• It’s an international Amapiano movement
• Top SA DJ’s Focalistic, Vigro Deep, Young Stunna, Major League DJz, and DJ Maphorisa to play
• First ladies of Amapiano DJs DBN Gogo and Uncle Waffles to rock crowds
• Kamo Mphela to vibe with dance moves

South Africa returns to ‘Afro Nation’ in July, coming in hard with a massive presence and representation at one of the most important international African Music festivals. The event, taking place in Portimao, Portugal from July 1-3, singularly champions talents from Africa and the African diaspora and it’s been two years since this epic gathering of diversity and heritage last took place.

South Africa has carved out its own moments throughout all three days of the festival. Tasked with spreading the Amapiano movement globally is a host of South Africa’s top talent: rapper Focalistic, DJs Vigro Deep and Young Stunna, Major League DJz, and Dj Maphorisa, all of whom have had significant breakthrough Amapiano tracks which went from underground to international chart attention. This marks the first international showcase where so many of the genre’s leading proponents will perform together.

Relatively new arrivals, although having had a massive impact on the Amapiano scene with their phenomenal followings and atmospheric parties, the first ladies of Amapiano, DJs DBN Gogo and Uncle Waffles will be representing South Africa at the Algarve event.

Amapiano is celebrated for spawning a multitude of viral dance moves. Therefore, the foremost proponent, dancer, and iconic vibe creator, Kamo Mphela, will also be in attendance at Afro Nation. Her electric and legendary dance stylings will show how South Africans really get down – certain to be a highlight.

The rest of the international line-up features a number of big names, some of whom we have covered in the WIRE: American R&B singer Chris Brown, rapper Megan Thee Stallion and Nigerian superstars Wizkid, Burna Boy, and CKay. Excitingly, UK breakthrough artists Pa Salieu, ShaSimone and masked phenomenon Midas The Jagaban have also been announced as performers.

Nigeria will also be represented by rapper Naira Marley and Afrobeats singers Rema and Tems, as well as exciting reggae-dancehall acts Beenie Man, Koffee, and Patoranking. Coming out of lockdown, this year’s Afro Nation promises to be a declaration of both freedom to dance as well as the continued rise of African music world-wide.

Ahead of “Afro Nation” in July, DJ Maphorisa is bringing AMAPIANO to the world. Right now, he is on his US tour with a stopover in Chicago. The city of Chicago is considered to be the birthplace of “house music” under its first musical director, DJ Frankie Knuckles, at the “Warehouse” nightclub. AMAPIANO combines deephouse with soulful grooves and DJ Maphorisa knows just how to take a dancefloor on a melodic journey. The highlight of the night was Chance the Rapper attending in support of DJ Maphorisa’s set. We think a collab with Chance the Rapper and DJ Maphorisa on a AMAPIANO track would be dope. What are your feels for this potential vibe?

Originally published Feb 15, 2022 13:06 PM, updated March 28 2022