The Amapiano genre has taken SA by storm! While it may have been inspired by Kwaito, it has become its own beast and has even recently been given its own category at the SAMA’s along with Gqom and the aforementioned Kwaito: https://samusicawards.co.za/2021/01/13/sama27-rings-in-changes-with-three-new-categories/. We chatted to two Amapiano producers, Wiseman Mbedu and Melvyn Riberts, to find out more about them and what it is like to produce this popular music style.
MD: Thanks for chatting to us. Can you let our readers know a bit more about yourselves and how you got into producing music?
WM: My name is Vusumzi Wiseman Mbedu. Wow, I never thought about all the years I have been doing this but to count it would be 11 years and each year has been an experience for me. If I had to describe myself it would be “crazy at times, free-spirited and what you see if what you get”.
MR: I’m also known as Loobub DJ and I’m a music producer and DJ from Eldorado Park, South of Johannesburg. I have been involved in the Music Industry for the past 8 years however I took on the professional scene as a club DJ around mid-2018. Professionally speaking, I’ve been involved within the industry for the past 2 years after graduating from Soul Candi Institute of Music.
Melvyn Riberts 
Wiseman Mbedu
MD: Melvyn, do you find that there is a difference producing Amapiano for productions/commercial use versus for personal enjoyment?
MR: For me personally, I create what makes sense to me at the time when I’m producing Amapiano content. I try to deliver my best every time and whether it’s for commercial use or just personal production. Music is meant to be shared and it’s up to the listener to connect with the producer in whichever way possible. Just note that with production music, you are bound to be heard and in commercial production your music drowns within the main stream industry, so it’s harder for you to get heard. Otherwise find creative means to push your commercial releases.
MD: Wiseman, do you find Amapiano easier or more difficult to produce than other genres?
WM: Well, I would say it is easier than other types of music for me. The production format is the same for most Amapiano tracks. In terms of commercial House or Hip Hop, there is so much musicality involved, for me at least in terms of production.
MD: You have both produced tracks for Mama Dance’s popular Amapiano album series. Do you have a favourite track?
MR: The tracks I like most off Amapiano – Mzantsi House Flava 1 is Sunrise. and one of Wiseman’s tracks, Party On off the second album because the production is unfamiliar for Amapiano and it’s something I believe could get the party started.
WM: In terms of songs I produced, sho, that’s a hard one for me. I can’t choose between Let You Go and One Night. They both speak to me as to how I feel emotionally and as to what I was going through at the time I was producing these songs.
MD: What does the future hold for you?
WM: Expect the unexpected! I choose to do what I feel most times and not follow trends. The future holds so much promise for me and only God knows what’s to come. But expect more music from me and better productions!
MR: I am working on a project titled Khullid Wave which is set to drop closer to the end of this year. The album is bound to introduce South Africa and the World about Coloured Culuture. My goal is to create an atmosphere which will focus on Coloured parties and also have the people dance and sing along to the music I create for them.
MD: Sounds exciting! Thanks for your time. Any final words for aspiring Amapiano producers?
MR: Find you sound. It’s not easy creating or finding what relates to your personality but always remember that it’s better to influence than be influenced. Your sound is your rhythm and your rhythm has a place in this world.
WM: I would say learn to understand the culture of Amapiano and the roots of the music before jumping in to produce any type of music.
