‘South Africans gave Nigerians green light to use Amapiano’ — DJ Maphorisa

South African DJ and producer, Maphorisa has claimed that South Africans gave Nigerians the “green light” to use Amapiano after collaborations between artistes from both countries helped spread the sound.

Maphorisa made the comment while discussing how the sound spread beyond South Africa and gained popularity in Nigeria.

He pointed to “Sponono,” a collaboration involving Kabza De Small and Nigerian stars Burna Boy and Wizkid, saying the song helped open the way for Nigerians to connect with Amapiano.

“So, doing that, I knew that we gave them a green light to do Amapiano,” Maphorisa said.

He described “Sponono” as a major record that remained influential, adding that its success helped expose the sound to a wider Nigerian audience.

Maphorisa also spoke about the Nigerian artistes and music figures who influenced him, mentioning Don Jazzy, D’banj, P-Square and Davido.

“Nigerians are very smart, and they are very aggressive,” he said.