The Success Story of Major League DJz: Pioneers of South Africa's Global Amapiano Movement

 The Success Story of Major League DJz: Pioneers of South Africa's Global Amapiano Movement

Early Beginnings

Major League DJz, the dynamic duo consisting of twin brothers Bandile and Banele Mbere, were born into a musically inclined family. Raised in Boston, USA, and later in Johannesburg, South Africa, the twins were exposed to diverse sounds from a young age. Their father, an avid jazz enthusiast, and their mother, a passionate lover of soul and R&B, created a home environment filled with rich musical influences. While growing up, the twins also encountered American hip-hop, house music, and kwaito, a genre that would deeply influence their later career.

Their return to South Africa in the early 2000s coincided with the explosion of kwaito and house music in Johannesburg, particularly in the vibrant township of Soweto. This musical backdrop sparked the brothers’ curiosity and love for the local music scene. They began DJing at school parties and small events, slowly honing their craft.

In their early teens, Bandile and Banele decided to take DJing seriously. They looked up to legends like DJ Fresh, Oskido, and the late DJ Kent, who had shaped South Africa's dance and house music scenes. Their dream was to bring an international standard to their music while remaining rooted in their African heritage.

Breaking into the Scene: Kwaito to Hip-Hop Influence

The Major League DJz made their official debut in the South African music industry during the early 2010s. Initially, their sound drew heavy inspiration from kwaito and house music, but they quickly branched out into the growing hip-hop scene in South Africa. They partnered with leading rappers like Cassper Nyovest, Riky Rick, and AKA to create a fusion of hip-hop and house, a sound that resonated with the youth at the time.

Their entry into hip-hop was strategic, recognizing the shift in South African music culture towards a more global sound that included trap, Afrobeat, and rap. In 2013, they launched their own event series called “Major League Gardens,” which quickly became one of the most anticipated music festivals in the country. The event featured top South African talent and became a platform to showcase their growth as DJs and music entrepreneurs.

However, the Major League DJz weren’t satisfied with just being part of the hip-hop movement. They had bigger dreams: to take South African music to the world stage.

Amapiano: The Game Changer

By the mid-2010s, a new genre was taking over the South African music scene: Amapiano. The genre, which originated in the townships of Gauteng, blended deep house, jazz, and kwaito with a signature piano-driven sound. Initially, the genre was niche, but the Major League DJz saw its potential early on. They were intrigued by the unique, soulful nature of Amapiano and its grassroots appeal, which reminded them of the kwaito movement that had shaped their early music experiences.

In 2019, they made a strategic decision to fully immerse themselves in Amapiano. The duo began collaborating with key producers in the genre, such as Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa, two of the pioneers of the sound. Their first Amapiano mixtape, “Amapiano Live Balcony Mix,” was released to critical acclaim, showcasing their ability to seamlessly blend the new genre with their own style.

The duo’s Balcony Mix became a viral sensation. By utilizing platforms like YouTube and social media, they were able to reach not just South African audiences but listeners around the world. These mixes became symbolic of the genre's rise, introducing Amapiano to fans far beyond its township roots.

International Breakthrough

Major League DJz's strategic embrace of Amapiano was key to their international breakthrough. In 2020, they took their Balcony Mixes to new heights with the “Balcony Mix Africa” series, which featured live performances from scenic locations across South Africa. This series played a major role in popularizing Amapiano during the COVID-19 pandemic when live performances were limited. Fans tuned in from across the globe to experience these unique, virtual performances.

The duo’s collaborations with international artists further solidified their global status. In 2021, they worked with Nigerian superstar Burna Boy on the track "Yaba Buluku Remix," an Amapiano banger that gained international airplay. They also collaborated with British rapper Skepta and other European artists, pushing Amapiano into new territories.

In addition to these collaborations, Major League DJz toured globally, performing in the UK, Europe, and the United States. They became ambassadors of Amapiano, representing the genre at prestigious international festivals like Coachella and Afro Nation. Their performances were lauded for their high energy and seamless fusion of South African culture with global sounds.

Entrepreneurial Ventures

Major League DJz’s success extends beyond their music. Recognizing the power of their brand, they expanded into other ventures, most notably with their Major League Gardens festival, which has grown into a massive annual event. The festival showcases local and international talent, further cementing their influence on the South African music landscape.

They also launched the "Major League" clothing line, which reflects their love for fashion and urban culture. The brand has become popular among South African youth, symbolizing a fusion of street culture and high fashion. This entrepreneurial spirit has allowed the twins to diversify their income streams and remain relevant beyond the music industry.

Their success in business and music made them mentors for the next generation of South African artists. Major League DJz have consistently emphasized the importance of ownership and control over one's music and brand, sharing these lessons with up-and-coming artists and producers.

Overcoming Challenges

Despite their immense success, the journey of Major League DJz has not been without its challenges. The twins have faced criticism from some purists who initially viewed their move into Amapiano as opportunistic, especially given their hip-hop background. However, the duo silenced critics with their authenticity and respect for the genre’s roots. They consistently collaborated with Amapiano's pioneers and brought their own unique twist to the sound, showing that they weren’t just jumping on a trend but actively contributing to its evolution.

Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic posed a challenge to their career, as live performances, a major revenue source, were halted. However, their ability to pivot with the Balcony Mixes and their presence on social media allowed them to remain relevant and grow their audience during this difficult period. Their resilience during the pandemic became a testament to their adaptability and vision.

Major League DJz Today

Today, Major League DJz are recognized as global ambassadors for Amapiano, one of the fastest-growing music genres worldwide. Their Balcony Mix Africa has become a cultural phenomenon, and they continue to tour internationally, introducing Amapiano to new audiences across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. They have performed at some of the world’s most prestigious venues and continue to release groundbreaking music that pushes the boundaries of South African sounds.

Their journey from playing small gigs in Soweto to becoming international sensations is a testament to their hard work, vision, and willingness to embrace change. As Major League DJz continue to evolve, they remain committed to their mission of taking African music to the global stage, and they have succeeded in making Amapiano a global movement.

Legacy and Impact

Major League DJz have played a significant role in putting South African music on the global map. Their ability to navigate different genres, from kwaito to hip-hop and finally Amapiano, showcases their versatility as artists and their understanding of the evolving music landscape. They have inspired a new generation of South African musicians to think globally while remaining rooted in their culture.

Their entrepreneurial ventures and dedication to giving back to the music community through mentoring and collaborations have solidified their place as icons in the South African music industry. Major League DJz have proven that success in music is not just about talent but also about innovation, adaptability, and a strong work ethic.

In conclusion, Major League DJz’s story is one of vision, resilience, and passion. They have not only transformed their own lives but also contributed to the rise of Amapiano as a global genre, making them true pioneers of South Africa’s modern music revolution. Their success is a reflection of South Africa’s rich musical heritage and its power to influence the world.