Usimamane Graces Apple Music’s Rap Life Africa January Cover
Usimamane Graces Apple Music’s Rap Life Africa January Cover. Usimamane is wasting no time setting the tone for 2026. The Durban-born rap star has kicked off the year with a major career moment, landing the coveted cover of Apple Music’s Rap Life Africa playlist.
Taking to social media to celebrate the achievement, Usimamane described Rap Life Africa as “the nastiest playlist in Africa,” a bold statement that mirrors his confident rise within the continent’s hip hop ranks. The playlist spotlight places his new single front and centre, introducing “RACK$$” to a wider audience already buzzing about its themes of ambition, grind, and financial elevation.
Never short on bravado, the Umlazi native, born Omuhleumnguni Simamane, also crowned himself a “four-time defending country heavyweight champion” in his celebratory post. “4 times defending country heavyweight champion, Cover boyz for the Nastiest playlist in Africa @applemusic Rap Life featuring my new hit song RACK$$ #RapLife @oldmanebro,” wrote Usimamane.
The declaration reflects both his self-belief and his consistency in a competitive rap landscape. At just 24, Usimamane has carved out a distinctive lane, drawing from a musically rich family background and the raw energy of Durban’s streets to craft music that connects far beyond South African borders.
The Rap Life Africa feature arrives days after the release of his new EP, G-Wagon Music: Baby Tai, which dropped on January 12, 2026. The six-track project is available exclusively on Apple Music, with “RACK$$” standing out as its motivational centrepiece. Running just over four minutes, the song delivers high-energy verses built around wealth creation, focus, and perseverance.
Curated as the African extension of the global Rap Life Radio hosted by Ebro Darden, the playlist has become a key platform for both emerging and established acts. Being selected as the January cover artist is a significant nod to Usimamane’s growing influence. It also builds on earlier recognition from Apple Music, including previous playlist features and interviews where he spoke about the global reach of South African culture.
For the Durban-native rapper, the Rap Life Africa cover is more than a personal win. It is another signal that South African hip hop continues to command international attention.
