The Apple Music Song Stories offer a glimpse into what it takes to be the artists they are today and include them sharing specific tales behind their latest tracks.

With songs ranging from the melancholic and introspective, to the more upbeat and celebratory, first up is Amanda Black. We take dive and find out more about what has made her such a creative force and sought-after multi-nominated platinum vocalist.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXsAbT9vdmc&list=UUhUCqdQhknYz9qn8f1id7_Q

Her most recent track is“Afrika”, featuring Nigerian artist Adekunle Gold. Since the release of her well-acclaimed first single titled “Amazulu”, she has gone from strength to strength, and with “Afrika” she expresses her  pride in being an African woman.

In the past she has spoken about how so much of her creative process was linked to her insecurities regarding her Xhosa heritage and growing up feeling uncomfortable in her own skin. This insecurity initially drove her to predominantly speak in English rather than her home-language, IsiXhosa. Discovering poetry led her to an immense appreciation of her roots.

The track “Afrika” reveals the extent of her pride in her culture and speaks about the importance and relevance of racial diversity. This is the reason behind her choice of “Black” as a stage name.

Her mother played a hugely influential role in her life, teaching her a sense of dignity in her land, her people and her gifts as a musician. In “Afrika” she refers to her with great pride as an “African queen like no other”. “Afrika” is an ode to “respect”, “power and grace”, the future and her motherland.

This interesting series is set to continue for the next couple of weeks with Apple Music Song Stories also set to explore the work of Nasty C, Ami Faku, ShaSha and Elaine. Keep it locked here as we’ll bring all of that to you.