The pandemic and its restrictions is touted as what gave Amapiano its dominance within the South African landscape. This is as when other already established musicians were figuring out how to pivet their careers in light of the then “new normal.” Amapiano was creating superstars.
One leading male vocalist to have come out from this “golden era of the yanos” was none other than Sir Trill. For most of us, Sir Trill was introduced to us through the summer hit single of 2020 into 2021, John Wick. Since then he has become a household name, albeit a notorious one for lateness and accusations of liking them young, the hot throb is still touted as one of the most lauded male Amapiano vocalists.
Hence following his string of successful hit singles including the likes of Emlanjeni, Yini S’dakwa and Banyana between 2020 and 2021. The big question was when is he set to release? Initially, the musician had promised a release in 2021 for his debut album or EP.
But it was alleged that due to the breakdown in his relationships with fellow Amapiano artists like his earlier collaborators including the likes of De Mthuda, Da Muziqal Chef and the entire team associated with DJ Maphorisa. Sir Trill could not release the music he had worked on with the aforementioned artists. Moreover, it was alleged that due to his nonexistent relationship with the likes of Phori and Kabza de Small, who are considered gatekeepers in the genre, that he could not release his own music.
Sir Trill defies alleged gatekeeping odds with debut album
The suggestions that Sir Trill is allegedly on the outs with Phori, Kabza de Small, De Mthuda and other “pioneers” in the House sub-genre lends itself to the passion in which controversial podcaster MacG has dragged Phori for filth.
If you think about it, MacG, who is currently riding on an Amapiano high through the lead single Nkantin which is led by Sir Trill from his EP Songs I Put My Name On. It would make sense why MacG is so passionate and speaks with his whole chest about how DJ Maphorisa is a gatekeeper, who without their approval no one can release Amapiano successfully locally and internationally.
But Sir Trill has defied the odds with the release of his debut album Ghost. Released on Friday, 28 October 2022, the album proved to be one of the most anticipated albums of 2022. This is as in less than 6 hours following its availability on Spotify alone, it had amassed over 1.54 million listens. A number which only grew throughout the day as his name topped the trends list and has remained there.
Moreover, if you are looking for further proof that Sir Trill is a campless man in terms of the different fraternities and sororities in the Yanos space. It takes just looking at his list of features to confirm it. On his 19-track debut album, Sir Trill’s only notable features from Amapiano mainstream artists include Soa Matrix, Nkosazana Daughter, Visca and his cousin DaliWonga. No DJ Maphorisa, Kabza de Small or names associated with the camp…
