Sol Phenduka questions Amapiano artists’ focus on expensive fashion
Radio host and podcaster Sol Phenduka recently sparked a conversation on social media about the culture of expensive fashion within the Amapiano music scene.
In a tweet that quickly gained traction, Sol questioned why many Amapiano artists prioritize high-end designer clothing over other investments, such as professional music studios.
“Can Piano Pulse Podcast bring in someone within Amapiano and just explain the culture of the very very very expensive clothes and why it’s such a priority for some artists? Some don’t have decent studios yet the drip ‘if original’ is boma R80,000 an outfit,” he wrote.
He acknowledged that top-tier Amapiano artists can comfortably afford such luxury brands, but expressed concern about how others might feel pressured to keep up with this lifestyle.
He added, “Kodwa abanye I feel sekuyi peer pressure. One can always look stylish without the Amiri, Loewe, Vetements, Balenciaga, and LV.”
Amapiano, a genre deeply rooted in South African culture, has become a global phenomenon, bringing with it not just music but a distinct lifestyle.
Can Piano Pulse Podcast bring in someone within amapiano and just explain the culture of the very very very expensive clothes and why it’s such a priority for some artists . Some don’t have have decent studios yet the drip “if original” is boma R80 000 an outfit .
Of course…
— Thandubuntu Solomzi (@Solphendukaa) January 3, 2025
For some artists, expensive fashion may symbolize success and serve as a marketing tool, but Sol’s comments raise an important question: at what cost?
