Earlier this month, on an unremarkable Sunday afternoon in London, UK history was made. At the UK’s biggest dance venue – the recently-opened Drumsheds, which took over the empty husk of the area’s old IKEA – thousands gathered to experience Piano People’s debut indoor festival. The first-of-its-kind event showcased over 30 acts spread across three cavernous rooms, and demonstrated exactly why Amapiano music has basically taken over the world.
Established in 2021, Piano People is a global entity that has brought Amapiano and South African dance music to endless renowned stages. With Amapiano at the epicentre of the event, the day brought out the biggest DJs and pioneers of the sound to one space, and its self-proclaimed “ten hours of groove” ws exactly that: ten hours of non-stop Amapiano, Afro house, and Afrobeats, courtesy of the Lit Lagos stage.
On the line-up were some of the biggest names on the scene, including DJ Maphorisa, Kwaito Pioneer, Oskido, Powerhouse DBN Gogo, Superkid Virgo Deep, and loads more. The whole thing was headlined by powerhouse duo Major League DJz, who brought the culture to this corner of North London in style.
Away from the stage, it was the same story, with attendees stepping into the groove in looks that screamed Sunday best. Some donned cultural attire to show the beauty of South Africa and the traditional styles born there. Fused with UK style – ranging from slinky, second-skin co-ords, to new and vintage sportswear, to full couture-level custom looks – it made for a night of vibrant fashion expression.
Hold tight to see more from Piano People in 2024, and click through the gallery above for a closer look at London’s history-making event.
PHOTO CREDITS: Piano People, Suen Williams, Tomi Sanusi