The highly anticipated Trace Awards are just around the corner, and excitement is building as two of South Africaβs most prominent Amapiano artists, DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small, prepare to compete for top honors. The two Scorpion Kings, who have dominated the music scene with their chart-topping hits, are both nominated in the same prestigious categories: Best Producer and Best DJ. As fans rally behind their favorites, predictions are flying about who truly deserves the win.
Both DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small have made an indelible mark on the music industry, with hits like Mnike and Imithandazo solidifying their positions as industry giants. Maphorisa, with his diverse production style and signature sound, and Kabza, often dubbed the “King of Amapiano,” have both transformed South African music, bringing the genre to global recognition. As a result, their head-to-head competition has left fans divided, eagerly debating who will take home the coveted awards.
The Trace Awards, which celebrate the excellence of Afro music, bring together artists from across Africa, the Caribbean, South America, and beyond. According to Tutone Communicationsβ Melanie Ramjee, these awards not only honor musical talent but also promote Afrobeat culture on an international stage. “By voting, fans have the opportunity to contribute to the recognition and promotion of their favourite artists both on the continent and internationally,” she told Briefly News. Public voting accounts for 50% of the final decision, with the remaining half determined by a panel of industry experts. With voting now open, fans are encouraged to cast their votes and show support for their favorite Scorpion King.
As the countdown to the Trace Awards continues, South Africans are eagerly waiting to see which DJ will reign supreme. Whether it’s DJ Maphorisa or Kabza De Small, one thing is certain: both artists are true pioneers of the Amapiano genre, and their contributions to the global music scene are undeniable.