Dynamic Amapiano duo Ishuu Industry is making waves in the South African music scene with their latest single, “Yebo Keh,” featuring Spirit-Boys and Genetic 012.
This new track is rapidly climbing the charts and is a testament to the duo’s innovative spirit as they introduce a fresh sub-genre of Amapiano known as iwi.
Comprised of Katleho “Louckzz Mangena” Maloka and Mpho “Kiing Phost” Rakometsi, Ishuu Industry first gained attention with their viral debut single “Chomiyaka,” which inspired the #ChomiyakaChallenge on TikTok. With “Yebo Keh,” the duo continues to capture the essence of youth and creativity.
“The song celebrates the youth and how Africans have become the voice of the world through music. It’s a celebration of life and the belief that anything is possible if you set your mind to it,”
says Kiing Phost.
Emerging from Wesselsbron in the Free State, the duo has dedicated themselves to crafting a unique sound that they hope will resonate globally.
The iwi sound, characterized by its distinctive beat selection and vocal progressions, is both a homage to their roots and an innovative leap forward.
“We wanted to create something unique, a brand of our own that people could hear from anywhere in the world,”
explains Louckzz Mangena.
The story of Ishuu Industry is one of resilience and inspiration. Louckzz, 23, was encouraged to pursue music by his late sister. His musical journey began in a church environment, where he honed his skills. After receiving a rugby scholarship to a prestigious high school, he balanced sports and music, eventually realizing his passion for the latter.
An unfortunate knee injury derailed his athletic ambitions, leading him back to Wesselsbron, where he encountered Mpho, 18, who shared a similar musical journey.
Mpho grew up surrounded by RnB and SeSotho cultural music, developing a love for various genres. The duo initially faced challenges in finding a recording studio in their small town, prompting them to creatively utilize the InShot app to record and share their music online.
Their passion and determination paid off when Louckzz’s father provided them with sound equipment, allowing them to produce hits from their home studio.
The name “Ishuu Industry” pays tribute to the late Mpura Mpura and Amaroto era, where the term “Ishuu” was used to describe something exceptional.
“We combined Ishuu with Industry to honor what they have done for the culture, and now it’s our time to keep pushing the legacy,”
Louckzz said.
With “Yebo Keh,” Ishuu Industry is not just introducing a new sound but also inspiring a generation of young artists to break barriers and express themselves authentically. As they continue to rise in the music scene, their story is a reminder that passion, perseverance, and innovation can create waves in even the smallest of towns.
