How Yumbs is Transforming South African Urban Culture on a Global Scale
South Africa is a melting pot of talent, and right now, the youth are at the forefront of our country’s urban culture revolution. Leading this charge is Amapiano record producer and international DJ, Yumbs, whose flourishing career is making waves both locally and internationally.
Born Ayanda Oratile Yumba, Yumbs has rapidly gained recognition as a pioneer in pushing the Amapiano genre across borders. He first made a name for himself in 2020 by co-producing Musa Keys’s hit “Vula Mlomo.” Since then, he has worked alongside notable artists such as Kelvin Momo, Bien, Major League DJz, DJ Maphorisa, Blxckie, and Nigerian hitmaker Joeboy.
Yumbs’ musical journey is rooted deeply in his diverse instrumental skills, including playing drums, bass, electric guitar, and piano. He honed his craft at the National School of Art and furthered his studies at the Academy of Sound Engineering, majoring in Audio Technology and Sound Engineering. His commitment to understanding the theory behind music has been a cornerstone of his success.
“You always need to know the theory of things; you don’t know which room you can be in. I want to be in every room, I want people to know I’m educated in music,” Yumbs explains. His dedication to mastering his craft is evident in his ambition to one day write books and develop his own music philosophy.
As Amapiano continues its meteoric rise in South Africa and globally, artists like Yumbs are crucial in preserving and evolving the genre. At 22, he is already shaping the soundscape with his innovative use of instruments. “Sometimes I’ll sound very African using marimbas, and other times I aim for a soulful vibe with strings and keys, but it’s the same pattern,” he says.
Yumbs’ unique sound and exceptional musical ear have propelled him into the role of executive producer on various projects. His debut in this role was Pabi Cooper’s debut EP, ‘Cooperville.’ “The executive producer oversees the entire project, deciding on features, producers, and the overall sound. They make all the critical decisions,” he elaborates.
Yumbs’ global reach is expanding as he collaborates with international stars like Will.I.Am and Pharrell Williams. A notable highlight of his career was remixing Ciara’s hit “How We Roll” featuring Chris Brown, which set the stage for his 2024 project: the official Amapiano remix of Muni Long’s “Made For Me.”
Reflecting on his journey, Yumbs says, “I’m finding myself in everything that’s happening. It feels exciting.” His debut EP, ‘The First Offering,’ which topped charts, marked his transition from producer and DJ to a recognized artist. “I was surprised when that project went number one. It made me realize the power I have and what I could do.”
Yumbs’ latest release, ‘Off My Mind,’ features an all-star lineup including Focalistic, Joeboy, Bien, and Moliy, further cementing his influence in the Amapiano scene. This track showcases his ability to blend talents from Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana into a cohesive Amapiano masterpiece.
In addition to his musical achievements, Yumbs has recently announced an exclusive partnership with Warner Music Africa, a significant step following his previous deal with Africori. Always hard at work, Yumbs is currently developing new projects and planning a European tour.
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