Amapiano artists have banded together to donate money to Mdu Aka TRP, the producer believed to be responsible for the iconic log drum sound that has become a defining feature of the genre. The log drum has been credited with contributing to the success of amapiano music ever since it gained global prominence in the late 2010s.
DJ Maphorisa, known for hits like ‘Mnike’ and ‘Particula,’ took to Twitter to ask the amapiano community for donations to Mdu Aka TRP, saying “Thank You “Mdu AKA Trp” for changing our lives with Dat LOG DRUM forever be grateful mfanaka.” DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small confirmed that they would each send R100,000 as a contribution to the sound. Major League Djz also pledged to donate $50,000 to the producer.
The move comes nearly twenty years after the death of Gregory S. Coleman, the creator of the widely used amen break, who reportedly died homeless and destitute in 2006. Several other amapiano artists, including Musa Keys and Sam Deep, have also pledged to send money to Mdu Aka TRP to honor his contributions to the genre.
In an interview with Kaya 959, Mdu Aka TRP noted that there is no such thing as a “King of Amapiano,” stating, “No one can say: ‘Yeah, I own this sound. There are always guys who reinvent the genre and put out amazing work, but no one can call me that.” He added, “I just do what I do, and I don’t care about what anyone thinks. It’s about what I’m happy to put out.”
While amapiano may be relatively young, it has already seen the emergence of numerous stars, including Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa, and Major League Djz, and has helped to shine a light on producers like Mdu Aka TRP whose contributions are vital to the sound. Through donations like these, artists can demonstrate their appreciation for those who have helped amapiano thrive
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