Veteran broadcaster, DJ and producer Sol Phenduka believes Amapiano’s original pioneers deserve far greater recognition and financial rewards for creating a genre that has grown into a multi-billion-rand global movement.
Speaking to TheJournalistDJ.Com during Maero’s The Musical Experience album launch at La Parada Newmarket in Johannesburg, Sol reflected on the journey of the genre and paid tribute to MFR Souls, describing them as true architects of Amapiano.
“They fathered all these Piano people”
While discussing his relationship with Maero and the MFR Souls camp, Sol recalled experiencing the group’s music long before Amapiano even had a name.
He explained that growing up around Vosloorus and Katlehong exposed him to the culture that would eventually evolve into one of South Africa’s biggest musical exports.
“I remember experiencing them live for the first time… and ever since then I knew who they were,” he said.
Although he admits they are not close friends, Sol says the respect has always been mutual.
“I always give the guys their flowers. From when Piano didn’t even have a name until now, they’re still here, still relevant and still leading.”
“I hope they make the coins they deserve”
For Sol, MFR Souls’ contribution extends far beyond producing hit records.
He argues that countless artists who have become wealthy through Amapiano owe a debt to the pioneers who laid the foundation.
“I just hope they make as much of the coins they deserve because they fathered all these Piano people.”
He added that today’s Amapiano millionaires were inspired by producers like MFR Souls, who “ploughed into the soil” before the genre exploded commercially.
Amapiano has become its own economy
Sol believes the genre has evolved into much more than music.
According to him, Amapiano now supports venues, festivals, international tours, streaming revenue and thousands of careers.
“It’s literally a whole economy,” he said.
He pointed to the global demand for Amapiano events and the growing earnings South African artists generate through digital streaming as evidence of the genre’s extraordinary impact.
From Afro House to Amapiano
Long before becoming one of South Africa’s most recognised podcast personalities, Sol built his reputation as a DJ and producer rooted in Afro House and Tribal House.
He acknowledged that many producers naturally transitioned from Afro House into Amapiano as the new sound emerged.
“Afro House was huge, and a lot of guys migrated into Piano.”
Although many fans now primarily know him from broadcasting and podcasting, Sol revealed he has never stopped making music.
“When I sit behind the computer and start producing, Afro always comes out naturally.”
New music is finally on the way
Sol also confirmed that fans can expect brand-new music before the end of the year.
After securing a new distribution partnership with Sony, he revealed that he is preparing to release a new EP around August or September.
The project will blend his Afro House roots with contemporary Amapiano influences.
“It’s very Afro, but it’s still Piano.”
He added that the EP will serve as the foundation for a full-length album planned for next year, once the music is fully ready.
Sol backs Maero’s solo chapter
As one of the first people to hear The Musical Experience, Sol believes Maero has delivered a project that respects Amapiano’s origins while embracing its future.
Among his favourite tracks are “Give Me More”, a collaboration with MÖRDA, as well as several other standout records that showcase both the genre’s original DNA and its evolving sound.
“It’s true to the core and original elements of Piano, but it’s also modern. It’s a new flavour.”
With endorsements from respected figures like Sol Phenduka, Maero’s transition into his solo era appears to have the backing of one of the industry’s most influential voices, someone who witnessed Amapiano’s birth and believes its original pioneers deserve to enjoy the full rewards of the movement they helped create.
