Oscar Sibonginkosi Mdlongwa is a South African recording artist, DJ, record producer and businessman. Having been in the music industry for over 26 years, Oskido has reached a prominent status in the South African music industry, more-so in popular youth culture. He is undoubtedly one of the pioneering artists that popularised the Kwaito genre of music outside of the townships of South Africa, and he's been central to the rise of Afro-house and opened doors for the new genre known as amapiano. Oskido is the co-founder of Kalawa Jazmee Records, a record label that is home to musical acts like Mafikizolo, Bongo Maffin, and many other foremost groups.
Busiswa Gqulu, known mononymously as Busiswa or Busi, is a South African singer-songwriter and poet. Born in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, South Africa, she gained public recognition for her feature on DJ Zinhle's song, "My Name Is", after being discovered by Kalawa Jazmee's CEO Oskido.
Amapiano, a Zulu or Xhosa word loosely translated to "the pianos", is a subgenre of house music that emerged in South Africa in the mid-2010s. It is a hybrid of deep house, jazz, and lounge music characterised by synths and wide percussive basslines.
Kgaogelo Moagi, known professionally as Master KG, is a South African musician and record producer. Born and raised in Tzaneen, his debut studio album Skeleton Move achieved acclaim including an AFRIMA Award for Best Artist/Group in the African Electro category. He is also known as the pioneer of "Bolobedu" dance.
Charmaine Shamiso Mapimbiro, professionally known as Sha Sha, is a Zimbabwean-born singer-songwriter from Mutare. Hailed by many as "the queen of amapiano", her career began in 2011, at the age of 17 and later was discovered by Audius Mtawarira. She gained popularity for her collaborations with South African amapiano producers such as DJ Maphorisa and Kabza de Small.
JazziDisciples were an amapiano DJ and producer duo originating from South Africa. They were composed of two record producers known by their stage names Mr JazziQ and Josiah De Disciple.
"Essence" is a song by Nigerian singer Wizkid, featuring fellow Nigerian singer Tems. It was released on 30 October 2020, as the fourth single from Wizkid's fourth studio album, Made in Lagos. "Essence" was produced by P2J and Legendury Beatz. The "sensual" song sees the duo express their desire for each other. A music video was released on 9 April 2021, shot in Accra, Ghana. "Essence" is the first Nigerian song in history to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 and the Billboard Global 200. The song received a nomination at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards for Best Global Music Performance.
Khaka Yena, known commonly by his stage name Gaba Cannal, is a South African music producer and DJ. His music production is known for his soulful house take on Amapiano. His name "Gaba Cannal" when roughly translated into Portuguese, means "Let It Be".
TDK Macassette, whose real name is Thandeka Nompumelelo Mkhwanazi, is a South African dancer, singer, radio host and media personality. She got her break in the music industry when she provided corporate services to DJ Maphorisa after they had been to a corporate gig. She is the founder of a communication management company called Tdeeiosion.
Mukengerwa Tresor Riziki, best known by his stage name TRESOR, is a Congolese-born singer, songwriter, music producer, entrepreneur and philanthropist. He gained prominence in 2015 after releasing his single "Mount Everest" from his debut album, VII. His name "Tresor", when translated from French, means "treasure".
Tumelo Manyoni known professionally as Mr JazziQ, is a South African Amapiano DJ and record producer. He is best known for being a former member of the amapiano DJ duo, JazziDisciples.
The 27th Annual South African Music Awards were the 27th edition of the South African Music Awards. The award show was broadcast live on SABC 1 on July 31, 2021 and was held virtually due to the effects of COVID-19 lockdowns.
King of the Wolves (KOTW) is the debut extended play by Nigerian singer-songwriter Alpha P. It was released on 15 November 2019 through Universal Music Group Nigeria.
MFR Souls is an South African Amapiano music duo founded in 2012 by Tumelo Nedondwe and Tumelo Mabe, both of whom are DJ and music producers from Katlehong in the East Rand of Johannesburg. Their hit single "Love You Tonight" was commercial success certified platinum in South Africa.
"Ke Star" is a single by South African rapper Focalistic. It was released by 18 Area Holdings on April 25, 2020 as lead single from his Extended Play Blecke (2020). It was written by Focalistic and produced by Vigro Deep.
Pink Panther is the debut album by South African R&B singer Tshego. The album was released on 29 August 2019, through Twenty Five Eight Entertainment, and licensed through Universal Music South Africa. The album was executively produced by Tshego, and Alie Keys; with additional production from Yaw Bannerman, Gemini Major, and Lunatik. It features guest appearances from King Monada, Riky Rick, Kwesta, Black Class, Tellaman, Thabsie, Focalistic, and Frank Casino.
"Ghanama" is a single by South African singer and songwriter Makhadzi, featuring Prince Benza, released on 7 July 2021, through Open Mic Productions.
Kamogelo Mphela, popularly known as Kamo Mphela, is a South African dancer and singer. She became an internet celebrity after she posted a video of her dancing on her social media account.
Tshegofatso Ketshabile, known professionally as Tshego is a South African-American singer-songwriter. He gained prominence in 2016, after releasing his hit single "Hennessy" and release of his debut album Pink Panther (2019).
Kabelo Petrus Motha is a South African DJ and record producer, popularly known as Kabza De Small. He is a major figure in the amapiano genre of house music. Aside from his solo career, Motha is a member of the Scorpion Kings. Motha gained international recognition after the release of "Umshove", in 2018.
