For Africa Month, we asked a diverse group of artists, industry executives, tastemakers, and influencers to help us curate the soundtrack of the city they call home. Here, they share what makes the sounds of their city unique. Johannesburg shines bright as South Africa’s economic capital, and the music from across the city and its surrounds tells the story of contemporary South Africa’s evolution. “If Johannesburg were ever the hub of urban culture, its biggest influence and validator would be Soweto, home to artists like Pro Kid,” musician, author, and entrepreneur Siya “Slikour” Metane tells Apple Music. “Kwaito had a stronghold in South African music, and in a post-apartheid country, being able to partake in the nightlife of Johannesburg, and living in surrounding areas was groundbreaking for the aspirational—just as today’s amapiano artists have achieved global recognition. The city was revered for its lights (Morafe); it was for the daring (Brenda Fassie); it fostered the experimentation of sounds (Brothers of Peace); and inspired the ghetto bad boys (TKZee). Once upon a time, politics restricted the movement of Black people in the city of Joburg, and it is now a playground for them. Kwaito planted the seed of aspiration, and Soweto was the dominant narrative the whole country followed to shape the view of Jozi’s urban life.” “Our city is bursting with life, brimming with hope,” radio broadcaster and entrepreneur Tbo Touch tells Apple Music, “and you can feel it in the lyrics of the songs.” Hit play and you’ll find tracks from Joburg’s most celebrated stars, including AKA, Brenda Fassie, Samthing Soweto, Johnny Clegg, Lira, Mandoza, Skwatta Kamp, RJ Benjamin, Pro Kid, and more. Additional curators from Joburg include musician and broadcaster Nandi Madida; musician J’Something; producers Robin Kohl and Catherine Grenfell; broadcaster Nick Hamman; and entrepreneurs Refiloe Ramogase and Ricardo da Costa. Rapper and actor Kwesta sums it up: “These are just a few of our South African songs that I believe represent the city’s creativity, pain, joy, and resilience through different generations.” Hear something you like? Add it to your library.