South African DJ and producer DJ Maphorisa has praised Zimbabweans living in the United Kingdom for their part in pushing Amapiano onto the international stage. His comments came during an episode of the I Believe Podcast, which premiered on Friday, 28 August 2026, and have since gone viral on social media platform X.
In a candid conversation recorded in a setting lined with vinyl records and album art, Maphorisa reflected on the early days of Amapiano’s spread beyond South Africa. He credited the London-based collective Piano People for organising grassroots events that helped the genre find its footing abroad, particularly after lockdown restrictions were lifted.
When asked about the composition of early audiences at those UK shows, Maphorisa pointed to three key diaspora communities: Zimbabweans, Nigerians, and South Africans. He was especially warm in his acknowledgement of the Zimbabwean community, noting that they had played a big part in building the genre’s fanbase on the ground in London. He also gave a shout-out to Piano People for their genuine efforts in pushing Amapiano forward before it became the global phenomenon it is today.
The clip has drawn mixed reactions online. While many fans welcomed the recognition of Zimbabwean contributions, some social media users felt Maphorisa could have been more direct in crediting specific communities. Others highlighted the irony given negative stereotypes sometimes faced by Zimbabweans in the diaspora.
This is not the first time Amapiano’s international growth has been linked to diaspora audiences. The acknowledgement from Maphorisa underscores the important role that Zimbabweans abroad continue to play in shaping global music trends.
