This September, some of Amapiano’s leading artists will bring their sounds to the UK and Europe as part of the Rap Academy UK & Europe Tour 2024. In collaboration with Pie Radio, Manchester’s well-known youth-led radio station and The Kings of Amapiano, this tour will offer Amapiano fans a chance to experience its dynamic beats across five major cities in the UK and Ireland.
The tour features some of Amapiano’s top talents, headlined by artists from South Africa’s Rap Academy. Leading the line-up are Shakes and Les, a well-known duo celebrated for their creative Amapiano beats that have captivated listeners. Joining them is DJY Biza, also known as the “Piano Meditator,” who has developed a strong following with his unique sound that has resonated throughout Pretoria West and beyond. The lineup also includes Success, a rising DJ and producer in the Amapiano scene, known for her energetic style and rapid rise to fame.
The tour will also showcase 031 Choppa, a versatile vocalist and producer with a growing fan base in South Africa, as well as the duo Ice Beats Slide & Sbuda Maleather, recognised for their lively performances and strong musical partnership. Rounding out the lineup is Zee Nxumalo, an Afropop and Amapiano artist whose soulful style is set to engage audiences.
The and The Kings of Amapiano will kick off in September and visit some of the most well-known venues in the UK and Ireland. It starts in Dublin at Vela on September 14th, then moves to Slay in Glasgow on September 22nd. Next up is Birmingham’s LAB11 on September 27th, an independent warehouse venue known for its distinctive atmosphere in the Digbeth area.
On September 28th, the tour heads to Manchester for a show at Factory International, before wrapping up on September 29th at London’s E1, a venue known for its focus on underground music—an ideal match for the evolving sounds of Amapiano.
As part of the Manchester leg of the tour, there will also be a special event on September 24th. The “Future of Amapiano” panel at Factory International will feature Zeus Omega, an advertising strategist for DJ Uncle Waffles, alongside Rap Academy artists Shakes & Les, Zee Nxumalo, and DJY Biza. This panel will explore the current landscape of Amapiano and its future direction. Free tickets for this event are available.
The Rap Academy UK Tour 2024 represents an important moment for Amapiano music as it continues to reach new audiences around the world. This tour is more than just a series of performances; it’s a celebration of a genre that brings together rich cultural influences and an engaging beat.
Tickets and info for the UK & Europe tour can be found here.
