031Choppa On How He Makes Use Of Amapiano Elements In Creating Hip Hop Beats. Minenhle Lesley Mnguni, professionally known as 031choppa is a South African vocalist, singer, producer & songwriter. Born in 1998 in KwaMashu, Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal, Minenhle moved to Jeppe, Johannesburg in January 2016 after finishing his matric together with his friend.
Noting what sets him apart from producers in the scene, Choppa makes mention of his use of amapiano elements in his production. The producer notes that “the yanos is popping” and makes an effort in his hip-hop beats to add a log drum, a noticeable instrument used in amapiano instrumentals, alongside what he calls a “soulful feel” in his other production elements as well. “We’re in SA so we should try something that’s going to accommodate every person that’s listening” he told The Breakroom.
He recalls wanting to be a producer as early as eighth grade and found himself committed to making his dream of doing music a reality. After Matric, the then-18-year-old fled his family and hometown to stay with a friend from Durban who had himself moved to Joburg. Noting that this experience“wasn’t easy at all”, it was ultimately in Johannesburg that 031Choppa was exposed to “beat-making”.
