‘THIS IS AMAPIANO’ documentary is all about shining a light on the originally South African. Now international music genre called Amapiano. The documentary aired not so long ago on BBC in the UK, and is now available on YouTube.
Translated in the isiZulu language, ‘Amapiano’ simply means ‘The Pianos’. Originating from the early jazz influences. Sonically, this type of music consists of a “blend of many genres along with Kwaito [and] local house music that dominated the airwaves in the 90’s”.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Mr JazziQ Hosts The First South Afriican Amapiano Podcast, “JazziQ & Friends”
Presented by the South African touring DJ and producer, Kutloano Nhlapo. Famously known as Da Kruk.
The documentary features prominent artists. Such as Daliwonga, DBN GOGO, Kamo Mphela, Felo Le Tee, Sha Sha, Mas Musiq, DJ Stokie, MajorLeague DJz, Tyler ICU and many other Amapiano contributors.
Speaking to Da Kruk in an interview, about how the programme came about, he told us that it was ‘a vehicle to put a spot light on a genre that follows no rules and norms of the mainstream.
Who the current key players are, while teaching people from different territories in the world what Amapiano is all about and what makes an Amapiano song.”
The DJ takes us along with him through the journey of documenting, as he introduces an overlooked South African music genre known as Amapiano.
To it being on commercial radio in 2016, to being a global phenomenon that now has been co-signed by some of the biggest artists globally.
Which in the beginning of the documentary, persons describe the music genre as a sound you really can not describe. Not until you hear it, and for you to experience it you need to know where it is.
Many narrate Amapiano as a lifestyle outside of it being a music genre. Bring the project to life meant a whole lot of different things to many people.
But to the presenter, it was a long and tedious yet necessary process. That took about a year and a half to research, script, shoot and produce.
For Da Kruk, to be part of this particular era means “it is a real game changer because Amapiano has dictated and taught the younger generation and big music corporations.
How to approach music releases and how audiences consume music today. Amapiano has taught world music about the importance, pace and role of music at the frequency at which social media moves,” he said.
The documentary is there to seamlessly celebrate the genre. While shedding light on the key players, importance of female figures within the genre. Also, the role social media and how the music is translating overseas while drawing back to its roots.
During our discussion, the media personality revealed to us how the exposure came about globally. He told us that Amapiano had been brought to light when he launched his first radio show in the UK. On the BEAT LONDON 103.6 FM & DRUMS RADIO.
“I remember atleast 5 players that I collaborated with that were following the sound and fast forward to two years later the sound is a staple in the UK. Lady Du was actually reminding the other day how I was the first person to get her song called DAKIWE alongside DBN Gogo playlisted by big commercial stations in the UK.
The next steps for Amapiano is to get as many key players, executives and decision makers. In the right position in global corporations. Enabling it to change how the music is sold, catagorised, marketed and how its story is being told.
We need to balance the artist complement with black executives so that the sound can live beyond social media but also be well represented in boardrooms that influence business of African and set the correct narrative.
Later this week to follow on, BBC will be airing a radio version of the ‘THIS IS AMAPIANO’ documentary. That will also be hosted by Da Kruk and DJ Edu on BBC Radio 1Xtra and This Is Africa platforms.