South African music sensation DJ Maphorisa, known for his global impact on the Amapiano genre, recently opened up about how Nigerian superstar Wizkid influenced his foray into the pulsating sound.
Wizkid’s Influence on Amapiano
In an interview with BBC, DJ Maphorisa shared how a chance encounter with Wizkid at a club in Pretoria became a turning point in his career.
According to Maphorisa, while they were hanging out, a DJ played an Amapiano track that immediately caught Wizkid’s attention. Curious about the sound, Wizkid asked Maphorisa about it.
“I thought if Wizkid really vibes with this sound, then there’s something special here. So he’s the one who really put me onto the sound,” Maphorisa revealed during the interview.
From Afro House to Amapiano
Before this pivotal moment, DJ Maphorisa was primarily creating Afrobeats and Afro House music. However, Wizkid’s curiosity and enthusiasm for Amapiano inspired Maphorisa to delve deeper into the genre.
This decision proved transformative, as Maphorisa quickly rose to become a leading figure in Amapiano alongside fellow South African star Kabza De Small. Together, they helped elevate the genre from its underground roots in South Africa to a global phenomenon.
Wizkid’s Role in Amapiano’s Nigerian Connection
Maphorisa has previously credited Wizkid as the first Nigerian artist to explore Amapiano. The Grammy-winning star collaborated with Burna Boy and Cassper Nyovest on Kabza De Small’s hit track Sponono, helping to bridge the gap between South African Amapiano and Nigerian Afrobeats.
In 2023, Maphorisa reiterated this point during debates among Nigerian artists about who first fused Amapiano with Afrobeats, emphasizing Wizkid’s early embrace of the genre.
A Genre That Transcends Borders
Today, Amapiano has grown into a global sound, with artists from across Africa and beyond incorporating its vibrant beats into their music. DJ Maphorisa’s story is a testament to the power of collaboration and cultural exchange in creating something truly groundbreaking.
What’s your favorite Amapiano track by DJ Maphorisa or Wizkid? Share your thoughts in the comments!
