DJ Maphorisa Reveals How Zimbabweans In UK Helped Push Amapiano Onto Global Stage
South African DJ Maphorisa has highlighted the contribution of Zimbabweans living in the United Kingdom to Amapiano’s international growth.
The acclaimed producer said Zimbabweans in the UK embraced the South African sound early and helped introduce it to audiences outside the country.
Maphorisa made the remarks during an appearance on legendary producer Oskido’s I Believe Podcast, where he reflected on Amapiano’s rise from a South African movement to a global phenomenon.
Zimbabweans embraced Amapiano early
According to Maphorisa, the Zimbabwean community in Britain became an important part of Amapiano’s journey beyond South Africa.
He recalled performing in London during the genre’s early international push.
“Going international started with Uncle Waffles and me when we were booked in the United Kingdom by Piano People for their UK debut show in 2022,” he said.
The performance took place at a prominent London venue and came after Covid-19 restrictions had disrupted the live entertainment industry.
Maphorisa said the event marked the first Amapiano show in London following the lockdown period.
He credited Zimbabweans in the city with helping create an audience for the genre.
“Most people in London are Zimbabwean, and they played a huge role in pushing the genre there. We also can’t forget the Nigerians and South Africans who are based in London,” he said.
Collaborations helped expand the sound
Maphorisa also weighed in on the debate surrounding Nigerian musicians and Amapiano.
The producer rejected claims that Nigerian artistes simply took the genre from South Africa.
Instead, he argued that South African musicians deliberately opened the door for Nigerian artistes to experiment with the sound.
He said cross-border collaborations were part of a broader strategy to expose Amapiano to new listeners and markets.
One example he highlighted was Sponono, the 2020 collaboration involving Kabza De Small, Wizkid and Burna Boy, among other artistes.
Such collaborations brought together major names from both countries while introducing Amapiano to different fan bases.
The post ‘They Played A Huge Role’: DJ Maphorisa Credits Zimbabweans In UK For Helping Take Amapiano Global appeared first on iHarare News.
