‘Dalie’, Kamo Mphela’s dewy behind the ears by birth berceuse — yet in shift and ultimacy — a terminator of radio rotation records which has been hulky in streams and charts; is matter-of-course to be a part of the reigning Amapiano Dance Queen’s thumping list of bomb opuses, set to sun-kiss the bunch and flame up the stage as Africa Fest reaches the climax of its inaugural edition, at the SunBet Arena in Times Square — Tshwane, on November 18.
A forerunner for august ambitions; Amapiano, the electrifying musical genre calved in the ringing townships of South Africa, has transcended metes to become a rolling testament to Africa’s yeasty artistry. The worldwide phenomenon has flickered a cultural revolution, uniting auditory communication protagonists from every nook of the globe.
In double-geared roulette wheels and encouraged, in a groundbreaking turn of events, radio stations in Mzansi are shifting their playlists towards homegrown talent — echoing the pulsation of Amapiano. Rocking up with its infectious rhythms and adonic beats; the hybrid of deep house, jazz and lounge euphony characterised by synths, airy pads and wide percussive basslines — genre — now reigns supreme as the most popular hashtag on video-focused social networking service TikTok. A bold concerted phylogenesis, showcasing its unnerving supranational influence!
A sonic chef-d›oeuvre that delves deep into the realm of broken heartedness, leaked snippets of ‘Dalie’ on TikTok have ignited a wildfire of interestingness. Piling up a staggering 253.2 million views and ennobling 175 800 user-generated videos; for Mphela, known off-stage as Kamogelo Matona, to tap Tyler ICU a Disc Jockey, singer Khalil Harrison, and Baby S.O.N a musical artist — who make bully treads in painting the galactic ikon on the explosive lullaby — it was a saccharine escapism.
Going gold in six days; ‘Dalie’ is a secure melodic stroke of brainiac, that is tugging at listeners’ heartstrings and keeping gaga stalwarts as well as blues crazes, dancing all night long. A step up the ladder, Shazam — an application that can identify canons, movies, advertising and television shows; based on a short sample played and using the microphone on the device — buzzed with joy as the latter ditty staked its averment on the charts.
Mphela’s astronomical creation autumnal; ‘Dalie’ ranked at number 8 intercontinental. The single proudly anchored atop the African charts in South Africa, Zambia, Tanzania, and Mozambique. Raising expectations upon its monumental release, ‘Dalie’ made its presence known in Europe, securing position 151 in the UK.
“The track is basically about heartbreak, and when I made the song, I wanted everybody to be able to resonate because we’ve all been through heartbreak. If you haven’t been through heartbreak, then there’s definitely something that you’re doing right. This is definitely something that is added on to my rebirth EP, and it’s dropping late this year,” Kamo Mphela said.
Sharpening her work, the South African multifarious entertainer has cemented her status as the Amapiano Dance Queen with an illustrious career. Her previous sparkly anthems — ‘Nkulunkulu’, ‘Sandton’, and ‘Amanikiniki’ — earned her laurels and nominations at prestigious ceremonies like the South African Music Awards (Samas).
In a New York minute, Mphela’s remarkable talent would catch the attention of Hollywood. She wrote in the book of being featured on the soundtrack to ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ — a 2022 American superhero film produced by Marvel Studios.
This 12-month period, the dancer and singer joined video streaming platform YouTube’s esteemed Black Voices class, further hardening her impact on the cosmopolitan tonal pattern stage. As she spectacularly hits a positive mottle; an affirmation of the contagious cyclicity that Mphela brings to her jams, shall play up on the third Saturday of this month, at Africa Fest — the ultimate celebration of South Africa’s finest Amapiano artists.
Steering the Amapiano revolution closer to its roots, the new-sprung African flagship event promises a captivating fusion of DJ sets and live performances, all set against a backdrop of world-class production and exhilarating dancers.
As luck would have it, superbia, roaring to the top with a stellar lineup — listing Disc Jockeys and record producers Kabza De Small, DBN Gogo, Mas-Musiq, Lesego M, Swazi-born Uncle Waffles, singer-songwriter Samthing Soweto, Pabi Cooper a dancer musician, Makhadzi a singer, musical artists Nkosazana Daughter, DJ Stokie, as well as Sam Deep — is in spades at stake. By all odds, the grander ‘win-win situation’ for Africa Fest, as it shoots off the mark!
Systematically salient, the pathfinding organisers of the fiesta are confident enough to give the mission — to lionise chanted diversity — a serious go! By bringing in concert established legends and auspicious acclivitous stars in the Amapiano universe; Africa Fest whips meticulous fanatics from diverse backgrounds into shape — to make whoopie, in the accomplishment of a genre that has conquered the terrestrial planet.
Irresistible beats and captivating gems in prime quantity, with Africa at the forefront of global tunes, culture, and talent; Ceehle Suntele — a spokesperson for Africa Fest — exclaims the event’s vision.
“Africa’s time is now, and we need to celebrate it! We want to showcase and celebrate Amapiano on a level never seen before! We want to offer audiences a unique experience which will make them proud to be African. We hope attendees will be blown away by the most incredible sound and visual experiences that can compete internationally. Not forgetting aerial acts, dancers, and fireworks!” Suntele said.
Toyota a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer, popular youth-facing and culturally on the pulse brand YFM, as well as eTV the first and biggest independent free-to-air television station in South Africa — are the proud sponsors of Africa Fest. A not to be missed by a hair's-breadth junket of some sort; poised to throw a fit, hit the ceiling as well as flip one's wig — lighting coruscant the Amapiano fire in its cradle and letting the Earth hear Africa’s heartbeat non-stop!
- Grant Moyo is a prolific writer, innovative media personality, entrepreneur and a creative artist who is passionate about using his creative mind for the betterment of society. Follow him on X: @TotemGrant
