In a recent interview on Bogartman Radio, Josiah De Disciple, a prominent figure in the amapiano scene, shed light on the origins of the genre, attributing its beginnings to MFR Souls. Amid ongoing debates about the roots of amapiano music, Josiah De Disciple’s insights provide valuable perspective on the genre’s evolution.
During the interview, Josiah De Disciple revealed that his initial foray into music production was alongside MFR Souls, who he credits as the pioneers of the amapiano sound. He emphasized that MFR Souls were instrumental in shaping the genre, releasing mixtapes and a plethora of songs that laid the foundation for amapiano’s emergence. “Honestly MFR Souls were the only ones who were producing the music, they were the only ones and they used to take out mixtapes and not only a couple of songs, but there were a bunch of songs.”
According to Josiah De Disciple, amapiano’s roots can be traced back to the East, where MFR Souls first cultivated the genre’s distinctive sound. We can say piano is from the East, we can just sum it up and say it was birthed in the East,” he emphasised. While acknowledging influences from various musical styles such as Kwaito, soulful house, and tribal house, he emphasized that MFR Souls played a pivotal role in defining the genre’s identity.
Addressing misconceptions about amapiano’s origins, Josiah De Disciple refuted claims that the genre stemmed solely from Kwaito remixes. Instead, he highlighted the genre’s diverse influences, underscoring its eclectic blend of musical elements.
In addition, despite past tensions, Josiah De Disciple expressed openness to collaborating with Boohle once again. “Boohle has an amazing voice, and I feel like to be honest our journey was cut short and I feel like we still can make beautiful music together,” he expressed.
Josiah De Disciple’s contributions to the amapiano genre are significant, with collaborations with notable artists such as Mr JazziQ, Jazzidisciples, and Moonchild Sanelly showcasing his versatility as a producer. His collaborative effort with Boohle on “Qinisela” stands out for its seamless fusion of amapiano beats with soulful vocals, exemplifying his innovative approach to music production.
As a rising star in the electronic and amapiano music scene, Josiah De Disciple continues to push boundaries and explore new sonic territories. His commitment to delivering exceptional music experiences has earned him a dedicated fan base and solidified his position as a key figure in the genre.
Josiah De Disciple’s insights into the origins of amapiano music provide valuable context for understanding the genre’s evolution. By crediting MFR Souls as the originators of the genre, he highlights the contributions of key pioneers and underscores the genre’s rich cultural heritage.
