This is how Blaq Diamond are redefining amapiano sound across the African diaspora
Blaq Diamond are a South African Afro-pop duo from Ladysmith KwaZulu-Natal and here is how Blaq Diamond are redefining amapiano sound across the African diaspora
They met in 2010 on a school trip where both participated in a music cypher on the school bus.
They signed to record label Ambitiouz Entertainment, releasing their debut album Inqola (2017), which became their first iTunes number one.
Amapiano is a style of house music that emerged in South Africa in 2012, Amapiano is a hybrid of deep house, jazz and lounge music characterized by synths, airy pads and wide percussive basslines.
The band first gained prominence for their single “Ibhanoyi” released in 2019, which received “SAMA Record of the year”
Their second studio album Umuthi (2020), spawned two platinum-selling singles “Ibhanoyi” and “Love Letter.
In 2010, they met while on a school trip where they participated in a rap cypher in the school bus and began spending more time together, participating in school functions which earned them recognition in the community and local surroundings.
The two decided to move to Johannesburg for better musical prospects which proved difficult at first as, not knowing anyone, forced them to get jobs to earn an income that was used to sustain their musical ambitions.
In early 2017, the duo signed a record deal with Ambitiouz Entertainment and began to work on the debut album.
On June 19, their album’s lead single “Sthandwa” was released followed by the second single “Emzini kabab” which was accompanied by the music video.
In the winter of 2017, they released their debut album Inqola to critical acclaim.
The album is a fusion of Afro-soul with Maskandi and mbaqanga fusion which they made sound modern and youthful.
At the 24th South African Music Awards, they received two SAMA Awards nominations.
In 2018, they performed for the first time in Pietermaritzburg invited by a local event group to perform in a fashion show.