It Is Time For Africa: Amapiano DJs To Know And Listen To

Live:STR SELECTIONS

by Alexandra Mansilla

It Is Time For Africa: Amapiano DJs To Know And Listen To

9 Jul 2024

We have already curated a list of Middle East-based DJs (and there are more to come), but today we are focusing on a specific genre — Amapiano. This South African music style is rapidly gaining popularity. So, who is not only representing Amapiano in Dubai but also working to spread it across the Middle East? Meet them here.

Special thanks to Wallace (Saint Waldo) for his help in preparing this article.

Toqsic

You have definitely seen that guy in the white ushanka hat, the one who electrifies the crowd the moment he steps on stage. Meet Toqsic (real name Farai Machingura), the co-founder of House of Yanos. House of Yanos isn't just an event company; it is a full-blown musical movement, spreading Amapiano music.

Their first event at parking P7 was expected to draw 80 attendees but ended up with a whopping 458. Fast forward, and House of Yanos organised the largest African rave in Dubai, attracting 1,500 people.

Toqsic is not only a master of music curation and an incredible MC, but he also has this magical ability to gather massive crowds. If you want to hear his story (and trust me, you do), check out the podcast Dubai Diastories Ep 6 by Yvette Kikuyu.

Instagram: @toqsic

CBoy

DJ Cboy, whose real name is Cloudious Mashayanyika, is a versatile and deeply knowledgeable DJ in the Afro house and Amapiano scenes, based in Dubai. Growing up, he always thought and dreamed in sound, rhythm, and beats, which made him a purveyor of deep infectious grooves and a feel-good atmosphere.

With over a decade of experience hosting events in Southern Africa, DJ Cboy has had the honor of sharing the stage with African and Caribbean giants like Rema, Focalistic, Shenseea, and Diamond Platinum. He has performed at prestigious events such as the All Africa Festival by Emaar, Afro Fest UAE, The Big Grill Festival in Abu Dhabi, and other major festivals in the region. DJ Cboy's ability to connect with audiences and create an unforgettable vibe makes him a standout in the DJ community.

Instagram: @djcboy_

Obeekhay

Obakeng Quinten Seekoei, a.k.a DJ Obeekhay, is a Dubai-based DJ originally from South Africa.

Born in the small town of Ficksburg and growing up between Bloemfontein and Welkom, South Africa, Obeekhay’s love for music started early. At the age of 13, he began singing in his church choir. Over time, he mastered the art of DJ’ing, specializing in Deep-house and Afro-tech, and also proved his skills as an audio technician.

For Obeekhay, music isn’t just a hobby; it is where he found his true self. Check out his MHTY series here.

Wallace (Saint Waldo), the creative director of HOY: “Obeekhay is super talented and will always introduce you to sounds you never knew existed”

DJ Maro

Sudanese-Canadian DJ based in Dubai who knows how to connect with any crowd. His music is pure energy, and you just can't stop moving once he starts playing.

Instagram: @djmaro_

Capitano GB

On his SoundCloud page, he calls himself a “part-time music dealer”. Honestly, we don't know why he says part-time when he is clearly a 100% full-time music dealer. Capitano GB masterfully navigates through various genres, experimenting with new sounds and consistently celebrating the vibrant beats of amapiano music.

Wallace (Saint Waldo), the creative director of HOY: “GB is very unorthodox and experimental. He is my favourite DJ!”

Instagram: @capitano_gb

by Alexandra Mansilla