The United Kingdom has really latched on to the amapiano sound with Britain being a destination for local talents to flaunt their skills.
Soa Mattrix has recently been to the UK on a tour which provided him with international exposure and more than a few memories he will cherish.
“We are grateful for how well everything went this year. We experienced the same love and vibe last year in November whilst there. I was fortunate to represent my country and people from less privileged areas,” he says.
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The 26-year-old explains that the tour was a well-orchestrated plan.
“In terms of the streams, SA is the first, and the second is the UK and the US interchangeably. The plan to tour America failed at first due to visa complications. London was the second option, which turned out to work so great.”
It was a lengthy stint abroad.
Between November 2023 and February 2024, Soa performed for the first time at Carnival in Leister at Piano People, Birmingham West and North London at the big shows, including Amafest and AfroPiano and he also had an opportunity to be interviewed by the BBC. Soa says the reception he enjoyed was completely unexpected and at times overwhelming.
“Can you imagine my disbelief and excitement when 10 000 people in the crowd filled the venue and took over my hit, Mina Nawe? That's the vibe! They sing amapiano songs at the top of their voices. I get overwhelmed by the love and the feeling of being appreciated every time we are there and elsewhere,” he gushes.
Soa is looking to keep the momentum going as he is now crafting a new project.
“We closed 2023 on a high note with the release of Isibusiso, an album under my recently launched record label, Soa Family. It is a home of vocalists, musicians, producers and creatives at large.”
He praises his team and support structures and feels as though he has hit the ground running this year because of them.
“My long-awaited album Akani is finally dropping. Watch out for a single this Friday,” he announces.
He lights up when speaking about the strides taken by the proponents and participants of amapiano, “it is inspiring to witness the genre that originated in backrooms and shacks by self-taught youth, soaring high. Amapiano is a talent train. As a patriot and contributor myself, I am happy to witness how amapiano is promoting our country. We keep witnessing the entire world being taken by yanos.”
He is also enjoying how this gerne is allowing for employment opportunities and economic stimulation.
“The impact on the creative sector and music business is massive. The saying that it is contributing towards employment opportunities can't even be disputed.”
Soa is also humble in paying his respects to the contemporaries and peers he admires for their talents.
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“There's a number of them, actually, but watch out for vocalist Cnethemba Gonelo. As a fan of soulful and deep sounds myself, she's got what it takes.”
This year has already been a success for this pride of Soweto. You may or may not know but Soa has worked extensively with American R&B legend Usher.
“In February Usher Raymond published the amapiano remix [Soa Mattrix Remix] of a song from his latest album, Coming Home. I also contributed to Usher's 2024 single 'Ruin' which was a true honour.
Locally Soa has fused his prowess with a myriad of talents, having worked with the now renowned artists like MaWhoo, Nkosazana Daughter, Mashudu, and Sir Trill before they became what they have which is what you might expect of a DJ, to make tastes.
“I got inspired to team up with upcoming acts more, my fans and music lovers should expect collaborations with Cnethemba Gonelo, Frank Mabeat, Happy Jazzman, Tribal Soul and B33kay, among many others."
His new single with Murumba Pitch titled Umbuzo will be released this new music Friday and be sure to keep an eye out for the artists on the Soa Family roster who will be dropping throughout the year.
