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A certain presence: Nobantu Vilakazi describes herself as a DJ, a vocalist, a songwriter and a hitmaker. Photo: Supplied
ABAFANA BASE GOLI

How Amapiano’s first lady is defining her own lane

Nobantu Vilakazi cements her solo era with ‘Abafana Base Goli’, a bold anthem blending township truth and irresistible grooves

  • Lesego Chepape
7 min read
Music producer Evens Radebe works on a song with his partner Augustine Mbatha as dancer Jayden looks on. Photo: Oupa Nkosi
AMAPIANO

The evolution of amapiano

Sound that has taken the world by storm is in danger of dying out in a lacklustre industry

  • Oupa Nkosi
8 min read
DBN Gogo are among a generation of female artists who propelled themselves to stardom, often using their own social media leverage instead of relying on the traditionally male ‘middlemen’, managers. Photos: Oupa Bopape/ Gallo Images
AMAPIANO
Video

The rise and rise of the queens of amapiano

In a music industry often ruled by men, SA’s latest popular dance genre is ushering in a new era of inclusion

  • Sabelo Mkhabela
10 min read
Erasure: Lady Du says she appeared on a billboard in the US before she was ever profiled in a South African newspaper. (Oupa Bopape/Gallo Images)
LADY DU

Does trad media get amapiano?

The divide between mainstream media and amapiano artists is of both parties’ making

  • Sabelo Mkhabela
7 min read
In his element: Amapiano producer Mthuthuzeli Gift Khoza, better known as De Mthuda, in his natural habitat – manning the decks at Universal Music’s headquarters in Rosebank. (Photo: Sabelo Mkhabela)
ACE OF SPADES

Meet De Mthuda, the landlord of amapiano

Amapiano super producer De Mthuda is shaping the soundtrack of summer, but prefers to speak through his music, not to journalists, except in this case …

  • Sabelo Mkhabela
10 min read