DJ Maphorisa announces moving away from Amapiano
DJ Maphorisa has sparked widespread conversation online after after announcing that he is stepping away from Amapiano.
The producer made the bold declaration on Instagram, stating that Amapiano is “in good hands” as he returns to the genre where it all started, sparking heated debate about money, global gigs, and the future of Amapiano.
The award-winning producer and DJ shared a video of himself on Instagram with the words, “Back in my element Afro.”
He further fueled speculation in the caption, writing: “Amapiano it’s in good hands I’m going back to my roots whr it all started AFRO!!!!!!”
The post quickly attracted attention from fellow industry heavyweights, with many showing excitement and support.
Shimza reacted enthusiastically, commenting, “Areye!!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀,” while Zakes Bantwini added, “Woza baba …”
However, when the report made its way to X (formerly Twitter), reactions became more divided.
While some fans celebrated Maphorisa’s return to Afro-inspired sounds, others questioned his motives, framing the move as a strategic business decision rather than a purely creative one.
One user wrote, “Afro-House and Afro-Tech is the only ticket to get more gigs internationally. That is why Coffee and Shimza are focused on that genre. This is a business move for Phori.”
Another echoed the sentiment, saying, “Afro tech is on the rise and has serious money. Phori is following the money.”
More critical voices went even further, with one user bluntly stating, “Amapiano is dying anyway.”
DJ Maphorisa, who has been instrumental in taking Amapiano to global audiences, has long been known for his versatility across genres including Afro-house, Afro-pop, gqom, and hip hop.
While it remains unclear whether this signals a permanent shift away from Amapiano or simply an expansion of his sound, the conversation alone highlights his continued influence in shaping South Africa’s music landscape.
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