South Africa’s Kabza De Small and Ofentse Pitse Lead Unprecedented Fusion of Modern African Rhythms and Orchestral Grandeur.
June 5, 2024
Johannesburg’s famed Lyric Theatre in Gold Reef City resonated with an unprecedented musical fusion on June 8 and 9, 2024, as Red Bull Symphonic debuted in South Africa.
Showcasing the much-anticipated collaboration between Kabza De Small, the King of Amapiano, and the Symphonic Orchestra led by the trailblazing female conductor, Ofentse Pitse, audiences were treated to an unforgettable 130-minute performance featuring a unique blend of modern African rhythms and classical orchestration.
– Amapiano, originating from South Africa in the mid-2010s and named after ‘the pianos’ in Zulu, is a unique music genre that seamlessly blends elements of deep house, jazz, and lounge music.
– Characterised by wide percussive basslines, airy pads, and vibrant piano melodies, Amapiano creates a distinct soundscape that is both smooth and rhythmically complex. Its signature use of log drums, syncopated basslines, and playful piano tunes form the foundation of its sound, driving a gentle groove that prompts listeners to sway and move. The incorporation of electronic sounds and vocal snippets further enriches the auditory experience.
– The two sold-out Red Bull Symphonic concerts immersed attendees in majestic interpretations of iconic Amapiano tracks such as “Khusela” and “Imithandazo.” The seamless integration of Amapiano’s addictive rhythms with the rich, layered sounds of a 33-piece orchestra and an eight-piece choir created an auditory experience that was both profoundly moving and exhilarating. Each arrangement honoured the essence of Amapiano while elevating it with the grandeur of a symphonic ensemble, leading to moments of pure musical transcendence.
– Kabza De Small’s performance was a testament to his iconic repertoire, with tracks reimagined through the sweeping strings, brass, and soaring key-notes of the orchestra.
– “The magic that came with mixing a more spiritual sound and the smooth melodic jazz instruments has to be the biggest highlight of the show,” Kabza De Small commented after the shows. “Normally Amapiano is taken as a genre that couldn’t be broken down but here we are challenging the odds,” he added.
– As is tradition for Red Bull Symphonic events around the world, the collaboration between Kabza De Small, Ofentse Pitse, and the Symphonic Orchestra was supposed to be a one-night-only spectacular. Tickets, however, sold out within an hour, prompting the addition of a second night at the Lyric Theatre, which also sold out almost immediately.
– “To have the audience feel it over the two nights and have felt it the way we lived it for the past few months, was really special,” Pitse said, before adding, “It’s gonna live with me forever.”
– The performances were yet another milestone in the growth and international rise of Amapiano. Initially spreading through grassroots channels like WhatsApp and minibus taxis, the genre faced early resistance but eventually gained mainstream acceptance. The genre’s influence has since spread globally, with this performance in Johannesburg leaving a huge mark.
– Amapiano is more than just a genre of music; it is a cultural phenomenon that encapsulates the spirit of post-apartheid South Africa, particularly among the youth. It embodies resilience, joy, and a deep connection to African identity. The music serves as a vehicle for social commentary, storytelling, and celebration, reflecting the lived experiences and aspirations of many South Africans. By incorporating traditional sounds and modern beats, Amapiano serves as a bridge between the past and the future, preserving cultural heritage while fostering innovation and creativity.
– The genre’s cultural significance is evident in its ability to bring people together, transcending ethnic and social boundaries. As a unifying force, Amapiano celebrates a ‘new’ South African identity through a sound that is both contemporary and deeply rooted in tradition.
– The lyrics of Amapiano tracks often incorporate local South African languages such as isiZulu, isiXhosa, and Sesotho, reflecting the authentic lived experiences of the listeners. This use of local slang and vernacular helps preserve these languages and makes them appealing to younger generations, fostering a sense of pride and cultural continuity.
– Amapiano has also strongly impacted dance culture, with several iconic moves emerging from the genre. Dances like the Pouncing Cat, the Vosho, and the Gwara Gwara (adapted to Amapiano’s tempo) have become global sensations, widely shared on social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. These platforms have played a crucial role in popularizing Amapiano, turning local dance challenges into viral phenomena and introducing the genre to international audiences.
– When quizzed about what’s next for Amapiano, Kabza De Small said: “We’re going to take the sound to places that haven’t been explored yet. And conquer those.”
– Kabza has been a pivotal figure in the Amapiano scene and has been instrumental in pushing the genre’s boundaries. His collaborations and innovative productions have earned him numerous awards, cementing his status as a leading force in Amapiano’s evolution.
– “The highlight of my evening was seeing the combination of this dream of myself and Kabza coming to fruition,” Pitse, the first black South African woman to own and lead an all-black orchestra, said afterwards.
– “This is something that existed with us way before it was released into the world. So you can imagine the time and the hours that we put into every song, stitching it together, removing some parts, making sure that we tell an overall story of not only our experiences but also the experiences of the African child,” she added.
– In addition to the main performance, the audiences were entertained by big-name side acts such as Daliwonga, Njelic, and Mawhoo.
– The double sold-out Red Bull Symphonic concerts were a testament to the genre’s global appeal and cultural significance, proving that when different musical worlds come together, the result can be nothing short of magical. As the legacy of Amapiano continues to grow, it is bound to inspire, unite, and transcend boundaries.
