In the dynamic landscape of African music, artists often face unpredictable challenges that test their resilience and adaptability. One such story is that of Khathutshelo Mangolo, better known as Murumba Pitch, the South African Amapiano artist who recently experienced an unexpected setback during a performance in Zimbabwe. Despite being booed off stage at a major event in Kadoma on 18 July 2025, Murumba Pitch is preparing for a strong comeback, reaffirming his commitment to his music and his fans across borders.
This article explores the circumstances surrounding Murumba Pitch’s on-stage rejection, his reflections on the experience, and his upcoming return to Zimbabwe as part of a star-studded lineup at the Jacaranda Music Festival. It also delves into the broader themes of cultural exchange, musical diversity, and the challenges artists face when performing internationally.
The Incident in Kadoma: A Challenging Night
Murumba Pitch’s performance at Julyfest in Kadoma, Zimbabwe, was meant to be a celebratory event coinciding with his birthday on 18 July. However, the night took an unexpected turn when the crowd rejected his set, leading to him being booed off stage. For any artist, such a public display of disapproval can be disheartening, especially when performing away from home.
The crowd’s reaction was surprising given Murumba Pitch’s rising popularity within the Amapiano genre, which has taken South Africa and much of the continent by storm. Amapiano, characterized by its jazzy, soulful beats and deep house influences, has become a defining sound of contemporary African music.
Murumba Pitch’s Response: Understanding and Perspective
In a candid interview on the Podcast and Chill show with Sol Phenduka, Murumba Pitch addressed the incident with grace and insight. He dismissed the notion that xenophobia played any role in the crowd’s reaction. Instead, he suggested that the audience’s musical preferences leaned towards different genres, particularly high-tempo styles like dancehall.
Murumba Pitch explained that the promoters had also indicated that the audience expected a different sound from his performance. This mismatch between artist and audience expectations is a common challenge in live music, especially in diverse cultural settings.
Despite the setback, Murumba Pitch expressed positive sentiments about performing in Zimbabwe’s major cities, Bulawayo and Harare, describing these experiences as “always great.” His comments reflect a mature understanding of the complexities of touring and performing internationally.
The Significance of the Jacaranda Music Festival
Undeterred by the Julyfest experience, Murumba Pitch is set to return to Zimbabwe as one of the headline acts at this year’s Jacaranda Music Festival. Scheduled from 3 to 5 October 2025, the festival will take place at the Thorn Park Polo Grounds in Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital.
The Jacaranda Music Festival is themed “Amplifying African Excellence,” showcasing a lineup of prominent South African artists including Mafikizolo, The Soil, and Vusi Nova alongside Murumba Pitch. This festival represents a celebration of African musical talent and cultural exchange, fostering unity and appreciation across borders.
Murumba Pitch’s inclusion in this prestigious event signals confidence in his artistry and the enduring appeal of Amapiano music beyond South Africa’s borders.
Murumba Pitch’s Musical Journey: From Duo to Solo Artist
Khathutshelo Mangolo’s journey as Murumba Pitch began as part of the Murumba Pitch duo, which gained recognition for its unique contributions to the Amapiano scene. Recently, he embarked on a solo career, marking a new chapter in his artistic development.
This transition has allowed him to explore new creative directions and establish his individual brand within the competitive music industry. His resilience in the face of challenges, such as the Kadoma incident, underscores his dedication to growth and connection with diverse audiences.
The Broader Context: Amapiano’s Rise and Regional Reception
Amapiano has rapidly emerged as one of the most influential music genres in Africa, blending deep house, jazz, and lounge music with traditional South African sounds. Its infectious rhythms and soulful melodies have captivated listeners across the continent and beyond.
However, the genre’s reception varies by region, influenced by local musical tastes and cultural preferences. The Kadoma experience illustrates how even popular genres may face resistance in markets where audiences favor other styles, such as dancehall or Afrobeat.
Artists like Murumba Pitch navigate these complexities by adapting their performances while maintaining their authentic sound, striking a balance between artistic integrity and audience engagement.
Should Artists Adapt to Local Tastes or Stay True to Their Sound?
Murumba Pitch’s experience sparks an important conversation about artistic authenticity versus adaptability. Should artists modify their sound to suit local preferences, or should they remain true to their unique style regardless of audience reaction?
This debate is particularly relevant for African musicians who perform across diverse cultural landscapes. On one hand, adapting to local tastes can enhance audience connection and commercial success. On the other hand, maintaining an authentic sound preserves artistic identity and contributes to the genre’s evolution.
Murumba Pitch’s approach appears to embrace both perspectives: acknowledging audience preferences while staying committed to his Amapiano roots.
Cultural Exchange Through Music: Bridging Borders
Music festivals like Jacaranda play a crucial role in fostering cultural exchange and mutual appreciation among African countries. By bringing together artists from different backgrounds and genres, these events promote unity and showcase the continent’s rich musical diversity.
Murumba Pitch’s return to Zimbabwe exemplifies this spirit of collaboration and cross-cultural engagement. His participation alongside other South African heavyweights highlights the interconnectedness of African music scenes and the shared passion for artistic excellence.
The Role of Promoters and Event Organizers
The Kadoma incident also sheds light on the responsibilities of promoters and event organizers in managing audience expectations. Clear communication about the lineup and musical styles can help align audience anticipation with the performances.
Promoters must balance commercial considerations with artistic integrity, ensuring that events cater to diverse tastes while supporting emerging genres like Amapiano.
Effective promotion and audience education can mitigate misunderstandings and enhance the overall concert experience.
Fans’ Role in Shaping Musical Trends
Audience reactions are powerful forces in shaping musical trends and artist trajectories. Fans’ openness to new sounds can drive the popularity of emerging genres, while resistance can challenge artists to refine their craft.
Murumba Pitch’s experience in Kadoma reflects the dynamic relationship between artists and their audiences. Constructive feedback and engagement can foster growth and innovation in the music industry.
Fans are encouraged to support artists through open-mindedness and appreciation of diverse musical expressions.
Looking Ahead: Murumba Pitch’s Future in Zimbabwe and Beyond
With the Jacaranda Music Festival on the horizon, Murumba Pitch has an opportunity to reaffirm his connection with Zimbabwean audiences and showcase his talents on a prominent platform.
His return symbolizes resilience and the ongoing journey of African artists navigating the complexities of regional markets.
Success at the festival could open doors for further collaborations, tours, and cross-border projects, strengthening the pan-African music movement.
Engaging with the Conversation: Share Your Views
The question of whether artists should adapt to local tastes or remain true to their sound invites diverse opinions. Music lovers and industry stakeholders are invited to join the conversation by leaving comments or sending messages via WhatsApp at 060 011 0211.
Engagement through social media and direct communication channels helps foster a vibrant dialogue about the future of African music.
Murumba Pitch’s story is a testament to the resilience required in the music industry and the power of African music to transcend borders and unite people.
Despite facing rejection, he continues to pursue his passion and share his unique sound with audiences across the continent.
The upcoming Jacaranda Music Festival promises to be a celebration of African excellence, featuring artists who embody creativity, perseverance, and cultural pride.
As Murumba Pitch prepares for his Zimbabwean return, fans and critics alike will watch closely, eager to witness a powerful comeback and the continued evolution of Amapiano music.
