Renowned South African DJ, Maphorisa, well-known for his influence in the music industry, has recently advocated for Nigerian DJs to consider adjusting the tempo when playing Amapiano music. In his insightful commentary, Maphorisa emphasized the importance of capturing the essence and unique rhythmic qualities of Amapiano, encouraging a more deliberate and authentic representation of the genre within the Nigerian music scene. The DJ’s call for a nuanced approach reflects a broader conversation on the intricacies of musical genres and the need for cross-cultural understanding among DJs and artists..
Since 2020, Amapiano, a South African genre that fuses Kwaito with House music, has taken control of the Nigerian mainstream music scene.
In Nigeria, Amapiano, known for its booming basslines, has gained significant popularity in clubs for its ability to kickstart parties. Nigerian DJs often play both the Afrobeats version and the South African Amapiano to keep the crowd entertained.
One of the prominent personalities in the Amapiano genre, DJ Maphorisa, recently utilized his social media platform to provide guidance to Nigerian DJs on the optimal approach to playing South African Amapiano songs. In a noteworthy social media post, DJ Maphorisa shared insights and advice aimed at enhancing the understanding and effective execution of South African Amapiano tunes within the Nigerian music scene.
Maphorisa expressed his concern and disapproval regarding the prevalent use of high Beats Per Minute (BPM) by Nigerian DJs when playing Amapiano songs. In a detailed commentary on the matter, he highlighted the nuances of Amapiano’s characteristic tempo and urged Nigerian DJs to adopt a more nuanced and authentic approach, aligning with the genre’s unique rhythmic elements. Maphorisa’s insightful critique underscored the importance of understanding and respecting the intricacies of Amapiano, emphasizing a desire for a more accurate representation of the genre in the Nigerian music landscape.
According to Maphorisa, using a bpm as high as 160 when playing Amapiano robs the music of its stellar components.
“Amapiano shouldn’t be rushed. 160 bpm is too high. Please, bring it down to 130,” Maphorisa said during the Instagram live session.
DJ Maphorisa has garnered significant acclaim within the Nigerian music industry, achieving popularity through collaborations with numerous Afrobeats stars, such as Wizkid and Lojay.
The integration of Amapiano into the Afrobeats scene since 2020 has been substantial, with several Nigerian artists reaping the rewards of incorporating this South African import into their musical repertoire. The genre’s influence has permeated the Nigerian music landscape, contributing to the diverse and dynamic musical tapestry that has captivated audiences and artists alike.
As of late, the song “Amapiano” by Asake and Olamide, a tribute to the genre, has received a nomination in the category of Best African Song Performance at the 66th Grammy Awards.
DJ Maphorisa begs Nigerian DJs
pic.twitter.com/slZqS9cu7S— Instablog9ja (@instablog9ja) February 17, 2024
