Online Reporter
Online Reporter
South African music powerhouse DJ Maphorisa is gearing up for a headline performance at the much-anticipated Byo Piano Fest, a showcase of Amapiano’s growing grip on Zimbabwe’s music scene.
As one of the genre’s key architects, Maphorisa’s presence at the festival underscores Bulawayo’s emerging status as a hub for the South African-born sound that has taken over dancefloors across Africa and beyond.
“I’ve always had love for Bulawayo,” Maphorisa told this publication in an exclusive interview.
“The energy, the people, the vibe—it’s crazy. Amapiano is not just a South African thing anymore, it’s an African thing. Zimbabwe has been rocking with us from the beginning, and now it’s time to take things to another level.”
The Byo Piano Fest, set for 12 April at the ZITF Main Arena is expected to draw thousands of fans from across the country, with a lineup featuring both local and South African acts. The festival is a testament to the way Amapiano has infiltrated Zimbabwe’s clubs, house parties, and even the airwaves, blurring borders between the two neighboring nations.
For Maphorisa, the event is more than just a show—it’s part of a broader movement. Since the early days of Amapiano, he has been instrumental in shaping its global appeal, producing hits that have become anthems from Johannesburg to London. Collaborations with Zimbabwean artists, including Sha Sha—who won a BET Award in 2020 for Best New International Act—have only strengthened the bond between Zimbabwean and South African Amapiano cultures.
But Byo Piano Fest isn’t just about imported talent. The festival is also a platform for Zimbabwe’s own rising Amapiano stars, who are carving their names into the genre’s ever-growing playbook. Acts like DJ Mzoe, Fab G Umshanakagogo, and the infectious wave of underground producers are proving that Zimbabwe is no longer just a consumer of the sound—it’s an active participant in shaping its evolution.
“The way Bulawayo has embraced Amapiano is dope,” Maphorisa said. “This festival is going to be mad—just wait and see.”
As the countdown to Byo Piano Fest continues, the city is buzzing with anticipation. Hotels are expected to fill up, and the streets are bracing for a weekend of deep log drums, pulsating basslines, and the unmistakable call of Amapiano to the world!
Will Byo Piano Fest solidify Bulawayo as an Amapiano capital outside South Africa? Zimbabwe is indeed tuned!
