“South Africans are special because we embody the spirit of Madiba wherever we go,” amapiano star Musa Keys tells Apple Music. “We are humble; kind, loving; and we are fighters. We will fight for what is right; and that is very important to keep us going.” For our celebration of South Africa’s 30 Years of Freedom, Musa Keys highlights the artists and songs that inspired him, including Semi Tee, Scorpion Kings, De Mthuda, Kwesta, Black Coffee, and Ralf Gum, along with groundbreaking hits from his own catalogue. “[Artists like Semi Tee and the Scorpion Kings] personally shaped me and paved a way for a successful career,” Musa explains. “They brought amapiano to the normal household and made the genre commercial. They broke through barriers so that the genre could grown immensely. Kwesta, Black Coffee and Ralf Gum helped to shape my international ambitions. Kwesta collaborating with an American act made it see it’s possible. Black Coffee set himself up for global success; and the Ralf GUM song is so huge in South Africa—these songs are international success stories. My own songs changed my life, and I have seen how these songs have also made people dance and joyful when I perform them, and I would like to think that they contribute meaningfully to urban culture and South Africa culture as a whole in the last few years.” Hear something that resonates with you? Add it to your library.