Overview
Major League DJz, the twin powerhouse duo from South Africa, are redefining the global music landscape with their unique blend of amapiano and African dance music. Born Banele and Bandile Mbere, these identical twins have carved a niche in the music industry, becoming icons of a genre that has rapidly ascended from local roots to international acclaim.
Born in Boston, Massachusetts, due to their family's exile during the apartheid era, the twins were raised in Johannesburg, South Africa. Their early exposure to both American hip-hop and South African jazz and popular music laid the foundation for their eclectic sound. Growing up, they were influenced by legendary artists such as Hugh Masekela, Caiphus Semenya, and Miriam Makeba, as well as the vibrant hip-hop culture in America.
Upon their return to South Africa after the end of apartheid, the Mbere brothers began their journey in the music industry as party organizers during their high school years. This evolved into a passion for DJing, leading them to fill in for missing DJs at their events. Their early work in the 2010s, characterized by dance-ready hip-hop-influenced mixtapes, garnered a loyal following and set the stage for their future success.
One of their significant contributions to the South African music scene is the creation of Major League Gardens, a series of live shows that showcased their music alongside other prominent South African artists. They became key figures in the New Age Kwaito movement, a modern take on the traditional kwaito genre, and collaborated with artists like Cassper Nyovest and Riky Rick. Their EP Ase Trap Tse Ke Pina Tsa Ko Kasi with Focalistic in 2019 became a seminal work in this genre.
Embracing the rising amapiano genre in early 2020, Major League DJz released two influential albums, Pianochella and What’s The Levol. These albums highlighted their versatility and ability to blend soulful melodies with energetic rhythms. The COVID-19 pandemic led them to create the Balcony Mix series, virtual performances that have gained millions of views and featured collaborations with stars like Vigro Deep, Major Lazer, Tyler ICU, Boohle, and Kabza De Small.
Their project, the New Beginnings EP, features the talents of Murumba Pitch and continues to push the boundaries of amapiano. Major League DJz have performed on prestigious stages worldwide, including Coachella and the O2 Academy Brixton, and even set a world record with a 75-hour DJ set for their Balcony Mix Xperience.
Major League DJz's influence extends beyond music. They have played a pivotal role in transforming lives and providing hope for a new generation of South Africans. Their ambitions include conquering the dance music mecca of Ibiza, creating a Cercle set at a historic African site, and expanding to new continents and larger venues. Their vision is global, aiming to collaborate with superstars like Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Adele.
Major League DJz have firmly established themselves as pioneers in the amapiano genre, continually innovating and expanding their influence. As they continue to evolve and inspire, Major League DJz remain at the forefront of a musical revolution that shows no signs of slowing down.
