South African DJ and producer Maphorisa has praised Zimbabweans living in the United Kingdom for their role in popularising Amapiano beyond Africa’s borders. The remarks, made during a recent episode of the I Believe Podcast, have since gone viral on social media, with many Zimbabweans at home and abroad taking pride in the acknowledgement.
The podcast, which premiered on Friday, 28 August 2026, featured Maphorisa in a candid conversation filmed in a record-store-style setting. Reflecting on the early days of Amapiano’s international growth, he recounted how events organised by a collective called Piano People in London became a turning point shortly after lockdown restrictions were lifted.
When asked about the early audiences at those UK shows, Maphorisa identified three key communities: Zimbabweans, Nigerians, and South Africans. He was particularly warm in his praise of the Zimbabwean community, suggesting they played a significant role in building the genre’s fanbase on the ground in London. “I feel like they’ve played a big part of that, and then also Nigerians and South Africans,” he said, emphasising the importance of community.
The clip has drawn mixed reactions online. Some fans appreciated the nod to the diaspora, while others felt Maphorisa could have been more direct in crediting one group over another. On X (Twitter), users debated the significance, with comments ranging from “He danced around saying it explicitly” to “And Nigerians” and “But they call us names,” referencing broader tensions within the diaspora.
For many in Zimbabwe, particularly in Harare where Amapiano has become a staple in clubs and parties, the recognition is a point of pride. The genre’s infectious log drums and soulful melodies have found a dedicated following locally, and the news that Zimbabweans abroad helped push it onto the world stage resonates deeply. As Amapiano continues to dominate global charts, this acknowledgement underscores the influence of the Zimbabwean diaspora in shaping contemporary music culture.
