Ugandan vocalist, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Kyle Simbwa has been featured in Apple Music's Up Next artist development programme in East Africa. Originally from Kasangati, a small town outside Kampala, Simbwa's music draws from various genres, including '90s R&B and soul, '80s synth-pop, A.O.R., Disney TV, Afrobeats, and Hip-Hop. His unique sound is a blend of these influences, creating a distinctive Afrobeat/Alté style.
Simbwa's music career has been gaining momentum, with the release of his debut project "Person" in 2025, followed by singles such as "Mwana Gwe," "Love Me or Don't," and "East African Girl." He has also performed at various events, including headline performances at Xpressions and appearances at Afro Urban alongside artists like Mike Kayihura and Kohen Jaycee.
As the newest Up Next artist in East Africa, Simbwa will be featured across Apple Music's Up Next playlist, which highlights emerging talent hand-picked by Apple Music editors worldwide. The playlist represents artists who are pushing creative boundaries and poised to reach a global audience. Simbwa's selection for the programme is a significant milestone, and he expressed his excitement, stating that it means a lot to be part of a generation of African artists building something uniquely theirs.
Simbwa's music is deeply rooted in his Ugandan identity but influenced by a world of sounds. His latest project, "East African Summer," is a seven-track EP that explores love, nightlife, freedom, movement, and the shared experiences shaping a new East African youth culture. The EP blends Afrobeats, R&B, Hip-Hop, and alternative African sounds to capture the carefree moments, late nights, road trips, and relationships that give an East African summer its distinct character.
The Up Next programme has previously featured talented artists such as Grammy-nominated and critically lauded talent like 6lack, Daniel Caesar, H.E.R., Greta Van Fleet, Khalid, Amy Shark, Billie Eilish, and Burna Boy. Simbwa's selection for the programme opens doors to a broader audience, and he plans to use this opportunity to take his music further, with more records, bigger ideas, and continued representation of Uganda and East Africa on a wider stage.
Simbwa is deeply involved in every stage of creating his music, working across songwriting, production, recording, mixing, and engineering. This freedom allows him to experiment and develop a sound of his own. His growing live presence includes headline performances and appearances at various events, showcasing his talent to a wider audience.
The selection of Kyle Simbwa for the Up Next programme is a significant milestone for Ugandan music, highlighting the country's rich talent and creativity. With his unique sound and style, Simbwa is poised to make a mark in the global music scene, and his feature on the Up Next playlist will introduce his music to a broader audience.
Key points
- Kyle Simbwa's selection for Apple Music's Up Next artist development programme in East Africa is a significant milestone for Ugandan music.
- Simbwa's music is a unique blend of Afrobeat/Alté sound, drawing from various genres and influences.
- The Up Next programme has previously featured talented artists such as Grammy-nominated and critically lauded talent like 6lack, Daniel Caesar, and Burna Boy.
