Thukuthela is proving to be one of the most dominant forces in South African music right now. The rising star has officially surpassed industry heavyweight DJ Maphorisa to become the first South African artist in 2025 to spend 10 consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the South African YouTube Weekly Artists Chart.
The achievement not only cements his fast-growing reputation but also signals a generational shift in the music scene. According to The Table Chart, Thukuthela has generated an impressive 7.6 million plays on YouTube in the past week alone, a testament to his wide-reaching influence and loyal fanbase. “Thukuthela has become the first South African artist this year to hold the top spot for 10 weeks straight, surpassing DJ Maphorisa,” the platform confirmed.
At the center of this success is his chart-topping single “Bendicela”, a collaboration featuring MaWhoo, GL_Ceejay, and Jazzworx. The song has struck a powerful chord with fans, blending amapiano’s signature grooves with heartfelt vocals and layered production. The chemistry between the collaborators has elevated the track, giving it both mass appeal and staying power on the charts.
For many fans, this moment feels like a passing of the torch. DJ Maphorisa has long been regarded as one of amapiano’s most influential figures, shaping the genre’s global rise. To see Thukuthela not only keep pace but outshine him on such a massive platform shows how much the younger generation of artists are pushing boundaries and connecting with audiences in fresh ways.
Thukuthela’s music, known for its raw emotion, catchy rhythms, and undeniable amapiano edge, has resonated deeply with listeners both locally and abroad. His consistency on the charts highlights just how impactful his releases have been over the past few months. In a competitive landscape where new music drops almost daily, maintaining dominance for 10 weeks is nothing short of remarkable.
Beyond the numbers, this milestone reflects Thukuthela’s steady growth as a performer and creator. He’s molding out his own lane, earning respect from peers and listeners alike, while reminding the industry that amapiano continues to evolve. Fans are quick to celebrate his achievement on social media, with many praising his work ethic and ability to deliver music that feels both authentic and timeless.
As South Africa’s music scene keeps expanding onto global stages, Thukuthela’s success story shows how homegrown artists are rewriting the rules. Surpassing DJ Maphorisa is no small feat, it’s a bold statement that Thukuthela is not just here to participate but to lead. And if his current momentum is anything to go by, this is only the beginning of an even bigger legacy in the making.
