Ghanaian singer-songwriter Ess the Legend has been selected as the latest artist for Apple Music’s Up Next program, the platform’s global initiative spotlighting emerging talent and shaping the next wave of music across Africa and beyond. The recognition arrives as the Accra-based artist unveils her new five-track EP Bloom, a project that highlights her artistic range with renewed clarity and confidence.
The Bloom EP offers a refined introduction to Ess the Legend’s evolving sound, weaving together elements of Afro-fusion, soul, and contemporary R&B. Across its five tracks, the project presents a cohesive sonic identity defined by warmth, restraint, and emotional depth, positioning her as a distinctive voice within Ghana’s growing alternative music space.
Leading the project is the standout single “Kyekyere Me,” a collaboration with RCEE that has steadily gained traction across radio airplay, playlists, and streaming platforms. The record has become a key entry point into the EP, showcasing Ess the Legend’s ability to blend intimate storytelling with smooth, melodic production. Its growing reception has helped establish early momentum for the project and further amplified her visibility within the industry.
Apple Music’s Up Next Ghana selection is widely regarded as one of the platform’s most significant endorsements for emerging African artists. The program has previously highlighted acts who have gone on to define new directions in contemporary African music, making Ess the Legend’s inclusion a notable milestone in her career.
Her selection comes at a pivotal moment, aligning with the release of Bloom and signaling strong industry confidence in her artistic trajectory. With her sound described as warm, unhurried, and refreshingly distinct, Ess the Legend is steadily carving out a unique space in Ghana’s music landscape.
As she steps into 2026, Ess the Legend enters the year with growing momentum, industry recognition, and a project that positions her as one of the most promising new voices to watch.