President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent remarks attributing the global success of Amapiano to the African National Congress (ANC) government have sparked controversy and disbelief across South Africa.
Ramaphosa praised the young artists shaping the Amapiano scene and even admitted to learning some of the dance moves associated with the genre. However, his assertion that the ANC government played a pivotal role in Amapiano’s rise has left many South Africans scratching their heads.
In a video shared on Instagram by theyanos_plug, Ramaphosa is seen crediting the ANC for opening doors that allowed the genre to gain recognition worldwide. He said, “Today, the amapiano is recognized as some people from New York dance for it, in Lagos Nigeria and everywhere because of the doors that have been open by this ANC government. We have seen recently some amapiano artists performing at gatherings of elections.”
While Amapiano has undoubtedly become a cultural phenomenon both locally and internationally, its origins and the factors contributing to its success have been subject to debate. Ramaphosa’s endorsement of the ANC’s role in the genre’s global acclaim has reignited this debate, with many expressing skepticism and criticism.
Social media erupted with reactions to Ramaphosa’s comments, with some users questioning the relevance of discussing Amapiano in the face of pressing national issues. One user, @ril_jay, highlighted the country’s challenges, suggesting that the government should focus on finding solutions rather than claiming credit for musical trends. “The country is sinking in the ocean and you are here telling people about amapiano instead of solutions.”
Another user, @gaopalelwe_m, dismissed Ramaphosa’s remarks as opportunistic, accusing the government of failing to adequately support the arts despite claiming credit for their success.
“He’s is not making sense, what an opportunist claiming music when they fail dismally to support the arts.”
Ramaphosa’s statements come at a time when political engagement among South African celebrities is on the rise, particularly with the upcoming election season. Many local stars have publicly endorsed political parties and even performed at their rallies, signaling a growing intersection between entertainment and politics in the country.
Despite the controversy sparked by Ramaphosa’s comments, they underscore the significance of Amapiano as a cultural force in South Africa and beyond. Whether or not the ANC government played a direct role in its success, there’s no denying the genre’s impact on the global music scene.
As debates over the origins and ownership of Amapiano continue, one thing remains clear: its infectious beats and energetic dance moves have captured the hearts of music lovers worldwide, transcending political affiliations and sparking joy in the midst of societal challenges.
