Amapiano Artists: Before vs. After They Became Famous

Amapiano, a genre that originated in South Africa, has transformed the global music scene with its distinctive blend of house, jazz, and traditional South African influences.

Over the past decade, Amapiano has moved from being a local sound, mainly celebrated in the townships of South Africa, to an international music movement that continues to captivate listeners worldwide.

At the heart of this evolution are the talented artists who have not only defined the genre but also experienced immense transformations in their personal and professional lives.

In this article, we take a closer look at Amapiano artists before and after they became famous, exploring their humble beginnings, their rise to stardom, and how fame has impacted their careers.

The Early Days of Amapiano: Humble Beginnings

The Amapiano genre emerged in the mid-2010s in South Africa, characterized by its smooth piano melodies, deep basslines, and unique fusion of house, jazz, and kwaito music.

The sound quickly gained popularity in the country’s townships, where it became the soundtrack of the youth culture.

However, before Amapiano became a worldwide phenomenon, the artists who would help define the genre were relatively unknown.

Take, for example, Kabza De Small, often referred to as the “King of Amapiano.” Before his rise to fame, Kabza was a relatively unknown DJ and producer who worked in the South African underground music scene.

His passion for music led him to experiment with different sounds, mixing house and jazz influences. However, like many artists, Kabza spent years perfecting his craft and collaborating with local producers and DJs, performing in small clubs and venues.

It wasn’t until his breakthrough tracks like “Umshove” and “Amabele Shaya” that he started to gain recognition within the Amapiano community.

Similarly, DJ Maphorisa, another leading figure in the Amapiano movement, had already made a name for himself in the South African music industry before Amapiano’s rise.

Known for his work in kwaito, house, and Afrobeat, Maphorisa was a seasoned producer and DJ. His work with artists like Wizkid and Black Coffee had established him as one of South Africa’s top producers.

However, his transition into Amapiano was gradual. In the early days of Amapiano, Maphorisa was involved in experimenting with the genre, collaborating with other local talents, and helping to produce the genre-defining tracks that would make him an Amapiano icon.

His significant contributions to the genre came with collaborations with artists like Kabza De Small and Sha Sha.

For Sha Sha, the Zimbabwean singer who is now one of the most recognized voices in Amapiano, her journey was a bit different.

Before hitting it big, Sha Sha was struggling to make a name for herself in the South African music scene. Her early career was marked by performing in smaller venues and working hard to be noticed.

It wasn’t until she joined forces with DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small for their hit “Tender Love” that she gained widespread recognition.

Before her rise to fame, Sha Sha, like many artists, faced the challenge of breaking into an already competitive industry.

The Turning Point: Gaining Recognition

The breakthrough moment for many Amapiano artists came when the genre began to make its way out of South Africa and into international markets.

With the rise of social media and streaming platforms, Amapiano artists were able to reach a global audience.

This digital era allowed them to promote their music to listeners far beyond their local communities, which played a pivotal role in their rise to stardom.

For Kabza De Small, his collaboration with DJ Maphorisa in the Scorpion Kings project marked a turning point in his career.

The release of albums like Scorpion Kings and The Return of the Scorpion Kings garnered him widespread attention, and he quickly became one of the leading figures in the Amapiano genre.

His track “Vula Vala” with DJ Maphorisa and his collaborations with major South African artists like Busiswa and Nkosazana Daughter propelled him into the mainstream, both locally and internationally.

DJ Maphorisa’s reputation was solidified as he became one of the most sought-after producers in Africa.

His collaborations with top African artists, such as Wizkid on “Soco” and Burna Boy on “African Giant,” paved the way for his transition into Amapiano.

Maphorisa’s role in shaping the genre’s sound allowed him to work with a variety of talents, both within South Africa and internationally.

This exposure to a wider audience allowed him to elevate his brand, making him one of the most influential figures in the African music scene.

Sha Sha’s rise was just as meteoric. After her collaboration with DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small, she quickly became one of the most in-demand artists in Amapiano.

Her smooth voice, combined with the catchy melodies of Amapiano, won over fans across Africa and beyond.

Her breakout single “Tender Love” was widely embraced, reaching international charts and securing her place as a leading female figure in the genre.

Sha Sha’s collaboration with popular Amapiano artists also helped her build a global following, taking her music beyond South Africa to audiences in Europe and the United States.

After Fame: The Transformation

The transformation of Amapiano artists after their rise to fame is evident in their music, lifestyle, and impact on the global music industry.

With their newfound popularity, they gained access to bigger venues, international collaborations, and media attention that reshaped their careers.

For Kabza De Small, life after fame meant taking Amapiano to the world.

He began performing in sold-out arenas across Africa and took his music to international markets, including Europe and the United States.

His influence on the genre grew exponentially, and he became an ambassador for Amapiano, showcasing the genre’s versatility through his collaborations with both African and global artists.

Kabza’s musical style has evolved, incorporating elements from other genres while staying true to the core of Amapiano.

His influence has also led to the rise of a new generation of Amapiano artists who look up to him as a trailblazer.

DJ Maphorisa’s fame also opened doors for him to collaborate with international artists.

As a result of his success in Amapiano, Maphorisa has expanded his reach beyond South Africa, working with musicians from Nigeria, Ghana, and even international superstars such as Drake and Major Lazer.

His ability to blend Amapiano with different genres has made him one of Africa’s top producers. Maphorisa is not just a producer anymore; he has become a brand, influencing global music trends.

For Sha Sha, after achieving stardom, her life has changed drastically. The artist is now one of the leading figures in Amapiano, with numerous hits and an established fan base.

Her success has also helped her break into the broader music industry, where she’s used her platform to advocate for women in music.

Sha Sha’s presence in international collaborations has allowed her to gain recognition outside Africa, further cementing her status as one of Amapiano’s biggest stars.

Conclusion

The journey of Amapiano artists from obscurity to fame is a testament to the power of music and determination.

Artists like Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa, and Sha Sha have undergone remarkable transformations, from playing in small venues to headlining concerts around the world.

The rise of Amapiano has not only changed the careers of these artists but has also elevated South African music to global prominence.

As Amapiano continues to spread across continents, these artists will undoubtedly remain at the forefront, shaping the future of the genre and inspiring a new generation of musicians.