DJ Maphorisa Reveals How Wizkid Sparked His Amapiano Journey
In a recent interview with BBC News Africa, South African music producer DJ Maphorisa shared the story behind his transition into Amapiano, revealing how Nigerian superstar Wizkid’s enthusiasm for the genre played a pivotal role in igniting his interest.
At the time, DJ Maphorisa had just parted ways with Kalawa Jazmee, a label that had helped shape his early career, giving him exposure to a variety of genres including Afrobeats and Afrohouse. His journey into Amapiano, however, began when Wizkid visited South Africa, which would set the stage for a pivotal moment in Maphorisa’s career.
During a visit to Pretoria, the two music icons had the opportunity to experience the local music scene. Phori (as DJ Maphorisa is affectionately known) performed a set, and after he wrapped up, a local DJ took over, playing an array of Amapiano tracks. What stood out to Maphorisa was Wizkid’s genuine excitement about the music, with the Nigerian artist asking insightful questions about the sound.
Wizkid’s curiosity and passion for the genre inspired Maphorisa to dive deeper into Amapiano, a genre that, at the time, was still finding its feet on the global stage. Maphorisa decided to explore the sound further, which led to his deep involvement in the genre that would go on to revolutionize the global music scene.
Today, DJ Maphorisa is widely regarded as one of the pioneers and driving forces behind Amapiano’s global rise. His influence and ability to fuse various musical styles have been key in taking Amapiano from an underground movement to a dominant force in the international music scene. As one of the genre’s leading figures, Maphorisa has contributed significantly to the success of Amapiano, shaping its unique sound and making it a global sensation.
His journey, inspired by a simple yet powerful moment of enthusiasm from Wizkid, has marked a significant chapter in both his career and the evolution of Amapiano. As the genre continues to expand its influence across the globe, DJ Maphorisa remains at the forefront, pushing boundaries and redefining the future of African music.
