Solly Moholo is a renowned South African musician, famous for his influential gospel music. Born Solomon Molokoane in Soshanguve, Pretoria, he is a loyal member of the Zion Christian Church and a popular live performer known for his trademark ZCC uniform and ‘mokhukhu jive’.

He has released several albums since 1996, such as **Heavyweight Gospel**, **Robala ka Kgotso**, **Tsoha Jonase Nice Time Ya Bolaya**, and **Moruti Nthapelele** . His songs are mostly sung in Setswana and Sesotho, and they often address social issues such as crime, corruption, poverty, and HIV/AIDS. He has also collaborated with other gospel artists such as Winnie Mashaba and Sello Chokoe.

However, in 2022, Solly Moholo surprised his fans by resurfacing as an amapiano artist. Amapiano is a genre of South African house music that emerged in the 2010s and became popular across Africa and beyond. It is characterized by piano melodies, basslines, percussions, and vocals.

Solly Moholo said that he decided to switch to amapiano because he wanted to reach out to the younger generation and spread the gospel in a new way. His new single titled **Ntate Ake SaSepela** is an amapiano gospel song that encourages people to pray and trust God in difficult times. He said that he hopes to reignite his career and reconnect with his fans through his new music style.

Solly Moholo is an example of a versatile and talented musician who can adapt to changing times and trends. He has proven that he can sing both traditional gospel and amapiano gospel with passion and skill. He is a legend who deserves respect and recognition for his contribution to South African music culture.

Some of the other amapiano artists who have made a mark in 2022 and 2023 are:

• Major League DJz: The twin brothers Bandile and Banele Mbere are known for their “balcony mixes” that showcase amapiano songs from various artists. They have also collaborated with Focalistic, Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa, and others.
• Focalistic: The Pretoria-born rapper and singer Lethabo Sebetso, also known as Pitori Maradona, has fused amapiano with hip hop and kwaito to create his own unique sound. He became one of the first amapiano artists to make the FORBES AFRICA 30 Under 30 list in 2021. His hit song “Ke Star” featuring Vigro Deep was remixed with Nigerian star Davido and became a global sensation.
• Musa Keys: The Johannesburg-based producer and DJ Musa Makamu, better known as Musa Keys, rose to fame with his viral song “Vula Mlomo” featuring Sir Trill and Nobantu Vilakazi. The song has over six million views on YouTube and has been used in countless TikTok videos. Musa Keys has also worked with other amapiano artists such as De Mthuda, Mr JazziQ, and DBN Gogo.
• DBN Gogo: Mandisa Radebe, popularly known as DBN Gogo, is a female DJ and producer who hails from Durban but is based in Johannesburg. She is known for her energetic and eclectic sets that mix amapiano, gqom, house, and hip hop. She has released several hit songs such as “Khuza Gogo”, “Shuck n Jive”, and “French Kiss” with various collaborators. She has also performed at major festivals and events such as Rocking the Daisies, Afropunk, and Boiler Room.
• DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small: The duo of Themba Sekowe and Kabelo Motha are widely regarded as the pioneers and kings of amapiano. They have produced countless hits such as “Sponono”, “eMcimbini”, “Lorch”, and “Phoyisa” under their joint names or as Scorpion Kings or Piano Kings. They have also worked with local and international artists such as Wizkid, Burna Boy, Cassper Nyovest, Sha Sha, Samthing Soweto, and Mlindo The Vocalist. They have also influenced many other amapiano producers and DJs to follow their footsteps.