Mixmag is publishing a three-part editorial series exploring Amapiano’s Second Wave.

Part 2 explores the topic of "How innovations emerge from Black South African culture" and can be read here: https://bit.ly/4cfvECe

In this accompanying mix, @kiddyondebeat, a 25-year-old amapiano artist with production credits with the likes of DBN Gogo and Mr JazziQ, showcases the sound of “private school” amapiano — a subgenre that combines soulful melodies, jazz chord progressions, smooth basslines and a “clap and tap” rhythmic pulse.

Scene: Kiddyondebeat (100% Production Mix) // Amapiano's Second Wave

Both long term stalwarts of Bristol nightlife in their own right, K Stylz & Koast formed electrifying DJ double act See No Evil at the end of 2021, mixing up UK Funky, House & Garage, with some of the most exciting sounds emerging from South Africa right now such as Amapiano & Afrohouse. 

The pair honed their b2b sets as residents for Bristol’s infamous The Blast night at Motion, and as residents for Koast’s Durkle Disco label nights. As well as their own See No Evil events all over Bristol (including supporting luminaries such as Juls, Karen Nyame KG, Roska, Tribal Brothers & European305), their relentless schedule has seen them play festivals such as Glastonbury, Boomtown, Hospitality On The Beach, NASS, Love Saves The Day & Nozstock, as well as club shows across the UK. They also host their own show on Bristol’s SWU.FM pushing their blend of UK & South African electronic music, as well as guesting on the likes of Rinse FM, Reprezent Radio & Trickstar Radio. 

K Stylz has a long pedigree in pushing UK Funky & House in Bristol from the very earliest days of the scene – ending with him doing numerous seasons DJing in Ayia Napa during UK Funky’s initial heyday when barely out of school, as well as gaining club bookings across the UK. This longevity gives K Stylz a formidable library of music to draw on, with him equally comfortable playing all upfront new music as he is educating the listener with forgotten but foundational underground classics. 

Koast took a more circuitous route to the decks – he first made a name as a leading dubstep host, with residencies and appearances at many of Europe’s leading festivals and raves since 2008, as well as heading up the multi-genre and MC-focused Bristol label/collective Durkle Disco since 2011. Since 2017 he’s been focused more on perfecting his craft behind the decks, and has quickly gained a reputation as a diverse and discerning selector.

Samantha emanates passion and emotion when she is behind the decks and expresses herself in a way that captivates her followers. She radiates warmth into her audience and creates a memorable vibe with her excellent track selection. This has recently been recognised on the circuit and Samantha has been labeled one to “keep an eye on” by international DJ magazine Mixmag.

South African born Samantha Blackburn has in 10 years established herself as one of London’s best female talents to emerge onto the scene. She is currently a hot name amongst her London counterparts and has been securing gigs at some of the capital’s coolest parties. Making her London debut at Mooch, soon after playing at Jaded and holding a residency with Get Diverted in London for the past 8 years. Samantha has played alongside the likes of Slam, Josh Wink, Anja Schneider, Mr C, Catz N Dogz, Robert Babicz, DJ T, Ray Okpara, Todd Terry, Just Her. In 2012 her DJing talent has reached international level which took her across the seas to a club called Time in the Philippines and also the renowned Area 51 on Boracay Island as well as various venues in South Africa in 2013. She also made her Debut appearance in the main room at the famous London nightclub Fabric playing for WYS!

As Samantha's style developed surrounding her roots and culture. Becoming familiar with the tribal, percussive sound that reflects her music today. Fusing together rolling percussive Afro techno, hypnotic and brazen beats, with a slightly two-step influence, with soulful melodies and atmospheric chimes, cultivating her rolling deep tribal tech style. In 2016 Samantha Blackburn released her first EP entitled 'Retrograde' on Mind Ability Records with Geshe's MusicBacking her up with a solid techno remix.

Samantha established the brand and record label Buntu in 2013. Samantha’s aim with Buntu is to explore new creative ground and hopefully awaken an interest that will see artists of all forms coming together to create. Hosting various events, an experience more than an electronic music event hosting various underground house, tech house and techno DJs, live artists, visual artists and performers, creating together on one night. Buntu hosts various music production workshops and events in South Africa. Buntu also runs a monthly podcast featuring fresh underground artists from UK and SA.