The emergence of Amapiano took the world by storm and catapulted Kamo Mphela’s music career. Now, at the forefront of this cultural movement, she has captured the attention of global brands, including Samsung. Here, the dynamic powerhouse lets us in on her role in shaping the future of Awesome and disrupting through innovation alongside a tech giant.
It’s rare to walk into a space and not hear an Amapiano track, and Kamo Mphela is standing on business with her chart-topping hits. The confident performer, known for her great stage presence, has evolved tremendously from the young woman who captured the attention of South Africans with her electrifying dance moves on Instagram.
Reflecting on some key moments in her career, she says, “From busking on street corners to sold-out venues, every gig, rejection, and working with top people in the industry (Killer Kau, Major League, and DJ Maphorisa), the breakthrough has sculpted my sound and resilience, propelling me towards the heights of musical success.” music. So how does she balance the art of dance with her musical expression?
“Dance is the heartbeat of my music; it’s the rhythm that breathes life into every note. Balancing movement with music is like a conversation between body and soul, elevating my performances to unforgettable experiences where every beat is felt, not just heard.” As an artist, she has to navigate the balance between staying true to her creative vision and adapting to the ever- changing landscape. “I stay true to my vibe while keeping an eye on what’s new and trending. Flexibility meets authenticity; it's all about evolution without losing myself in the hype.” She affirms that her music is about joy, celebration, and empowerment. “It’s more of a positive vibe and energy that I want my fans to feel while listening to my music.” Cognizant of the significant role she’s played in pioneering a new era of music, her advice to upcoming artists is to use social media to promote their craftsmanship for more recognition. And she also emphasises the importance of studying the music industry and being more informed.
The South African music scene is diverse and vibrant, and this muso shares that she draws inspiration from her cultural roots and infuses them into her music. “My South African roots run deep, infusing my music with diverse rhythms, rich melodies, and a unique blend of cultural influences. It always does the trick and that’s what captivates audiences worldwide.” As she continues to evolve as an artist, she shares that her approach to breaking into the global space will be through exploring more international collaborations in music, fashion and brand partnerships.
Having played an instrumental role in the success of Amapiano, which has become a global phenomenon, she shares that collaborating with other artists has been crucial in shaping her musical style. “Each experience brings unique energy, ideas, and techniques, which enrich my sound and push me to explore new creative territories.” Collaboration is at the heart of this eclectic genre, and Kamo affirms that this is where the real magic happens: “From experimenting with new genres to finding unique ways to blend our sounds together, it’s all about pushing boundaries and creating something fresh and exciting.” Her iconic dance moves have become synonymous with her music. So how does she balance the art of dance with her musical expression?
“Dance is the heartbeat of my music; it’s the rhythm that breathes life into every note. Balancing movement with music is like a conversation between body and soul, elevating my performances to unforgettable experiences where every beat is felt, not just heard.” As an artist, she has to navigate the balance between staying true to her creative vision and adapting to the ever- changing landscape. “I stay true to my vibe while keeping an eye on what’s new and trending. Flexibility meets authenticity; it's all about evolution without losing myself in the hype.”
She affirms that her music is about joy, celebration, and empowerment. “It’s more of a positive vibe and energy that I want my fans to feel while listening to my music.” Cognizant of the significant role she’s played in pioneering a new era of music, her advice to upcoming artists is to use social media to promote their craftsmanship for more recognition. And she also emphasises the importance of studying the music industry and being more informed.
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