South African DJ and producer DJ Maphorisa, one of the pioneers of the Amapiano genre, has been announced as the main headliner for the next edition of Fuego Fest, slated for October 11.

Organised by Evolve Music Group in partnership with Smart Promotions and Solutions Ltd among other events companies in Rwanda, Fuego Fest has built a reputation for hosting major shows in the country, often featuring top South African artistes and DJs.

ALSO READ: Amapiano fever: How Kigali became a magnet for global DJs, artistes

Maphorisa, a member of the Scorpion Kings — a DJ duo credited with popularizing Amapiano — will be performing in Rwanda for the first time, after missing his scheduled headline appearance at Intore Sundays in 2022.

Speaking to The New Times, one of the event organisers said that Amapiano is the current trend in African music, and Maphorisa is among the key figures who helped introduce it to the world, which is why he was chosen to headline the show.

The New Times understands that local DJs Toxxyk and Marnaud will also join Maphorisa on stage.

ALSO READ: How Amapiano won hearts of Rwandan music lovers

Evolve Music Group has been instrumental in promoting music events in Rwanda, having organised several successful shows, including Trapish Music Concert 2 in 2022, headlined by Ish Kevin and Nigerian artist Singah.

Born on November 15, 1987, Themba Sonnyboy Sekowe — known professionally as DJ Maphorisa — is a South African DJ, record producer, singer, and songwriter. Known for his unique blend of house music, Amapiano, and Afropop, he has worked with some of the biggest names in music, including Wizkid, Sizwe Alakine, Kwesta, Uhuru, Drake, Black Coffee, Major Lazer, and Runtown.

Formerly signed to Kalawa Jazmee Records, Maphorisa later founded his own label, BlaqBoy Music. Affectionately known as "Phori” by fans, he is also part of the Scorpion Kings, the team credited with driving the Amapiano wave in South Africa.