South African music heavyweight DJ Maphorisa has acknowledged the role that Zimbabweans living in the United Kingdom played in propelling the Amapiano genre onto the global stage.
Speaking on the I Believe Podcast, which premiered on Friday, 28 August 2026, the producer reflected on the early days of Amapiano’s international expansion. He pointed to the influence of the London-based collective Piano People, who organised some of the first major Amapiano events in the UK after lockdown restrictions eased.
When asked about the make-up of the crowds at those pioneering shows, Maphorisa highlighted three communities: Zimbabweans, Nigerians, and South Africans in the diaspora. He was especially warm about the Zimbabwean contingent, noting that they helped build the genre’s fanbase on the ground in London.
“I feel like, well, but they’ve played a big part of that and then also Nigerians and South Africans, so I feel like yes. I mean community and stuff,” he said during the interview.
The clip quickly went viral on X (formerly Twitter), with many users debating whether the producer was explicit enough in singling out Zimbabweans. Some praised the recognition, while others felt he could have been more direct.
The conversation adds another layer to the ongoing story of how Amapiano, which originated in South Africa, has become a worldwide phenomenon with strong diaspora support. Zimbabwean communities abroad have long been credited as enthusiastic early adopters of the sound, and Maphorisa’s remarks give that narrative a high-profile nod.
As the genre continues to dominate charts and playlists across continents, the role of Zimbabwean music fans in the UK is now part of the public record.