Africa plus magazine

The recent news on South Africa’s DJ Maphorisa leaving Amapiano has shocked many, but marks a significant turning point for the genre he helped shape. His departure from the scene he pioneered will undoubtedly have a major impact.

To understand the scope of what his exit means, here is a summary of his foundational contributions to Amapiano:

Impact Area And Description:

· Catalyst for mainstream breakthrough: Moved Amapiano from an underground sound to a commercial force in 2019 with hits like Amantombazane, fundamentally changing the genre by introducing soulful vocals and melodic structure.

· Co-Founder of a Super-Duo: Formed the Scorpion Kings with Kabza De Small in 2019, a partnership that became the global flagship for Amapiano, releasing multiple chart-topping albums.

· Artist Incubator & Mentor: Directly launched and nurtured the careers of a generation of stars, providing platforms, production, and business guidance.

· Architect of Global Expansion: Pushed for collaborations with other African artists (like TRESOR) and strategically toured internationally, making Amapiano a continental and global phenomenon.

· Industry Innovator: Advocated fiercely for artist independence, ownership of masters, and better business practices, reshaping the industry’s economic model.

The Scorpion Kings Legacy:

The formation of the Scorpion Kings with Kabza De Small was a pivotal moment. Their partnership, which Maphorisa described as a blend of his industry experience and Kabza’s raw sound, created a new, more accessible, and melodic direction for Amapiano that resonated globally. Their albums, such as Scorpion Kings (2019) and Rumble In The Jungle (2021), were not just successful; they were cultural events that defined the sound’s evolution.

A Prolific Mentor:

Maphorisa’s role extended far beyond his own music. He has been a central figure in launching and elevating numerous careers. Publicly, he has listed over a dozen major artists who grew under his wing, including:

· Felo Le Tee

· Tyler ICU

· Daliwonga

· Mellow & Sleazy

He also served as an informal manager and business advisor to Kabza De Small, teaching him how to navigate media, corporations, and the music industry at large. This mentorship underscores his commitment to “shifting the market share” and empowering other artists.

World Tours and Global Stages

Maphorisa and the Scorpion Kings were instrumental in taking Amapiano to the world. They headlined major international events that demonstrated the genre’s massive draw:

· Piano People (UK): Their first major UK show at Printworks London sold out to 5,500 people, a landmark moment that “helped amapiano to really grow”.

· Piano People in the Park: They later headlined this outdoor event, which had a capacity target of 7,000-8,000 attendees.

· New York Debut: In July 2021, they performed for an audience of 5,000 in New York, marking their explosive entry into the US market.

His announcement to return to Afro House music suggests he sees new creative frontiers. Given his history of identifying and popularizing sounds, this move could signal the next phase of his influence on African music.