In the dynamic realm of Amapiano, where beats evolve at a rapid pace, DBN Gogo stands out as a trailblazer, breaking gender barriers and imprinting her unique mark on the genre. In a candid interview on Apple Music’s Africa Now Radio with Nandi Madida, DBN Gogo offered insights into her journey, detailing how she became one of the first women to leave an indelible mark on the Amapiano scene. As DBN Gogo reminisced about her entry into Amapiano, she described the time as almost a different lifetime. In her own words, “It seems like a lifetime ago because piano is moving so fast, it’s almost running away from us!”
At the time when DBN Gogo was making her mark, Amapiano was in its infancy, evolving and experimenting with various sounds. Feeling the pulse of this new movement, she decided to explore Amapiano, inspired by the Bacardi, broken beat, and unique vibe she encountered in Pretoria.
DBN Gogo’s approach to Amapiano was unconventional yet groundbreaking. In an era where DJs tended to stick to one genre, she fearlessly combined old-school, piano, and gqom in her sets. The result was a dynamic and eclectic mix that captivated audiences and set her apart from the crowd. She reflected on those early days, saying, “In a one-hour set, you would hear all three genres, I don’t even know how I was doing that, and it just kind of became a thing.”
DBN Gogo’s timing proved to be serendipitous. As the Amapiano scene burgeoned, there was a dearth of female representation, especially among DJs. With a keen sense of opportunity, she embraced the challenge and seamlessly wove her unique style into the fabric of the Amapiano genre. During the interview, DBN Gogo shed light on the role of women in Amapiano, emphasizing that, at the time, women were primarily vocalists. However, she saw an opportunity to redefine the narrative by stepping into the DJ role, breaking the mold and inspiring a new generation of female Amapiano artists.DBN Gogo’s foray into Amapiano was not only about mixing genres but also about collaboration. Teaming up with DJ Dinho, one of the pioneers of the Amapiano sound from Pretoria, was a pivotal moment. The collaboration felt natural, and she emphasized, “It just felt authentic for me to make that, especially with someone like a DJ Dinho who hails from Pretoria, who is part of the first people making the sound. It was a no-brainer for me.”
DBN Gogo’s journey into Amapiano is a testament to her adaptability, courage, and musical acumen. As she navigated the evolving landscape of Amapiano, she not only embraced the new sound but also became a pivotal figure in its development. DBN Gogo’s story serves as an inspiration, breaking down barriers for women in the Amapiano scene and leaving an indelible mark on the genre’s history.
