From meeting as young artists to sharing stages around the world, the energy of Scotts Maphuma and LeeMckrazy has always been undeniable. Whether you hear "Bathini bona" or "Bare ke LeemecKe!", you know that what you are going to get is going to be something special.
The two music sensations have dominated the Amapiano scene since they first met, and this year was no different. 2025 has seen the two continue to thrive, with their presence across various tracks, including 'Nakupenda', 'Sya'Waver', ‘HAMBA NABO', 'Ngibolekeni to 'Jealousy 'Ba Rata Monate' and' Zama Zama', just a few of the songs they have been part of.
Their earliest collaborations came around the time when they met before either of their careers had taken off, where they would be in studios with the likes of Mellow and Sleazy and would be in camps alongside Cowboii making music together, the time in which songs like 'Bayazi' were made. Since then, they have maintained a relationship that has proven highly fruitful, extending beyond music to include them as people and individuals who are similar. "I think the reason we work well together and get on is because of our similar ways of growing up. Since we're both from the dusty streets of the township, and we share almost the same stories, we understood each other fast." Scotts says about their relationship as people and what brings them together as collaborators.
Comparisons have long existed between the two in their friendship and in how people view their music as individual artists. However, for both, this is neither something they feed into nor something that affects them. "We understand, and we know that we are two different brands, but we are on the same team, so you can't actually fight your teammate all the time. The goal is for both of us to win; it's a healthy competition for us." They share with me how they feel about the need to compare and pit people against one another.
This year, their international influence grew, with two consecutive sold-out performances of their first UK headline shows in Birmingham and London, cementing their status as rising global talents. In this moment, we celebrate them as part of the new school of Amapiano artists who continue to push the genre forward. As individuals, they bring their own flair; together, they create something that stands out. There have always been talks, and the question has always been asked: when, if ever, will we get a combined project from the two, which, rightly so, feels like something fans and audiences would appreciate. Again, neither of them has missed this. However, in this context, it's all about timing. "We are just waiting for the right time to drop a joint project. We're excited to share new music with our fans and will announce it as soon as everything is set." Scotts shares with me.
The timing is essential, especially after a busy year for both of them. LeeMck released Krazyway (Agent 2.0) and his joint project with Khalil Harrison, SkeemSam. Meanwhile, Scotts dropped his recently released EP Piato (Chapter 1). The two of them are certainly putting in their hours and solidifying their contributions to the Amapiano genre. As we continue to track the genre and its evolution, this year has seen a shift: increased popularity has led to the emergence of 3-Step, which grew significantly throughout the year. Not to mention the constant evolution of experimenting with different elements in the mix. The roles that both ScottsMaphuma and LeeMckrazy play are notable, as they represent the new school of piano artists alongside their counterparts, including Cowboii and Mellow & Sleazy, who have also continued to bring a different flair to the scene. This is also reflected in where the sound is now. "Amapiano is very much bigger than us now, and the only thing that's gonna keep it moving is if we keep on working together. The sounds we make, the way we collaborate with other artists, can only continue to go."
The results will continue to show in the years to come; however, this year is also a clear indicator that neither of them has plans to stop anytime soon. With an international focus, they plan to spread their message worldwide, taking the stage across Africa, Europe, and beyond. From what we have seen, this is more than achievable for them, and it is more than just about being able to do it and saying you did; it is also about seeing how far they can go and where they can reach. "We're looking at international collaborations, you know, because as an artist you need to spread your wings and see how far you can go," LeeMck says when speaking to where they see the next phase of their career going.
As we speak, what exactly makes their ability to work together so successful is clear: the amount of respect they have for each other. Beyond being two of the buzzing Amapiano artists of the moment, there is a friendship that exists between them, and with that comes a level of respect that they have for each other, which is evident even as you see them together outside of the context of performing. Their camaraderie is what keeps them going as collaborators, driving them to do their best for themselves and for each other. "We believe in working together and loving what we do." Scotts shares on what makes them come together as collaborators. Their individual backgrounds in the genre contribute to this, as they bring different perspectives to the tale. For LeeMck, who began performing in choirs at a young age, his love of music grew there before he ventured into other forms. And for Scotts, who has always been a rhythm person and used to dance a lot, he infuses that energy and those vibes into his sound. You can see how it works for both of them in their current positions.
The two met at a gig they were both booked to perform at, cementing a friendship and collaboration that has blossomed over the years. Not just as a pair when it comes to the sounds of "Bathini bona" or "Bare ke LeemecKe!", but also as individual artists, there is no doubt that their presence and contributions will continue to thrive, whether together or apart.
Credits
Photographer: Oulayma Conteh @ikuollie
Creative Director: CO.ZA / @Kosi_s
Producer: Seneo Mwamba @seneomwamba
Lighting: Seyi Opesan @jimmysjpeg
Production Assistant: Whitney Sanni @its.whit_
Brand PR: @suurmgmt
Design: @shalemalone
CGI: @jr_ecko
Writer: Seneo Mwamba @seneomwamba
Special thanks: @sonymusic @taponeswa
