Bandile and Banele Mbere, the identical twin brothers who form the South African DJ/producer duo known as Major League Djz, have joined forces with Major Lazer to produce the new collaborative album Piano Republik. The album, which is available now from Mad Decent/Because, offers a unique fusion of Amapiano beats and global sounds. Be sure to check it out and listen to the magic that these talented artists have created! Listen here HERE.
Major Lazer, the American trio composed of Diplo, Walshy Fire, and Ape Drums, has released their first new album in three years titled Piano Republik. This album is an exceptional display of amapiano, the popular dance music genre that originated from South Africa’s townships and has recently taken the world by storm.
According to Walshy Fire, the lead vocalist of Major Lazer, “Africa is currently the center of musical energy for the entire world, and amapiano is undeniably one of the most thrilling things happening right now. It has gained popularity throughout the continent, but it all started in South Africa, and Major League Djz are at the forefront of the movement. When we witnessed their influence firsthand, we knew we had to collaborate with them.
The collaborative album Piano Republik by Major League Djz and Major Lazer has been released, featuring the latest international showcase of amapiano, a dance music genre from South Africa. The album includes guest appearances from Tiwa Savage, DJ Maphorisa, Joeboy, Brenda Fassie, and Ty Dolla $ign. Amapiano is a fusion of soulful house music, African rhythms, and jazzy piano melodies that has become popular worldwide. Major League Djz are pioneers of amapiano and global ambassadors, having brought global audiences into South Africa’s club scene through their Balcony Mix events.
Since the release of their acclaimed 2021 album Outside, Major League Djz have gone on to break the world record for the longest DJ set performed by a duo, performing for 75 hours for a special edition of the Balcony Mix Experience. Counting Tems, Burna Boy, Honey Dijon, Jorja Smith, Rema, Asake, Stefflon Don and Mr Eazi among their steadily growing list of supporters, the twins made their Coachella debut alongside Black Coffee in 2022, and recently sold out London’s O2 Academy Brixton.
Those in Miami for Miami Music Week can catch Major League Djz with Major Lazer Sound System in a b2b DJ set at Get Lost Miami, happening March 25th at Factory Town in Hialeah. This summer in London, Major League Djz will be the first South African act to hold a residency at new venue HERE at Outernet, playing and curating exciting lineups every Saturday in June.
MAJOR LEAGUE DJZ & MAJOR LAZER—PIANO REPUBLIK
1. Smoking & Drinking feat. Ty Dolla $ign
2. Ke Shy feat. Tyla & LuuDaDeejay
3. Ngibambe feat. Gaba Cannal & Russell Zuma
4. Designer feat. Joeboy
5. Koo Koo Fun feat. Tiwa Savage & DJ Maphorisa
6. Mamgobhozi feat. Brenda Fassie
7. Oh Yeah feat. Ty Dolla $ign
8. Stop & Go feat. Msaki
9. Higher Ground ft. Boniface