MJ Maponya has offered fans a behind-the-scenes look at the workouts he is putting DJ Maphorisa through before the Scorpion Kings Live concert with Kabza De Small.
Known publicly as a reality star and DJ, Maponya also has more than 10 years of professional experience in health and fitness. He is now applying that knowledge to help the amapiano heavyweight build the stamina needed for a demanding live performance.
Quick facts
- Maponya has trained Maphorisa since they connected in 2018.
- The programme prioritises flexibility, strength, endurance and lower-back support.
- He previously prepared Cassper Nyovest for Global Citizen.
- Maponya began his fitness journey at age nine and played for Free State Stars until 2016.
Maponya said the sessions are designed around movement and sustained output rather than body transformation. The plan uses extended repetitions, with the main goal being endurance instead of weight loss or muscle gain.
Maphorisa’s demanding schedule also shapes the routine. As both a performer and a CEO, he regularly works late and does not keep consistent hours, making lower-back conditioning an important part of his preparation.
The pair first connected in 2018, when Maponya was working with Major League DJz. The duo then recommended Maphorisa as a client.
Maponya described their relationship as one that has lasted for years, calling Maphorisa a close friend and brother who continues to teach him a great deal.
His client list has also included Carpomore, Mohale Motaung, Lasizwe and rapper Cassper Nyovest. He worked with Nyovest ahead of Global Citizen, helping him reach the physical level required for one of the biggest stages in the world.
Maponya said Maphorisa’s current preparation is progressing well and follows a similar performance-focused method to the one used with Nyovest. He credited sports science with supporting Nyovest’s energy and described that Global Citizen appearance as arguably the rapper’s finest performance.
Running and cardiovascular work make up a major part of Maphorisa’s programme. Maponya added that the DJ enjoys running and is particularly capable at it.
Fitness has been central to Maponya’s life since he was nine, long before he moved further into entertainment. He played football for Free State Stars until 2016, then chose to study sports science and move into business.
He believes physical conditioning is essential for performers, pointing to the world’s leading acts as examples. In his view, the top 10 performers are all in strong shape, which helps them continue performing into their 50s and 60s.
Maponya said fitness came first in his career, followed by reality television and then music and modelling. He considers himself fortunate to work across several fields in what he called a “slash generation” while collaborating with major figures in the entertainment industry.
