For many in Mzansi and beyond, 2025 was a year marked by dance floors full of amapiano heat and heated debates about creative direction. Now, as 2026 gets underway, DJ Maphorisa has signalled a bold new chapter in his music journey. The Pretoria-born producer surprised followers by previewing a fresh tune on social media that sounds very different from the amapiano anthems he has long been celebrated for. This move has sparked excitement and curiosity among fans eager to know just what comes next.
A new rhythm and a fresh start
The track, titled Aiboo, brings together collaborators Thukuthela and Jazzworx with vocals from GL Ceejay, and it steps away from the log-driven grooves that made DJ Maphorisa a household name in the amapiano scene. Most strikingly, production credit goes to DJ Da Lee LS, which has fans online asking loudly who actually produced the song. Some supporters have applauded the lineup, while others are dissecting the credits to understand this shift.
This moment comes after Maphorisa shared that he is shifting focus away from amapiano and returning to Afro house, the genre that shaped his early sound and helped set the foundation for his international success. Afro house blends deep groove, percussive rhythms, and soulful energy, and for many South African listeners, it evokes nights in Cape Town clubs and Johannesburg house parties where this sound resonated long before amapiano exploded.
The Return of MadMONEY 🤾🏾🗑️ Drops Midnight pic.twitter.com/WXZzJ11K5V
— MadMoney (@DjMaphorisa) January 29, 2026
Fans reflect on the pivot
Social media has lit up since the announcement. Long-time followers have spoken about how Maphorisa’s earlier work in house music showcased his versatility and how his collaborations over the years expanded his reach across different audiences. Others are embracing the return to roots, seeing it as a creative reset rather than a rejection of the genre that once dominated radio playlists.
Still, some amapiano loyalists have been vocal online, questioning what this shift means for a sound that has carried South African music onto global stages. For many fans, amapiano is more than a genre. It represents township creativity, shared joy, and a defining cultural moment. Maphorisa’s decision has reignited broader conversations about artistic growth and how musicians balance evolution with legacy.
Me I know my Broer!!!! When he says he’s doing something, he will do it at the highest level!!! 😅🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 https://t.co/vbDt3qkoLq
— SHIMZA (@Shimza01) January 29, 2026
What this means for 2026
As Aiboo continues to circulate online, fans and industry watchers are already debating how the track will land compared with recent amapiano releases. Whether this signals a wider Afro house resurgence or remains a personal creative direction is still unfolding. What is certain is that DJ Maphorisa has once again positioned himself at the centre of South Africa’s music conversation.
For lovers of local sound and culture, 2026 is already shaping up to be a year of bold moves and big debates. From club floors in Sandton to late-night sessions in Cape Town, this shift might just be the beat that gets everyone talking again.
Source: Briefly News
Featured Image: EMENDY Multimedia Institute and College