Kigali’s summer music calendar is leaning hard into amapiano, afro house and gqom, with a run of shows bringing some of South Africa’s most in-demand names to the city. With veteran names and fast-rising DJs on the bill, South African sound and club culture are clearly driving the season. ALSO READ: How amapiano is influencing East African club culture Leading the pack is Kabza De Small, born Kabelo Petrus Motha, one of the central figures in the rise of amapiano. Born in Mpumalanga and raised in Pretoria, he began DJing in 2009 and released his debut album, “Avenue Sounds,” in 2016. His profile grew as amapiano moved from a local sound to a continental force, helped in part by his 2018 hit “Umshove.” Since then, Kabza has continued to build a catalog that includes “Pretty Girls Love Amapiano,” “I Am the King of Amapiano: Sweet & Dust” and “Bab’Motha,” released in 2025. ALSO READ: Bruce Melodie, The Ben announce dates, cities for country tour Kabza is also one half of Scorpion Kings, his partnership with DJ Maphorisa. The pair helped push amapiano beyond South Africa, working with major artists including Wizkid and Burna Boy. In Kigali, Kabza is set for Spinny and Friends Summer Festival on July 18 at Gahanga Cricket Stadium. The booking gives local fans a chance to see one of the genre’s most influential names in person. Also on the Kigali circuit is Juss Gigi, a fast-rising South African DJ and artiste whose sound has made her a regular name in amapiano and sgija circles. She began DJing in 2023 and has quickly built a following among younger listeners. Known for tracks such as “ike Mshayi Waso” and “Samba 8,” she recently performed in Kigali with DJ Maphorisa at Fuego Fest. This time, she is scheduled to appear at the Afro Carnival on July 24 at KCEV. Royal Musiq, whose real name is Tisetso Njabulo Mkhonto, is another South African act drawing attention ahead of his Kigali set. A frequent collaborator of DJ Uncle Waffles, he has worked on songs including “Zenzele,” “Wadibusa” and “Baphi.” In May, the pair released a joint EP, “4 DA STREETS,” adding to the momentum behind his name. Royal Musiq is set to perform at Piano-Holic at Azzurri on June 13, bringing a heavy club sound to the capital. Benzoo is due in Rubavu for the second edition of Ivy Summer Fest on July 4. The “Mopepe” hitmaker has built a growing regional audience with songs such as “Snokonoko,” “Fast Fast,” “AmaRider” and “Izolo.” Organizers are counting on his debut appearance to strengthen the event’s pull as it returns for a second year. 031 Choppa, born Minenhle Lesley Mnguni, rounds out the list of names set to shape the season. The South African vocalist, singer, producer and songwriter is known for work across modern hip-hop, amapiano and the new wave of South African club music. Born in 1998 in KwaMashu, Durban, his stage name nods to the 031 area code. He has also worked on “Super Soft” with the late AKA and Costa Titch. He is set to perform at The Capital City Rave on July 19 at Azzurri Club & Lounge. The arrivals add to a growing list of South African acts that have performed in Kigali in recent years, including Uncle Waffles, DJ Maphorisa, LeeMcKrazy, Scotts Maphuma, and Costa Titch, reflecting Kigali's emergence as a regular stop on the region's amapiano circuit.
