'I was going through it': Young Stunna on the time he first fell in love with amapiano

01 June 2023 - 20:03
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Young Stunna on how jumping onto the amapiano genre changed his life.
Young Stunna on how jumping onto the amapiano genre changed his life.
Image: Thapelo Morebudi

Sandile “Young Stunna” Msimango has reflected on his journey in the music industry.

While he might be an amapiano sensation now, the artist's first stint in the music industry was as a rapper on hip-hop beats, but after hearing Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa's hit Nana Thula, Young Stunna knew where his voice was better suited.

“When I heard this song in 2019, I was going through it, honestly made me feel like crying all the time I played it. It made me fall in love with this sound until I started being part of it. That was the beginning of my healing journey and I’m so grateful. It really changed my life and I’m taking care of my family, that’s all that matters to me,” he wrote.

Young Stunna said he was grateful that Kabza included him on the remix, which features Njelic, Nkosazana Daughter and Xolani Guitars, dedicating the song to those who are finding their way through life and hoping for a bright future. 

“When papa told me he wants me to be part of the remix, I teared up, even when I was recording this verse. I appreciate everything. I’m so happy, I can’t even hide it any more. I’ve been praying for this and I worked for it. This song is for everyone who’s going through the most, everyone who’s hustling for themselves and their loved ones. This song is for the hard time and the good times! God really got us and we going to be alright!”

When launching his debut album Notumato in October 2021, the rapper paid homage to Kabza De Small in his hit song Adiwele. In it he reflected on the great impact he has had in his life since they met. 

Previously speaking to TshisaLIVE, Young Stunna said it was Kabza De Small who helped him navigate his musical career and stardom, seeing him as a father figure in the industry through the DJ's record label Piano Hub.

“I am thanking Kabza De Small [in that song]. It's been a short period of time [knowing him], but he taught me a lot. A lot would have gone wrong if I didn't listen to him,” he said.

“I spend a lot of time with Kabza De Small. I call him papa, I call him my father. He treats us [the team working under the label] like we're his children and makes us feel at home. We're here to make music and learn about life. We've got that father-and-son relationship going on because he teaches us a lot.

“He shows us everything. He makes us understand how everything is going to go and how you're going to feel and when you go through it, you appreciate every moment, remembering he told you about it. So it's a blessing to be able to be shown the right way.”

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