South Africa’s premier youth radio station, Y (FM 99.2), has officially announced that Apple Music Radio’s flagship global show, Africa Now Radio with Nandi Madida, will be syndicated across its broadcast and digital channels.
Starting Sunday, 1 November 2026, the globally acclaimed weekly show will air every Sunday at 1:00 PM (13h00), bringing pan-African sounds, exclusive interviews, and continent-wide chart-toppers straight to South African listeners.
Amplifying Pan-African Culture & “The Big 5”
Since its launch in 2020, Africa Now Radio has established itself as an authority on continental soundscapes. Every episode features “The Big 5”—a curated breakdown of the five hottest new tracks across Africa—alongside deep-dive interviews with both global megastars and emerging underground creators.
“Y has played an important role in shaping South Africa’s youth culture, music and sound over the years,” says host Nandi Madida. “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.”
“Bringing Apple Music’s Africa Now Radio with Nandi Madida to our Sunday lineup is a natural extension of our ongoing commitment,” adds Haseena Cassim, Y’s Managing Director. “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.”
Co-Signed by Mzansi’s Biggest Music Icons
The announcement has drawn unanimous praise from major South African hitmakers who have previously graced the show, including Rema, Tyla, Ayra Starr, and Nasty C:
“What Apple Music and Nandi Madida are doing with Africa Now Radio is giving our music space to live on a global stage,” notes Amapiano superstar Focalistic. “She’s one of our own giving a voice to the sounds of South Africa and beyond.”
“Africa Now Radio is one of the most important platforms in our culture right now,” adds hip-hop veteran Kwesta. “What Nandi has built gives African artists a real seat at the table, telling our stories in our own voice, from the kasi all the way to the world.”
“Shows like Africa Now Radio with Nandi Madida are important because they create a platform for African music and voices to be heard globally,” agrees Cassper Nyovest, alongside Amapiano singer Young Stunna and producer De Mthuda.
Expanding the Global Radio Network
The partnership with Y adds South Africa to a growing list of major African radio syndications for Apple Music, joining Cool FM in Nigeria (Sundays at 7 PM) and YFM Ghana (Sundays at 4 PM).
Listeners can tune in every Sunday at 1:00 PM via:
- FM Dial: 99.2 FM
- App & Online: YWorld App &
yworld.co.za - TV Audio: DStv Channel 859 & OpenView HD