and talent to South African listeners through a new syndication partnership with youth radio station Y, formerly known as YFM.
The weekly Apple Music radio show will join Y’s Sunday line-up from November 1, airing at 1.00pm and giving local audiences greater access to music and stories from across the continent.
The partnership was announced on October 15 at Y’s studios during the station’s afternoon drive show, Home Run, hosted by Ayanda MVP and Sinaye Kotobe.
Nandi Madida on bringing African sounds to Y
For Madida, the partnership is an opportunity to contribute to a station that has played a significant role in shaping South Africa’s youth culture and music scene.
“Y has played an important role in shaping South Africa's youth culture, music and sound over the years,” Madida said in a statement.
“It is an absolute honour to add to their legacy. I cannot wait to share amazing sounds and stories coming out of this beautiful continent.”
Y managing director Haseena Cassim said the collaboration aligns with the station’s commitment to showcasing diverse voices and giving African artists a platform to reach wider audiences.
“Bringing Apple Music’s Africa Now Radio with Nandi Madida to our Sunday lineup is a natural extension of our ongoing commitment. This partnership gives our listeners access to a truly pan-African sound and creates another powerful platform for African artists and their stories to reach audiences not just at home, but also around the globe,” Cassim said.
“We’re excited to welcome Nandi and Africa Now Radio to the Y family as we continue championing the incredible diversity and influence of African music.”
Spotlighting Africa’s biggest and emerging artists
Since launching in 2020, Africa Now Radio has established itself as a platform for established stars and emerging talent from across the continent.
The weekly show features artist interviews and its “Big 5” selection of some of the hottest new tracks, offering listeners a snapshot of the sounds shaping Africa’s music scene.
Its previous guests include Rema, Tyla, Ayra Starr, Nasty C and Angelique Kidjo.
Madida joined the Apple Music team in June 2023 as the host of the fourth season of Africa Now Radio on Apple Music 1. She took over from a line-up of presenters that included Nigerian DJ and musician DJ Cuppy, Nigerian presenter Dadaboy Ehiz and South African broadcaster Luthando “LootLove” Shosha.
Reflecting on reaching 100 episodes of the show last year, Madida told IOL that the experience had been both rewarding and a reminder of the continent’s growing musical influence.
“To be honest, the time has flown by because it’s been so much fun. I’ve simply been a voice for what has already been happening. This is Africa’s natural trajectory,” she said.
“It’s seamless because the musicians are so incredibly talented at what they do. I just get to represent this amazing movement.”
Expanding the show’s African footprint
The Y partnership marks the latest expansion of Africa Now Radio’s syndication network, which already reaches audiences beyond South Africa.
The show airs on Nigeria’s Cool FM on Sundays at 7.00pm and Ghana’s YFM on Sundays at 4.00pm.
Its arrival on Y further extends the programme’s reach across key African markets, connecting listeners with the continent’s diverse musical landscape while giving African artists another platform to share their work and stories.