Musa Keys

Musa Keys, born Musa Appreciate Makamu in Giyani, Limpopo Province, South Africa, is a singer, record producer, DJ, and songwriter renowned for his pivotal role in popularizing the amapiano genre on a global scale.^[1][2] Raised in Polokwane's Flora Park suburb, he was influenced by his church upbringing, where he began playing piano at age 13, honing skills that later shaped his technical prowess in music production.^[1][2] After studying sound engineering at Damelin College, Keys left to pursue music full-time, debuting in the commercial amapiano scene with his production on Caltonic SA's "Heat Overload" in 2019.^[1][2] His solo breakthrough came with the 2020 single "Samarian Boy," followed by his debut album TAYO in 2021, which showcased his blend of amapiano rhythms with hip-hop, soul, R&B, and afrobeat elements.^[2] Keys has since founded Keys Records and released notable works like the 2022 compilation House of TAYO and the 2024 album Rirandzu, with the single "Nomathemba" in November 2025. His track "Vula Mlomo" (2021) earned double platinum certification from the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA).^[1][2][3][4] His international acclaim surged with collaborations, including the 2023 hit "Unavailable" with Nigerian artist Davido from the album Timeless, which peaked at No. 3 on the US Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart.^[1] This track also secured Keys a nomination for Best African Music Performance at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards in 2024.^[5][6] Earlier accolades include the Record of the Year at the 28th South African Music Awards for "Vula Mlomo" in 2022, along with MTV Europe Music Award and African Muzik Magazine Award nominations.^[2] Beyond music, Keys is recognized as a fashion icon and advocate for South African talent, often crediting his disciplined work ethic—rooted in his church background—for his rise from local gigs to global stages.^[7][2] His contributions have helped propel amapiano into mainstream international consciousness, influencing a new wave of African artists.^[2]

Early life and education

Childhood and family background

Musa Appreciate Makamu, professionally known as Musa Keys, was born on May 9, 1990, in Giyani, a town in the northeastern part of Limpopo Province, South Africa.^[1] He was raised primarily in Flora Park, a suburb of Polokwane, the capital of Limpopo, where he spent much of his formative years immersed in the region's vibrant community life.^[8] Keys grew up in a household shaped by his single mother's resilience amid financial hardships and the absence of his father, whom he has described as a significant challenge in his early life.^[8] His family emphasized strong values of perseverance and self-reliance, with his mother serving as a profound influence and personal hero during times of limited resources. This upbringing in Limpopo fostered a deep connection to his Xitsonga (Tsonga) cultural heritage, including traditional community practices and linguistic roots that remain integral to his identity.^[9] The family's commitment to faith played a central role in Keys' childhood, promoting regular church attendance and active involvement in religious community activities that instilled a sense of discipline and belonging.^[7] This religious environment, particularly at the Light of the Nation Church, provided early exposure to Limpopo's local music traditions through communal gatherings, laying subtle groundwork for his later interests.^[8]

Introduction to music and education

Musa Keys began his musical journey at the age of 13 when he started playing the keyboard at his local church in Polokwane, Limpopo, where he was immersed in gospel music traditions.^[8][1] This early exposure to church-derived soul and rhythmic gospel sounds laid the foundation for his appreciation of melody and harmony, shaping his initial understanding of music as a communal and spiritual expression.^[10] During his teenage years, Keys developed self-taught production skills by experimenting with basic equipment and observing the techniques of other producers, often replicating sounds on limited setups at home.^[11][12] This hands-on approach allowed him to build foundational knowledge in beat-making and sound layering without formal guidance, honing his ear for infectious rhythms that would later define his style.^[7] After completing high school, Keys enrolled in a sound engineering program at Damelin College in Pretoria to formalize his growing interest in music production.^[8][7] However, feeling that he had already acquired essential skills through self-study, he dropped out during his second year to dedicate himself fully to music creation and performance, marking a pivotal shift toward his professional career.^[12][7]

Career beginnings

Initial forays into trap and production

Following his studies in sound engineering at Damelin College in Pretoria, Musa Keys adopted trap music as his initial professional genre identity, infusing it with heavy gospel elements drawn from his church upbringing in Polokwane.^[10][8] This blend created a distinctive sound that reflected his roots in Limpopo's local music scenes while experimenting with the genre's rhythmic structures and lyrical themes.^[13] His early productions during this period often incorporated melodic hooks reminiscent of gospel choirs, setting his work apart in the emerging South African trap landscape.^[10] Keys began earning production credits for local artists in the Polokwane and Pretoria underground circuits, contributing beats and engineering sessions that helped shape regional trap outputs.^[10] These collaborations, often conducted in makeshift studios with basic equipment, allowed him to hone his skills and build connections within Limpopo's vibrant music community, where he had first produced tracks as a teenager.^[14] His work behind the scenes emphasized layered percussion and atmospheric synths, supporting vocalists in the local trap and hip-hop scenes without yet garnering widespread attention.^[10] In the late 2010s, Keys self-released several early tracks and singles under his own label, Keys Records, starting with "Hey Wena" in 2019.^[13] These independent releases, distributed via digital platforms, gradually cultivated an underground following among fans in Polokwane and Pretoria who appreciated his fusion of trap's energy with personal, introspective narratives.^[10] The releases featured raw, self-produced instrumentals that showcased his growing technical prowess, helping to establish his reputation as a versatile beatmaker in niche online communities.^[13] As an emerging producer, Keys encountered significant challenges, including financial constraints that limited access to professional recording gear and studio time, as well as the scarcity of resources in Polokwane's developing music infrastructure.^[10] These hurdles forced him to rely on home setups and collaborative networks, often delaying releases and restricting opportunities for broader exposure in the competitive South African scene.^[10] Despite these obstacles, his persistence in self-releasing and local productions laid the groundwork for his evolution as an artist.^[14]

Transition to amapiano

Following his initial work in trap music, Musa Keys transitioned to amapiano as the genre gained traction in South Africa's underground scene during the mid-2010s. Based in Johannesburg, he discovered amapiano through the collaborative township culture in Gauteng Province, where young producers shared ideas via peers and emerging online platforms, blending deep house, jazz, and kwaito elements.^[15][2] This shift aligned with his piano skills honed in church, allowing him to incorporate soulful keyboard melodies into the genre's signature log drum rhythms.^[2] Keys' first foray into amapiano production came in 2019 with his feature on Caltonic SA's track "Heat Overload," alongside Cyfred and Dtrill, marking his entry into the genre's experimental sound.^[2][10] He continued experimenting in 2020, releasing his solo debut single "Samarian Boy," which showcased his mumbling vocal style over amapiano beats.^[2] This period culminated in the release of his debut EP, Widlysm, on July 30, 2020, a five-track project that fused amapiano rhythms with soulful vocals and electronic elements, solidifying his pivot from trap.^[16][17] Through networking in Gauteng's vibrant scene, Keys secured early DJing gigs and minor features, building connections that amplified his presence in Johannesburg's amapiano circles.^[18][10]

Rise to prominence

Breakthrough single "Vula Mlomo"

"Vula Mlomo" is a 2021 amapiano single by South African DJ and producer Musa Keys, featuring vocalists Sir Trill and Nobantu Vilakazi. Released on February 26, 2021, via Keys Records, the track was self-produced by Musa Keys, who crafted its core elements including the driving basslines and percussive rhythms characteristic of the genre.^[19] The recording process highlighted Musa Keys' innovative approach, where he employed his signature mumbling technique—initially developed as a tool for songwriting—to create the song's catchy, repetitive hooks and vocal flows before layering in full lyrics. This method infused the track with an infectious energy, blending amapiano's log drum beats with harmonious vocals from the featured artists. The session underscored Keys' transition into amapiano production, resulting in a polished release that captured the genre's upbeat essence.^[2] Upon release, "Vula Mlomo" experienced a rapid viral ascent, propelled by widespread sharing on social media platforms like TikTok, where users created dance challenges that amplified its reach across South Africa and beyond. The song topped multiple major radio station charts and maintained a strong presence on national airplay lists for over three months, eventually earning double platinum certification from the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA).^[20][21][22] As Musa Keys' breakthrough hit, "Vula Mlomo" represented his first significant solo achievement, catapulting him from regional recognition to national prominence and solidifying his role as an emerging force in amapiano. The track's success not only showcased his multifaceted talents as a producer, DJ, and vocalist but also elevated his visibility, paving the way for broader industry opportunities.^[2][14]

Key collaborations and releases

Following the success of his breakthrough single "Vula Mlomo," Musa Keys solidified his position in the South African amapiano scene with his debut album TAYO, released on November 19, 2021, via Keys Records. The eight-track project showcased his evolution within the genre, blending infectious log drum rhythms, soulful vocals, and upbeat house elements to create an atmosphere of joy and celebration, as Keys described it as a way to "spread good vibes and happiness." The album's tracklist included standout collaborations with prominent local artists, highlighting Keys' growing network in the industry: "Selema (Po Po)" featuring Tanzanian vocalist Loui, which became a radio staple with its catchy, dancefloor-ready hook; "Abekho" with Sir Trill and Nobantu Vilakazi, emphasizing emotional depth through harmonious vocals; "Vula Mlomo (Radio Edit)" reuniting Keys with Sir Trill and Nobantu Vilakazi for a polished version of his earlier hit; "i'Plane" featuring Makhanj, Optimist Music ZA, Costa Titch, and Vine Musiq, infusing trap influences into amapiano; and "Thando Lwami" with Dinga, Sino Msolo, and Thando Nkosi, exploring themes of love and resilience.^[23][24] Keys continued building momentum through strategic features with fellow amapiano producers and vocalists, reinforcing his role as a collaborative force in South Africa's domestic music landscape. In 2021, "Selema (Po Po)" not only anchored TAYO but also gained widespread radio play on stations like Metro FM, amassing millions of streams and contributing to Keys' rising chart presence on platforms like Spotify's South African Viral 50. By 2022, he linked with Kabza De Small-inspired production circles indirectly through shared scenes, but direct features like his contribution to Konke's "Kancane" showcased seamless synergy, earning a nomination for Song of the Year at the 2023 Metro FM Music Awards and strong airplay on Ukhozi FM and 5FM.^[25] These partnerships emphasized amapiano's communal spirit, with Keys often producing and vocalizing to amplify emerging talents. In 2023, Keys released the EP Becoming Him on November 10, marking a introspective turn while maintaining his signature sound, with tracks like "Izinyembezi" featuring Chley and Cheez Beezy, and "uThando" with Chley and Leandra.Vert, both receiving notable radio rotation on YFM and Good Hope FM for their emotive lyrics and groove.^[26] Singles such as "Mama Se Khaya" featuring Cnattty further highlighted his domestic appeal, peaking in regional charts and underscoring his influence on amapiano's mainstream integration in South Africa up to that year.^[27] In 2024, Keys released the album Rirhandzu^[3], exploring themes of love and culture. In 2025, he followed with the EP Fresh Prince Yaka Gaza^[28] and the single "Nomathemba" featuring Dominique^[29], further solidifying his influence in the amapiano scene.

International success

Grammy nomination and global collaborations

In 2023, Musa Keys achieved international recognition through his collaboration with Nigerian artist Davido on the track "Unavailable," which blended amapiano rhythms with afrobeats elements. Released as part of Davido's album Timeless, the song's infectious energy and danceable production propelled it to global charts, earning a nomination for Best African Music Performance at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards in 2024.^[30][31] This marked Keys' first Grammy nod and highlighted the growing influence of South African genres on the world stage.^[32] Building on this momentum, Keys featured on additional global projects, including Davido's 2025 single "Holy Water" alongside Nigerian singer Victony, which fused amapiano beats with contemporary afrobeats for a vibrant, cross-cultural sound.^[33] He also served as executive producer for Nando's Mix It Up Vol. 3 EP in 2024, collaborating with international talents such as American rapper A$AP NAST, Nigerian singer Teni, and British artist Unknown T, alongside local producers to create amapiano-infused tracks aimed at bridging African and global audiences.^[34] These efforts included remixes like the Darque version of "Vafana Va Mali," which incorporated electronic twists to appeal beyond South Africa.^[35] In November 2024, Keys released his sophomore album Rirhandzu, an eight-track project that deeply integrated Xitsonga musical motifs, tribal rhythms, and cultural references to celebrate his Tsonga heritage while maintaining amapiano's global accessibility.^[36] Tracks like "Vafana Va Mali (Gaza Boys)" and "Tshika Ti Small Boys" showcased this fusion, earning praise for broadening amapiano's appeal through authentic linguistic and sonic elements.^[9] These ventures underscored Keys' streaming success, with "Unavailable" surpassing 220 million plays on Spotify by late 2025, establishing it as one of the platform's top afrobeats tracks and contributing to his overall catalog exceeding 100 million streams across credits.^[37][38]

Performances and tours abroad

Musa Keys embarked on his first major international tour in 2023, targeting the United States from May 20 to June 15, with performances that introduced amapiano rhythms to American audiences unfamiliar with the genre.^[39] One confirmed stop was in Chicago at The Promontory on June 9, where he delivered high-energy sets blending deep house elements and log drum patterns, drawing crowds eager for the upbeat, danceable sound.^[40] These shows marked a pivotal expansion of his live career beyond South Africa, fostering early connections with international fans through interactive DJ sessions that encouraged crowd participation.^[41] In Europe, Keys continued building momentum with appearances at key events, including the Sun Splash festival in Amsterdam on July 1-2, 2023, where amapiano met reggae and dancehall in a fusion that highlighted cross-genre appeal.^[42] By early 2024, he joined Nigerian artist Davido for a high-profile performance at London's O2 Arena on January 29, selling out the 20,000-capacity venue as part of Davido's Timeless Tour, following the Grammy nomination buzz for their collaboration "Unavailable."^[43] During the set, Keys adapted his performance to the diverse crowd by incorporating extended breakdowns of "Unavailable," eliciting cheers and unified dancing that bridged African diaspora communities in the UK.^[44] Keys' festival appearances further solidified his global presence, starting with Afro Nation Miami in May 2023, where he performed "Selema" to an enthusiastic beachside audience, sparking viral moments of fans mimicking his signature dance moves.^[45] In 2024, he returned to the Afro Nation circuit with sets at Portugal in June and Detroit in August, the latter featuring an impromptu invitation of a fan onstage for a dance to "Kancane," which amplified the event's communal vibe and drew praise for sustaining energy on the Piano People stage amid a lineup of Afrobeats and amapiano acts.^[46] Additionally, his July 6 performance at Denmark's Roskilde Festival showcased set adaptations for cooler European weather, including slower builds to engage mixed crowds with amapiano's percussive core, resulting in widespread acclaim for cultural exchange through music.^[47] These engagements not only expanded his fandom but also demonstrated amapiano's versatility in diverse international settings.

Artistry

Musical style and influences

Musa Keys' musical style is firmly rooted in amapiano, a South African house subgenre defined by its infectious rhythms and atmospheric textures. Central to his sound are the percussive log drums that provide a driving backbone, paired with deep house-inspired basslines that deliver pulsating low-end energy and soulful piano melodies that evoke emotional depth and melodic hooks.^[2] These elements create a danceable groove that distinguishes his productions, as seen in tracks like "Samaritan Boy," where the interplay of piano riffs and log drum patterns fosters an immersive, celebratory vibe.^[2] Drawing from his cultural heritage and personal background, Keys incorporates Xitsonga rhythms—traditional patterns from the Tsonga people of South Africa—into his compositions, adding a layer of rhythmic complexity and authenticity to the amapiano framework.^[2] This fusion is complemented by gospel harmonies influenced by his upbringing in the church, where he first honed his vocal and musical skills; the choir-like layering brings a spiritual uplift to his tracks, blending sacred undertones with contemporary electronic elements.^[10] His approach emphasizes melodic accessibility, often using wordless chants and mumbles to transcend language barriers while maintaining a soulful resonance.^[2] In production, Keys employs techniques focused on building tension and release, utilizing layered vocals to create rich harmonies and atmospheric builds that escalate toward euphoric drops.^[2] He primarily works in FL Studio, a digital audio workstation popular in South African electronic music circles, allowing for precise manipulation of samples and effects to craft these intricate soundscapes.^[48] This methodical process highlights his role as a self-taught producer who prioritizes emotional connection over rigid formulas. Keys' evolution reflects a deliberate shift from the aggressive, hi-hat-driven beats of trap music—his initial foray into production during his youth—to the more fluid, groove-oriented essence of amapiano.^[10] This transition, beginning around 2019, allowed him to infuse his early trap sensibilities with amapiano's communal dance appeal, resulting in a hybrid style that retains intensity but emphasizes accessibility and cultural resonance.^[2] In June 2025, he released the EP Fresh Prince Yaka Gaza, which further embraced his Xitsonga roots through tracks like "Cina" and "Go Harder," showcasing continued artistic evolution.^[9]

Fashion and public persona

Musa Keys has garnered recognition for his distinctive and bold fashion choices, often characterized by eclectic elements such as baggy pants, platform shoes, sheer tops, and accessories like pink bows in his braided hair.^[49] His style blends feminine influences with streetwear, sparking discussions on creativity and gender norms in South African fashion.^[49] This innovative approach earned him the Best Styled Artist award at the 2023 Metro FM Music Awards, where he outperformed nominees including Mafikizolo and Sjava.^[50] He previously received GQ's Best Dressed Male Celebrity award in 2022, further cementing his status as a trendsetter who rejects conventional amapiano attire in favor of globally appealing looks.^[51] Keys cultivates a public persona as the "Tsonga Michael Jackson," a moniker he embraces to highlight his charismatic stage presence, dance moves, and performance flair reminiscent of the pop icon.^[51] Rooted in his upbringing in a religious family in Limpopo, where he first learned piano at church, his image reflects a faith-driven ethos that informs his conservative yet expansive creative outlook.^[51] He positions himself as community-oriented, actively mentoring emerging artists by discovering talent on social platforms and signing them to his House of Tayo label, such as producer Konke.^[51] On social media, particularly Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), Keys maintains an engaging presence, sharing glimpses of his performances and personal style to connect with fans and promote cultural elements tied to his Tsonga roots.^[51] His posts often emphasize fun, resilience, and African pride, fostering positivity amid his rise in the global music scene.^[18]

Awards and nominations

South African Music Awards

Musa Keys garnered early acclaim at the 28th South African Music Awards (SAMAs) in 2022, securing the Record of the Year award for his breakout single "Vula Mlomo," featuring Sir Trill and Nobantu Vilakazi.^[52] This win highlighted the track's cultural resonance within the Amapiano scene and positioned Keys as a rising force in South African music.^[53] The accolade contributed significantly to his domestic prominence, elevating his profile as an independent artist and paving the way for broader industry opportunities in South Africa.^[10] Keys also received nominations at the 2022 SAMAs, including for Artist of the Year, where he competed against established acts like Makhadzi.^[54] Building on this momentum, he earned a nomination for Record of the Year at the 2023 SAMAs for "Selema (Po Po)," a collaboration with Loui.^[55] In 2023, Keys further cemented his status at the Metro FM Music Awards, winning Best Styled Artist amid nominees such as Mafikizolo, Sjava, Daliwonga, and Sino Msolo.^[50] This recognition underscored his distinctive fashion influence alongside his musical contributions.^[56] These domestic honors have profoundly shaped Keys' career trajectory in South Africa, amplifying his visibility, fostering key collaborations, and establishing him as a pivotal figure in the Amapiano movement.^[57]

International and other recognitions

In 2022, Keys received a nomination for Best African Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards.^[58] Musa Keys received international acclaim through his contribution to the track "Unavailable" by Nigerian artist Davido, which earned a nomination for Best African Music Performance at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards in 2024.^[30] This marked one of the earliest high-profile recognitions for the emerging Amapiano producer on the global stage, highlighting the growing influence of South African genres in worldwide music awards.^[31] In 2023, "Unavailable" was nominated for Song of the Year and other categories at the African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA).^[59] In 2024, "Unavailable" achieved RIAA Gold certification in the United States, signifying over 500,000 units sold or streamed, a milestone that underscored Musa Keys' role in propelling Amapiano tracks to commercial success abroad.^[60] This certification was part of the RIAA's Class of 2024, recognizing first-time recipients and affirming the song's crossover appeal in the American market.^[61] Further extending his global footprint, the remix of "Unavailable" featuring Davido, Sean Paul, and Ding Dong secured a nomination for Best Music Video at the 42nd International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) in 2025.^[62] This honor reflected the track's adaptability across genres and its resonance in world music circles.