Amapiano hitmaker Da Muziqal Chef has opened up about his journey, creative philosophy, and future ambitions in a candid chat with TheJournalistDJ.com, marking what feels like a long-overdue moment between the culture and one of its quiet pioneers.
After years of shaping the sound behind the scenes, the producer says 2026 signals a shift, not just musically, but visually and strategically.
“You Can’t Say Amapiano Without Da Muziqal Chef”
Introduced simply as “that authentic music producer”, Da Muziqal Chef reflected on his early days, reminding listeners that his contribution to Amapiano predates its fashion-driven, commercial explosion.
Long before the genre became synonymous with luxury lifestyles and viral dances, he was already building from the roots — focusing on sound, groove, and feeling rather than hype.
“I never thought I’d be a superstar,” he admitted. “But with the journey I took in music, I knew I would finally be one of those stars in that realm.”
The Moment It All Changed: John Wick
Like many artists, Da Muziqal Chef can trace his breakthrough to a single defining record. For him, that moment came with “John Wick”, his career-defining collaboration with De Mthuda.
“That’s when I felt like I’ve arrived,” he said. “People were feeling the wave.”
The song didn’t just travel through clubs and streets, it confirmed his place in the Amapiano movement and signaled that his sound had truly reached the people.
Energy Before Everything
When asked about the inspiration behind John Wick, Da Muziqal Chef emphasized something often overlooked in hit-making conversations: energy.
“We had good vibes, good energy,” he explained. “Music without good energy doesn’t have purpose.”
It’s a philosophy that has guided his work, prioritising authentic collaboration and emotional resonance over formulaic production.
2026: Putting the Brand Front and Centre
With Amapiano now a global export, Da Muziqal Chef says 2026 is about visibility and brand building.
“This year is about bringing my brand up front,” he shared. “People must get to know my face.”
Fans have already noticed his increased presence at industry events, content shoots, and social spaces, a deliberate move in an era where digital identity matters as much as musical output.
Why Content Matters Now More Than Ever
Da Muziqal Chef acknowledges that many Amapiano artists still underestimate the power of content and storytelling.
“With the new times, artists must play digital,” he said. “Social media is important. Bringing your face up front helps your brand grow.”
For him, showing up, not just on stages, but in conversations and culture, is part of long-term sustainability.
Beyond Amapiano: Embracing Evolution
While firmly rooted in Amapiano, Da Muziqal Chef isn’t limiting himself creatively. He revealed a growing interest in house music’s evolving sub-genres, including Afro House and Afro Tech.
“Music is culture,” he said. “I would tap in as a versatile DJ and producer. We try to evolve music.”
It’s a stance that aligns him with artists pushing beyond rigid genre boundaries while staying connected to African electronic roots.
On AI Music: “It’s a Big Chat”
Touching on the rise of AI in music creation, Da Muziqal Chef offered a balanced perspective.
“At the end of the day, it’s art. It’s craftsmanship,” he said. “We need to explore, experience, and grow within the elements.”
Rather than rejecting innovation, he sees AI as part of a broader conversation about evolution, one artists must engage with thoughtfully.
“The Brand Is Here to Stay”
Closing the interview, Da Muziqal Chef expressed gratitude to fans who continue to stream and support his music, promising more releases, more collaborations, and deeper industry engagement.
“Da Muziqal Chef, the brand is here to stay,” he said. “I’m here for work.”
