Podcaster Thakgi Claps Back At Speedsta & Nadia Nakai Over Amapiano Comments
Podcaster Thakgi Claps Back At Speedsta & Nadia Nakai Over Amapiano Comments. In a candid and fiery response to recent remarks by Speedsta and Nadia Nakai about the amapiano genre, Thakgi, the popular podcaster from MacG’s Podcast Network under Piano Pulse, is challenging hip hop’s grip on the South African music scene.
The debate sparked after Speedsta, a respected hip hop artist, openly declared, “I think people are tired of Piano,” adding a note of respect but standing firm in his view that the amapiano wave has reached saturation.
Prior, Nadia Nakai also shared the same sentiments, suggesting that the amapiano scene no longer holds the same star power it once did, with Focalistic standing out as the only current superstar. But Thakgi isn’t buying it. Taking to social media, the blaring podcaster found it fitting to address Nadia and Speedsta once and for all following their sentiments.
“Nadia had to mention PIANO just to get her name into the conversation. Now Speedsta is doing the same. You guys had the whole country on a chokehold with hip hop — why is it so difficult for you guys to let others have their shine?” he questioned.
Thakgi argues that hip hop’s dominance is less about innovation and more about a reluctance to share the spotlight in a nation as musically diverse as South Africa. “I believe hip hop would be in a better place if you actually dropped innovative music. This country thrives on variety, not just one lane.”
Taking a direct shot at Nadia Nakai’s legacy and influences, he added, “Nadia, I’d like to think you learned a lot from both Cassper and AKA — if not, do it for them. Because right now, it feels like you missed class.”
Thakgi didn’t hold back on Speedsta’s recent DJ set at Cosmopolitan either, acknowledging its energy but critiquing its content. “Speedsta, I heard your set, super dope vibe — but you barely played new hip hop. Do you have new hits on your USB that can shake the crowd like amapiano does? People are tired of the same old hip hop sets — definitely not tired of piano.”
His message is clear: The amapiano sound is far from tired, and hip hop needs to step up creatively instead of dismissing the movement that’s reshaping South African music culture.
As amapiano continues to dominate clubs, radio waves, and streaming charts, Thakgi’s challenge might just be the wake-up call the hip-hop community needs — to innovate, collaborate, and coexist in a scene richer for its diversity.
