Briefly ZA
DJ Maphorisa has sparked conversation online after crediting Zimbabweans living in the United Kingdom as a driving force behind Amapiano’s global reach.
The remarks came during the I Believe Podcast episode, which premiered on Friday, 28 August 2026, and have since gone viral on X (Twitter).
Speaking in a candid, conversational interview filmed in a record-store-style setting lined with vinyl records and framed album art, Maphorisa reflected on how the genre first began gaining traction beyond South Africa’s borders. He recalled early gigs organised by a crew called Piano People, describing one particular event shortly after lockdown restrictions lifted as a turning point for the movement overseas.
When pressed on who made up the early audiences at those UK shows, Maphorisa pointed to three communities: Zimbabweans, Nigerians, and South Africans living in the diaspora. He was particularly warm in his praise of the Zimbabwean community, suggesting they played a significant role in building the genre’s fanbase on the ground in London.
“I feel like, well, but they’ve played a big part of that and then also Nigerians and South Africans, so I feel like yes. I mean community and stuff,” he said. He gave a shout-out to Piano People, describing their efforts as a genuine grassroots push that helped Amapiano find its footing internationally before it became the global phenomenon it is today.
The clip drew mixed responses, with some fans praising the acknowledgement and others feeling he danced around giving more direct credit.
@rjcdube wrote: “He danced around saying it explicitly 🤣🤣🤣”
@LennyLemix tagged anti-illegal immigration protest leaders in the debate, writing: “@JacintaNgobese @PhakelaMthakath, are you hearing me?”
@Oratuwe4 added simply: “And Nigerians” @Lenso30 weighed in with a pointed observation, saying: “@ndues_boy But they call us names”
)))) Single women are waiting for you on — https://reurl.cc/OQVQdr