The Rise of Female DJs in Amapiano: A New Era

Once a male-dominated soundscape, Amapiano — South Africa’s genre-defining music wave — is now experiencing a shift. More than just a genre, Amapiano represents freedom, creativity, and identity for young South Africans. And as the genre expands its global footprint, a powerful movement is growing behind the decks: female DJs are stepping forward, unapologetically taking up space in a scene that once left them behind.

Amapiano’s Explosion: Global Sound, Township Roots

Born in the townships of Gauteng, Amapiano — meaning “the pianos” in Zulu — fuses elements of Kwaito, deep house, jazz, and lounge. Produced often on home laptops with FL Studio, the genre became a youth-powered sonic revolution. Today, it resonates from street parties in Soweto to festival stages in London, Lagos, and Dubai.

But beyond the music, Amapiano is a movement — and women are claiming their place within it.

Women Behind the Decks: No More Side Stage

While the early days of Amapiano were fronted largely by male acts like Major League DJs and Kabza De Small, the landscape is rapidly evolving. DJs like DBN Gogo, Uncle Waffles, Owami Mafokate, and the dynamic duo TxC (Tarryn and Clair) have risen to icon status, not just through their technical talent, but by rewriting the rules of what a DJ can look like — and who they can be.

“There’s an influx [of female Amapiano DJs] and that’s the beauty of Amapiano, it’s so inclusive… The more women we have, the better. Let’s take up space.” — DJ DBN Gogo

Stars Reshaping the Genre

DBN Gogo

With roots in a politically connected family, Mandisa Radebe (DBN Gogo) forged her own name on the decks. In 2021, she made global headlines when she was featured on a Times Square billboard as part of Spotify’s EQUAL Music Program, spotlighting influential women in music. She also performed at UK Amafest, flying the Amapiano flag high on international stages.

TxC – Tarryn and Clair

The duo TxC is lighting up stages across Europe, Dubai, Nigeria, Uganda, and more. Their sets merge slick mixing with visual storytelling through dance, perfectly representing Amapiano’s viral appeal on platforms like TikTok. Their performances sell out venues, confirming their status as international trendsetters.

Owami Mafokate

Crowned Best Female DJ at the inaugural SA Amapiano Awards (2021), Owami’s rise speaks volumes about the hunger for diverse talent in the genre. Her confidence and humility have made her a role model for young women looking to enter the scene.

Uncle Waffles

Perhaps one of the most viral DJs to emerge from South Africa, Uncle Waffles has taken the internet by storm with her energy, fashion, and skill. She’s headlined global events and attracted fans like Drake, further legitimizing her stardom.

Recognition & Industry Validation

The 2021 South African Amapiano Music Awards featured an official Best Female DJ Act category — a game-changing moment. With names like Lamiez Holworthy, Zandimaz, and Fae Fae sharing nominations, it proved that the industry was finally recognizing women’s contributions.

More Than DJs: Culture Shapers & Role Models

These women aren’t just spinning tracks — they are influencing fashion, global perception, and youth culture:

Style Icons: Bold hairstyles, edgy streetwear, and fearless femininity.
Social Media Powerhouses: From #AmapianoDance challenges to curated playlists, they own the digital wave.
Mentors: Through workshops and visibility, they inspire the next generation of female creatives.

“If the pretty girls aren’t dancing to it, it’s not bumpin’.” — A saying in the culture that captures how women shape Amapiano’s appeal.

Amapiano’s Global Mission Includes Women

From Johannesburg to Times Square, Amapiano’s expansion cannot be told without the women behind it. Spotify’s EQUAL campaign, increasing festival bookings, and more international collaborations are indicators that the world is listening — and women are leading the charge.

“Amapiano symbolises Black success. It belongs to the streets. It is culture, identity, freedom.”

Final Thoughts: The New Era Is Female

Amapiano has gone global, but its beating heart is still proudly South African. As female DJs rise to take ownership of their narratives, the genre becomes even richer — more diverse, more representative, more electric.

To the young girls watching from Soweto to Sowham, who dream of being more than dancers or vocalists — the message is clear: you belong behind the decks too.