David Adedeji Adeleke popularly known as Davido has set the record straight regarding the long-standing question of the true origins of music genre, Amapiano.
Due to its global reach, there’s been debates about who came up with the genre and in most cases, props were inaccurately given to Nigeria.
In a sit down with US Podcaster Charlamagne Tha God, Davido without hesitation admitted that the Yanos originate from South Africa.
“Amapiano is from South Africa.
South Africans since time have always had great, dope music,” Davido complimented Mzansi.
He went on to share his journey after discovering the unique Mzansi sound.
“According to my knowledge, it blew up across Africa five years ago and Nigerian producers adapted to the sound as well.
Nigeria has its own sound, but Amapiano is from South Africa, and they don’t gatekeep.
Every time I make an Amapiano song it’s either I work with one of their producers or artists.
One of my biggest Amapiano records is featuring Musa Keys, who is South African.
On the album too, he produced like two tracks,” Davido shared.
Amapiano which is defined as a subgenre of both Kwaito and House, has proven many critics wrong regarding its longevity.
There was uncertainty on whether it would survive the test of time but now the genre is widely celebrated globally.
Its flexibility to fuse with various styles of music, is one of the many reasons that makes the Yanos a favourite in the industry.
Amongst others, Mzansi’s goated Amapiano producers such as Kabza de Small, tested this with collaborations featuring gospel groups and we’ve also witnessed Hip Hop artists like Kwesta and Cassper Nyovest rapping to Amapiano rhythms.
Meanwhile, South Africans on social media felt validated by Davido’s acknowledgement of their genre.
“Shoutout to him. That part of paying homage to the founders of the genre.”
“Big S/O to Davido, he’s a real G for this one.”
“He might be the first Nigerian I like,” read some of the comments on X.
Despite the competition between Nigeria and South Africa in terms of sports and the arts, musicians between the two countries continue to collaborate on either Afrobeats or Amapiano, which are both internationally embraced.
