HERE IS WHY DJ MAPHORISA IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ARTIST IN SOUTH AFRICA

DJ Maphorisa stands as one of South Africa’s most transformative and influential music producers and executives. From his beginnings with Uhuru in the early 2010s, crafting timeless anthems like Kwesta's "Ngud," to revitalizing legacy acts like Mafikizolo with their chart-topping hit "Khona," Phori has proven time and time again that he is the cornerstone of South African music.

What truly sets DJ Maphorisa apart is his unmatched ability to evolve. From the Kalawa Jazmee days to spearheading the gqom wave and now championing the global rise of amapiano, he has consistently been ahead of the curve, shaping entire musical movements. His influence has been pivotal in turning amapiano from a niche sound into a global phenomenon. It’s undeniable—Phori reigns supreme in SA music, no matter how you cut it. In light of recent internet chatter likening him to a “Suge Knight” figure in the industry, it’s essential to separate the noise from the truth. We must not allow misguided narratives to overshadow the monumental accomplishments of a legend.

When DJ Maphorisa first broke onto the scene under the mentorship of Oskido at Kalawa Jazmee, he was learning from one of the greats. Oskido, a South African music icon, played a central role in commercializing kwaito and elevating Afro-house, shaping the sound of an entire generation. Under Oskido’s guidance, Maphorisa absorbed invaluable lessons that would later inform his own approach to music and business. Fast forward to today, and it’s clear Phori has taken those gems and evolved into an even more formidable force.

One of DJ Maphorisa’s unique abilities is his knack for predicting trends and knowing when to pivot. He transitioned into gqom, a raw and pulsating sound rooted in Durban, and helped elevate it to national prominence. At the same time, he was working with international stars like Wizkid and Burna Boy, bridging the gap between South African and Nigerian music. His co-production on Drake’s global hit "One Dance" further cemented his genius. And when Phori eventually shifted focus away from gqom, the genre lost much of its mainstream appeal, proving just how integral he was to its success.

Then came amapiano, a genre simmering beneath the surface for years until DJ Maphorisa stepped in and gave it the spotlight it deserved. Teaming up with Kabza De Small to form Scorpion Kings, Phori brought years of experience, countless hits, and an unparalleled work ethic to the table, propelling amapiano into the stratosphere. Today, amapiano is South Africa’s most significant cultural export, and it has changed the lives of many township-born artists, making millionaires out of young creatives. DJ Maphorisa’s impact on this movement cannot be overstated. One of the greatest lessons he took from Oskido was to create opportunities for others, and he has continuously done so throughout his career. His musical versatility is also another one of his superpowers. From Afro Pop to Gqom, Hip Hop to Amapiano, no producer has navigated so many genres with his level of mastery. Every beat he touches turns to gold, consistently delivering hits across the spectrum and proving that his talent knows no bounds

As we look at the state of South African music in 2024, with amapiano dominating globally, it’s clear that without DJ Maphorisa, much of this success would not have been possible. From all of us at The Gold Axis, we salute DJ Maphorisa and look forward to watching him soar even higher, carrying the South African flag with pride.