Manchester’s Pie Radio announces Afrobeats v Amapiano day party for June

Manchester’s Pie Radio has announced an Afrobeats v Amapiano day party for summer.

After hosting an online Afrobeat v Amapiano clash during lockdown, independent, youth-led Manchester radio station, Pie Radio, has revealed details of an 11-hour day party taking place at the city’s BEC Arena. 

Taking place on Sunday 27th June from 3PM until 2AM, the event will welcome afrobeats, afrohouse, amapiano and soulful house DJs in the form of Boogz, Chief, Tooj and DJ Skayy, who’ll perform alongside other artists in the form of G2, DJ Sammy V and Toots.

Speaking about the event, Pie Radio said it “follows the epic rise of afro-centric music in the UK over the past few years, which has been aided particularly by social media such as TikTok, which has made the music and dances more easily accessible to listeners around the globe.

“Artists such as Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy and Tiwa Savage have become household names in the UK music charts, as Afrobeats has continued to establish a firmer dominance throughout the country over the past decade. On the other hand, Amapiano has been on the rise more recently. Stemming from Afrobeats, the genre is a blend of house and Afrobeats, originating from South Africa.”

The event will also feature live dance performances, food stalls and a BBQ, as well as table service and funfair rides. Tickets can be purchased via Skiddle here.

Check out our recent column from Shiba Melissa Mazaza, who reports on the Amapiano sound sweeping the globe.

During a year decimated by lockdowns and venue closures, our need for sonic connection has sparked the resurgence of independent radio across the UK. In a recent feature for DJ Mag, Ed Gillett looked at the challenges grassroots stations have faced during the pandemic, finds out how they’ve thrived despite those pressures, and explores why radio’s become an increasingly vital source of community and comfort for its listeners