Amapiano star Njelic, real name Tshwarelo Mothako, has hit back at event organiser Thuly Thulz following controversial remarks about Amapiano artists. Thuly Thulz, whose real name is Thilan Dandala, recently criticized Amapiano musicians, accusing them of unprofessionalism and mismanagement. His statements sparked outrage, with Njelic leading the charge in defending the genre.
Taking to a live video, the “Shesha Geza” hitmaker made it clear that Amapiano is here to stay and that artists have worked tirelessly to build the genre into the global phenomenon it is today.
“Amapiano is a movement created by black people, and it’s not going anywhere. Are you saying Amapiano is dying just because you’ve been booking the same friends for six years? Tell him Njelic said we will meet face-to-face. You’re crazy. You take corporate gigs and hand them to your friends,” said Njelic.
The 35-year-old Soweto-born DJ further expressed frustration over gatekeeping in the industry, accusing some event organisers of only booking their inner circle instead of giving opportunities to new talent.
Njelic didn’t hold back, making it clear that Amapiano artists deserve respect for their contributions to the genre.
“I will talk because I talk too much. This is because I’ve worked so hard for this genre to be where it is today. So, don’t come here because you book your friends and tell us that Amapiano is going to die.”
He went on to shut down claims that the genre is fading, emphasizing that Amapiano remains one of the biggest movements in South African music history.
“We put so much into this thing to work. You cannot write such statements and think we will keep quiet. We are not quiet. We know what is happening. We cannot just keep quiet. Don’t post such statements. Did you post such statements when they disappointed you? This is craziness.”
Njelic’s fiery response has since gone viral, with fans and fellow musicians rallying behind him. Many echoed his sentiments, calling out unfair treatment of artists and defending the genre’s dominance in South African and global music scenes.
With Amapiano still topping charts worldwide, Njelic and other artists continue to prove that the genre is far from dying.
