Major League DJz perform at this year’s Durban July. Picture: majorleaguedjz/Instagram
After a successful showing in New York City a few days ago, twin brothers Major League DJz are bringing their Balcony Mix Africa to Durban July.
Real names Bandile and Banele Mbere, popularly known as Major League DJz, the pair will be among a handful of party hosts at this year’s Durban July as they give attendees the musical experience that was just in New York.
The Balcony Mix Africa is a musical experience, created to take fans on a dance music journey, introducing them to some of the biggest and most exclusive songs on the continent.
The pair gave New York a taste of South African music over the weekend as they played some of the biggest Amapiano songs in the US.
Now they are bringing that experience to KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) for the Durban July.
On the line-up are some of the current hot acts in Amapiano; Kabza De Small, Kelvin Momo, Sun El Musician. There is quite an anticipation for the show, with phase one of the tickets already sold out.
Major League DJz just released a single with US rapper Wiz Khalifa.
In 2023, Amapiano racked in more than 1.4 billion streams on Spotify.
The genre’s influence on the music culture in South Africa and beyond has seen the world gripped in an Amapiano frenzy from dance challenges to inspired collaborations and fusions.
ALSO READ: How Mohale Motaung plans to embrace Durban July’s #RideTheWave theme this year
This critical influence has led to the launch of A Decade of Amapiano on Spotify, a site looking at the past decade of Amapiano and its different key influences. It is complemented by playlists and podcasts for anyone wishing to learn more about the genre’s origins, sounds and future.
“One of the most affirming parts of watching Amapiano explode over the past decade is seeing how people use it for self-expression,’’ said Spotify’s Head of Music in Sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu.
Some of the key Amapiano data on Spotify over the last ten years:
o 345k%+ growth 2023 versus 2014
o Over 855 million so far in 2024.
o 153k%+ growth in export 2023 versus 2014
o 87% growth of female artists 2023 versus 2022
o 40% of listeners are between 18-24 years
The Hollywoodbets Durban July (on 6 July) welcomes fans back to the 128th running of the iconic race, themed “Ride the Wave” at the Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse.
Limited general tickets that’ll get you a front-row view of the racing action from the grandstand and track-side lawns, live DJ performances, and runway and public fashion competitions, are available at Ticketpro, SPAR Payzone kiosks, and selected Sasol stores at R230, with parking at R170.
For more information, visit Hollywoodbets Durban July and stay in tune with The Citizen’s regular updates on all things fashion and entertainment leading up to the Durban July event.
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