From going viral with dance videos on Instagram to captivating audiences at the first boiler room Amapiano showcase in London, 21-year-old Kamo Mphela is a dynamic entertainer. Having recently been awarded as the best Amapiano Dance Act and the Amapiano Artist of the year at the inaugural South African Amapiano Awards, her unique style and stellar dance routines make the Soweto born star unforgettable. We spoke to Kamo about the importance of style, the global takeover of Amapiano, and how the popular performer holds her own as a woman in the industry. 

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One thing that consistently sets your career apart is your strength as a dancer. How would you say this helped define yourself in the industry? 

I think it has helped me with being an all-round entertainer. It's definitely come as a benefit to my career. I enjoy dancing, so it's been amazing to get to do what I love all the time.

How have apps like TikTok and Instagram helped grow this part of your career and build community with your fans?

Social media has played such a huge role in the success of my career. I think it has made it easier for us as artists to showcase our talent to a wide audience. It's crazy to think that my life looked completely different almost two years ago. Social media has allowed me to build a community of supporters around the globe. 

The last year has been huge for Amapiano globally, making it easier for artists like yourself to tour internationally. What has your favourite thing about performing outside of South Africa been?

I think the craziest thing that has happened is getting to see so many people internationally who know the lyrics to my songs! I didn't know that the genre had so much impact outside of home. It's been a true blessing. 

For people hearing the genre for the first time, what is one thing you believe they should know?

Amapiano just sounds like home. It sounds like where I grew up, and I think my love for dance music made it that much easier to explore the genre. I think the most important thing is that Amapiano is a South African sound that has given birth to so many great talents. I am excited to get to share the beauty of Amapiano around the globe, so I think they should just know that we are doing a global takeover soon. 

The Nkulunkulu video was styled by South African costume designer and stylist Mapule C95 Ralephenya. As a musician, why do you feel it's important to support African designers?

I genuinely appreciate Mapule. She understands the assignment every time! She's absolutely amazing, and actually, she's my favourite designer to work with. I admire all African designers because they all have something different to offer. It's important to support local designers because we actually have so many amazing brands that have a variety of styles that work for different people. 

Your strong sense of style is definitely something that makes your career interesting to watch. When it comes to picking outfits and working with stylists, what are the key things that stand out to you? What inspired your outfit for the Nkulunkulu music video and EP Cover?

I think the most important thing for me is making sure that it feels right. I never wear anything that doesn't feel right for my body or for how I'm feeling in terms of my sense of style. When working with stylists, I really do communicate how I'm feeling so that they can get the best of me - be it for a shoot or a performance, the way I look plays a huge role in my confidence.

I wanted my introduction to the music scene through this EP to be fierce and undeniably unique hence the cow print. I felt it was different, and it spoke to the boldness in terms of my style.

You've shared in previous interviews that you got your dancing skills from your mother. What other ways do you feel the women in your life have shaped your career?

The women around me have taught me what perseverance looks like. There have been many times where having this career has been quite tough on me. Doing multiple shows in a day takes a huge toll on the body. The women around me have taught me endurance, and it would have been difficult to transition into this level of my career without it.

What are some of your favourite collaborations you've done with other women in the industry?

I've had beautiful collaborations with Bontle Modiselle, Bontle Smith and a few other very talented women. I'm grateful that I get to work with women who showcase their craft so well. 

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The South African entertainment industry is very male-dominated. You've been able to thrive and hold your own despite this. How do you stay motivated in an industry like this?

It hasn't been easy, but I tend to move away from that classification. I believe that my work speaks for itself as an artist – and not just as a female artist. My industry peers respect my work because of my work ethic and my commitment to the craft.

Is there anyone you looked up to when you were younger that combined elements of dance and music the way you do?

I think I genuinely drew inspiration from what I had pictured myself to be when I grew up. I knew that I wanted to become an entertainer, and I knew that having all those key elements would improve the way I offered my service to people. I can't really say that there's been anyone who inspired me, but I believe that I've always seen myself becoming a superstar since I was a child.

Many people may not know that you entered the entertainment industry as a presenter before you danced and made music. How do you think this start impacted your career?

I think it has helped me in treating my work as a business outside of just having the talent to entertain. It's important to make sure that I have a team that helps me elevate my brand beyond what I envisioned it to be. My career isn't just about me performing. It's also about making sure that I have sustainability as an artist.

Being an independent artist has opened my eyes to what the industry actually looks like. It's not easy being an independent artist because, by default, you become the label. It takes a lot of hard work and an amazing team to put things together. It has, however, made me someone that appreciates the type of dedication it takes to do this as a career. It's a constant learning experience.

With the end of the year being a busy time for the South African music industry and Amapiano specifically, what are your hopes for the future?

To be honest, I think the pandemic has put the entertainment industry under a lot of strain. I can only hope and pray that all entertainers, performers, management teams are able to get paid their full fees as bookings increase. Outside of this, I'm excited to hear what the genre has to offer – there are a lot of new and exciting artists and hits to come as the year comes to an end. Fans can definitely expect a new dance challenge! I'm excited to share what my team and I have been working on. It's going to be an interesting end to the year. I suggest they keep on the lookout on my socials for more exciting things to come.