Many Amapiano artists began their careers in different music genres before embracing the Amapiano sound that has taken the world by storm. Here’s a look at five top Amapiano artists who transitioned from other music genres to make their mark in the Amapiano scene.
Major League DJz
The Major League DJz, twin brothers Banele and Bandile Mbere, started their DJ career in their teens. They initially focused on old school House, Hip-Hop, and Kwaito music, gaining popularity with their debut single “The Bizness.” The duo eventually gravitated towards Amapiano, a genre that incorporates elements of Kwaito, and have since become prominent figures in the Amapiano scene. Their versatility and ability to blend different genres have contributed to their widespread success.
Lady Du
Lady Du’s music journey began with gospel music, followed by ventures into house music and R&B. Her debut single “Uthando,” released in 2018, showcased her talent in house music. However, she found her true calling in Amapiano, where her powerful vocals and unique style have earned her a dedicated following. Lady Du’s seamless transition to Amapiano has solidified her status as one of the genre’s leading artists.
Focalistic
Focalistic, whose real name is Lethabo Sebetso, initially had aspirations in football before shifting his focus to music. He started his music career in Hip-Hop, drawing inspiration from old school Kwaito. His debut single “Fak’imali,” released in 2017, marked his entry into the music industry. Focalistic’s switch to Amapiano has been highly successful, and he is now recognized as one of the genre’s most influential artists, blending his Hip-Hop roots with the Amapiano sound.
Mr JazziQ
Mr JazziQ, one-half of the former duo JazziDisciples, started his music career with house music. Together with his former music partner Josiah De Disciple, he made significant strides in the Amapiano genre before embarking on a solo career. Mr JazziQ’s house music background and passion for various music styles have greatly influenced his innovative approach to Amapiano, making him a key player in the genre.
Cassper Nyovest
Cassper Nyovest, widely known as one of South Africa’s biggest Hip-Hop artists, also explored Motswako and Kwaito music. His decision to delve into Amapiano in 2021 with his debut Amapiano album “Sweet and Short 2.0,” which features ten tracks, marked a significant shift in his music career. Cassper’s ability to adapt to different music styles has allowed him to seamlessly integrate into the Amapiano scene, further expanding his musical repertoire.
These artists have successfully transitioned from various music genres to Amapiano, contributing to the genre’s growth and popularity both locally and globally. Their diverse musical backgrounds have enriched the Amapiano sound, making it a vibrant and dynamic genre.
