Sissy K Takes Amapiano Global: Cape Town DJ’s First International Tour
For Sisipho Kwinana, better known on stage as Sissy K, the journey from local Cape Town clubs to an international stage has arrived sooner than she expected. The young amapiano DJ is set to perform in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo, on Friday, November 28, and Saturday, November 29, a landmark moment in her burgeoning career.
“This is my first time performing outside South Africa, and it’s a dream come true,” Sissy K told local media. “It’s not just a gig—it’s a chance to represent my hometown and my country.”
View this post on Instagram
From Cape Town Clubs to the DRC
The booking came through a fellow Cape Town DJ who had followed her sets around the city. “He saw me play at various venues and recommended me to the promoter in Congo,” she said. “When I sent my materials, they were impressed, and now here I am.”
For Sissy K, the opportunity is more than professional recognition—it’s personal validation. “Being this young and getting this chance fills my heart with joy. I hope my journey inspires other South African DJs, especially women, to pursue their dreams,” she said.
A Musical Heritage
Sissy K credits her father, Anthony Sotiya, for sparking her early interest in music. “I grew up watching him DJ, seeing him make people dance and happy, that environment shaped me,” she said. Although her father’s genre, afro tech, differs from her signature amapiano sound, his influence was more about fostering her love for DJing than shaping her musical style.
She discovered amapiano during her matric year, a pivotal time of decision-making and self-discovery. “Finding a genre that spoke to me gave me clarity about the path I wanted to take,” she explained.
Career Milestones in Cape Town
Sissy K has steadily built her reputation across Cape Town’s nightlife, performing at venues alongside established names. One defining moment was sharing a lineup with DBN Gogo, one of her idols in the female DJ scene. “It reassured me that I’m on the right path and that I can go far,” she said.
She also credits social media with keeping her connected to the evolving amapiano scene. “You have to stay updated and familiarise yourself with new tracks, you can’t just play what you know,” she said.
The DRC Debut: Performance and Cultural Exchange
The upcoming gigs in Lubumbashi are not just about her sets, they’re a cultural experience. Sissy K is excited to learn about Congolese culture and put her limited French skills to the test. “I’ll be playing for the crowd and for myself,” she said. “For the little girl who had a dream and ran with it.”
Global Ambitions
Sissy K views her DRC trip as the first step toward global recognition. She hopes to perform at major South African festivals like Rocking the Daisies, MTN Bush Fire, K Day, and Afro Nation while gradually expanding her brand internationally. “I don’t want to rush; I want to tour, work on music, and showcase my skills worldwide. Congo is just the beginning,” she said.
For Sissy K, this journey is a testament to talent, persistence, and the power of local networks. Her story reflects the promise of South Africa’s next generation of female DJs making waves on the international stage.
Source: IOL
Featured Image: News24
