Over the past couple of years, an exciting sound has emerged from South Africa’s busiest townships. The genre-mashing sound which borrows from other homegrown sounds has evolved from the depths of the underground to become a mainstream disruptor in today’s global world. Despite rising from the townships, Amapiano continues to influence global tastes thanks to the likes of the genre’s frontrunners including Kazba de Small & DJ Maphorisa, De Mthuda, MFR Souls, Vigro Deep and more.

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At the forefront of the sound is South Africa’s Major League DJz have played a vital role in spreading the sound far and wide, from their base in Johannesburg, South Africa. 

After helming a number of hits off their recently released album, ‘Outside,’ the duo announced yesterday that they had crossed another milestone in their fast rising career. Shortly after signing a music licensing agreement with emPawa Africa last year, the hitmaking brother-duo have now signed a global recording deal with Atlantic Records.

Sharing in an Instagram post, they said:

“PIANO TO THE WORLD” was just a phrase that we believed in so much so that it changed our lives. This is just the beginning, there’s still so much work to do, the door stays open for kids coming after us. Black child your dreams are valid. Let’s dream as a nation because wow the doors are open wide & the world is ready to embrace Africa.”

The pair also dedicated this moment to their late colleague and friend, Riky Rick who unfortunately passed away earlier this month. This global moment for Amapiano and indeed South Africa is a collective effort, and Major League DJz themselves emphasise the genre’s collaborative effort in our Sounds From This Side digital exclusive.

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