Murumba Pitch is a South African Amapiano duo that captured the hearts of many with soulful melodies and infectious beats. Comprised of Emmanuel Mathye and Khathutshelo Innocent “Maeywon” Mangolo, the pair quickly rose to prominence in the thriving Amapiano music scene.
In this article, we’ll take a conversational look at their biography, how the duo formed, their impact on Amapiano (including hit collaborations like “Hamba Juba”), the recent split that shocked fans, and our thoughts on what this split means for their future.
Biography & Early Life
Every musical journey has a starting point, and for the members of Murumba Pitch, it began in different corners of South Africa. Emmanuel Mathye was born in Shayandima, a township in Limpopo, on February 24, 1996. He moved with his family to Pretoria during his childhood, and he was raised primarily by his mother – a woman he credits for much of his success and determination in music.
Emmanuel’s first exposure to making music was in church, where he enthusiastically played the drums as a youngster. This early love for rhythm and percussion would later feed into Murumba Pitch’s signature sound. He also grew up idolizing prominent South African producers like DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small, who heavily influenced his passion for Amapiano.
On the other hand, Khathutshelo Innocent Mangolo – affectionately known as Innocent or Maeywon – hails from Nkomazi, a small town in Mpumalanga. He was born on July 18, 2001, making him the younger half of the duo. Innocent’s upbringing had its challenges; his parents separated when he was very young, but despite that, they ensured he had everything he needed while growing up.
Much like Emmanuel, Innocent found his musical footing in the church, often playing drums during services. Interestingly, he wasn’t always confident about his singing abilities at first. As a teenager, Innocent was more inclined toward contemporary R&B and hip-hop – genres which shaped his smooth vocal style and songwriting approach.
In fact, he even pursued mechanical engineering in his studies initially, before the pull of music became impossible to ignore.
Despite their different backgrounds – one from Limpopo with a gospel percussion background, the other from Mpumalanga with R&B influences – both Emmanuel and Innocent shared a common love for music and a drive to succeed.
These early life experiences not only grounded them but also flavored the unique Murumba Pitch sound we would come to know: a blend of soulful vocals, rhythmic drum patterns, and heartfelt lyrics that resonate with many Amapiano lovers.
Formation of the Duo
How did these two talented individuals find each other and create Murumba Pitch?
The story of their formation is as vibrant as their music. Both Emmanuel and Innocent started out pursuing music separately as teenagers.
In the early days, Innocent performed under the stage name “Cheez Beezy,” while Emmanuel went by “Omit ST,” each focusing on producing and DJing in their local scenes.
For years, they honed their craft on parallel paths, not yet aware that fate would bring them together.
The pivotal moment came around 2020 when the burgeoning Amapiano movement was reaching new heights. Emmanuel and Innocent eventually crossed paths in Johannesburg, a city that often serves as a melting pot for South African artists.
Their musical chemistry was immediate. After a chance meeting and jamming together, they decided to join forces, officially forming the duo Murumba Pitch in 2020.
The name “Murumba Pitch” itself carries a piece of their identity – it translates to “the sound of the drums,” a nod to their percussion-rich backgrounds and the rhythmic foundation of their music.
Interestingly, Murumba Pitch as a project had roots even before Emmanuel and Innocent took the helm. According to some reports, the concept was initially established by a friend and fellow musician (rapper Chifo Charge) around 2012, before being handed over to the duo to carry forward.
Whether by destiny or design, Emmanuel and Innocent were clearly the right fit to lead Murumba Pitch, as they soon took the name to new heights.
In the beginning, like many new artists, they faced their share of initial struggles. Breaking into the music industry is tough, and even with the exploding popularity of Amapiano in 2020, competition was fierce. The duo has candidly mentioned that there were times they went weeks without getting booked for shows, which could be discouraging.
However, instead of allowing these challenges to create a rift, the two supported each other.
“There are problems you can’t control… sometimes we go for weeks without getting booked,” they said in an interview, emphasizing how during tough times “we came together and developed solutions rather than blaming each other”.
This teamwork and perseverance in their early days built a strong foundation for their partnership.
Another factor that strengthened their collaboration was education – both artists attended the Soul Candi Institute of Music, a well-known music school, to sharpen their production and music business skills.
By combining their natural talent with formal training and an unwavering work ethic, Murumba Pitch gradually started gaining traction.
Their break came as they aligned their style with the rising Amapiano wave. In those initial years (circa 2020 and 2021), the duo put out music that caught the attention of established names in the industry.
They also networked and collaborated behind the scenes – before long, they were working with notable Amapiano DJs and producers.
It wasn’t an overnight success, but step by step, Murumba Pitch started to make a name for themselves.
Impact on Amapiano Music
Murumba Pitch didn’t just ride the Amapiano wave – they helped shape it. Amapiano, known for its jazzy piano melodies, heavy log drum basslines, and mid-tempo groove, was just blooming into mainstream popularity when the duo emerged.
Emmanuel and Innocent brought something fresh to the genre. Their sound is characterized by emotive vocals (a reflection of that church choir upbringing) and live-instrument touches like drumming and saxophone riffs, layered over the signature Amapiano beats.
This blend of live musicality with digital beats gave their songs a distinct vibe. In fact, industry observers note that the duo has “consistently transformed the Amapiano genre with good rhymes, soulful vocals and even the introduction of the saxophone” in their tracks.
They proved that Amapiano could be as heartfelt and melodic as it is danceable.
From the outset of their career as a duo, Murumba Pitch started releasing a string of hit songs that resonated with fans.
Their breakthrough year was around 2021, when tracks featuring their vocals and production started topping playlists. They have since delivered several popular songs, with titles like “Wena Dali,” “Esangweni,” and “Ethembeni” becoming anthems among Amapiano lovers.
These songs showcase the duo’s range – from smooth love songs to upbeat bangers – and often highlight their ability to craft catchy hooks.
One of their major collaborations that truly put Murumba Pitch on the map was the 2023 hit “Hamba Juba.”
This song was a team-up of multiple talented artists: it featured Murumba Pitch alongside vocalists Lady Amar, Cici, and producer JL SA. Hamba Juba exploded in popularity, becoming a pan-South African hit and club staple.
The official music video amassed over 29 million views on YouTube within its first year
– a testament to how widely the song caught on. Fans loved the infectious chorus and the fusion of different vocal styles in the track.
For Murumba Pitch, “Hamba Juba” was a showcase of their collaborative spirit; it demonstrated how their songwriting and vocal contributions could elevate a track to hit status.
The song’s success also helped introduce Amapiano to new listeners who might not have been familiar with the genre before, thereby expanding Amapiano’s reach.
Murumba Pitch didn’t stop at Hamba Juba. They have collaborated with a who’s who of the Amapiano and Afro-house scene, further cementing their influence.
Over the years, they worked with prolific producers and artists such as MÖRDA (Murdah Bongz of Black Motion), De Mthuda, Kabza De Small, DJ Stokie, Mellow & Sleazy, Daliwonga, Cici, and Nkosazana Daughter – to name just a few.
Each collaboration tapped into different facets of Amapiano: from sultry vocals with Nkosazana Daughter to floor-shaking anthems with De Mthuda.
These joint efforts not only yielded great music but also created a cross-pollination of fanbases, increasing Murumba Pitch’s popularity and influence in the genre.
For instance, their feature on DJ Stokie’s track “Mali” and a remix of Heavy-K’s “Uyeke” (the “3 Step Revisit” version) were well-received, showing their versatility in adapting to different producers’ styles.
By 2022, Murumba Pitch’s impact was undeniable – they had become synonymous with quality Amapiano music.
That year proved to be a milestone when the duo signed a record deal with Sony Music.
This was a big nod from the industry, as major labels were beginning to invest heavily in Amapiano artists. Signing with Sony opened even more doors and resources for the duo.
They continued to drop projects in quick succession: their debut album Obrigado came out in August 2022, followed by Horumar in November 2022, and another album Isidalo in early 2024, plus an EP New Beginnings in 2023.
Each release saw them experimenting and pushing the envelope – for example, Horumar infused Somali musical elements into Amapiano, reflecting their willingness to innovate within the genre.
In summary, Murumba Pitch’s influence on Amapiano can be heard in the way newer artists aspire to blend heartfelt vocals with the genre’s beats, a trend that this duo helped popularize.
They have been part of shaping Amapiano’s evolution from a local sound to a global phenomenon by continuously delivering hits and high-profile collaborations (like the beloved “Hamba Juba” collab and many others).
Their success story, however, took an unexpected turn recently, catching the music industry and fans off guard.
The Recent Split
In early 2025, at a moment when Murumba Pitch seemed to be flying high, fans were hit with shocking news: the duo announced that they were splitting up.
After years of making music together and numerous chart-toppers, Emmanuel and Innocent decided to part ways.
The announcement came via an official statement posted to their social media (Facebook) in the first week of March 2025.
In that statement, they revealed that after a meeting held on 6 March 2025, both parties reached a mutual agreement to terminate their partnership and contractual relationship with immediate effect.
They described the split as marking “a new chapter” for each of them, with both artists committed to moving forward independently and focusing on new opportunities in their careers.
The news of Murumba Pitch’s separation sent shock waves across social media.
Fans who had followed the duo’s journey were understandably heartbroken and surprised. The pair had always shown such camaraderie and unity in public that a split was the last thing anyone expected.
Within hours of the announcement, Twitter and Facebook were abuzz with reactions – some fans expressed sadness and posted crying emojis, while others offered encouragement, saying they’d support both artists in their solo endeavors.
There was also speculation and many questions: “Why did they split? Was there an argument? Will they reunite someday?”
According to the official statement, the breakup was amicable and mutual. They even stated that they would work together to ensure a fair division of their business interests under the Murumba Pitch brand and thanked supporters for understanding.
In other words, there was no public drama – no nasty feud, no social media war of words – which was somewhat of a relief to fans.
The duo handled it professionally, emphasizing respect for one another.
However, human curiosity being what it is, many looked for deeper reasons behind the split. Was everything truly as friendly as the statement suggested?
Some insider reports hinted at underlying issues.
A close friend of the duo confided to the press that the two had simply reached “a breaking point” in their working relationship.
Like any long-term partnership, there can be creative differences or personal tensions over time. “Friends and colleagues fight; it’s normal,” the friend explained, noting that Murumba Pitch had differences in vision and eventually could not resolve certain matters.
In his view, “they fulfilled their purpose as a duo; it was maybe the right time to just pursue solo careers”.
This suggests that behind the scenes, there might have been disagreements about the direction of their music or business, and both Emmanuel and Innocent felt they had grown as much as they could as a team.
It’s worth mentioning that Murumba Pitch is not the only high-profile act in the South African music scene to go through a split recently.
The breakup follows a pattern we’ve seen with other duos like the house music pair Black Motion, and Amapiano duo Amaroto (Reece Madlisa and Zuma), who also went their separate ways in the past couple of years.
It seems to be a season of change in the genre, with groups evolving and artists branching out on their own. Still, knowing that it has happened to others doesn’t make it any less poignant for fans of Murumba Pitch.
The reaction from the music industry was largely supportive. Fellow artists and producers sent their well-wishes.
Many acknowledged Murumba Pitch’s contributions to Amapiano and expressed optimism that both members will continue to succeed solo. At the same time, there’s an air of sadness because the chemistry these two had together is what created magic in songs like “Wena Dali” and “Hamba Juba.”
On social media, you could find comments from DJs saying “It’s the end of an era” and listeners hoping this is just a temporary break.
The duo did reassure event organizers that any shows booked prior to the split would still be honored – they promised to perform together for those commitments so as not to disappoint fans.
This gesture showed their professionalism and respect for their supporters, even as they navigate the split.
Opinion & Conclusion
With Murumba Pitch’s split now official, one big question remains: Is this breakup beneficial or harmful to their careers?
The answer isn’t straightforward and really depends on how things play out – but we can certainly weigh some pros and cons.
On one hand, going solo could be beneficial for both Emmanuel and Innocent.
As a duo, they always had to compromise and find a common creative direction. Separating may give each artist the freedom to explore their individual style without limitations. Perhaps they each had unique musical ideas (those “different visions” we heard about) that weren’t fully realizable within the duo.
Now, as solo acts, they could diversify the Amapiano scene even more – effectively giving us two distinct artists to enjoy. We might see Emmanuel delve deeper into traditional Afro-house or gospel-influenced piano, while Innocent might infuse more R&B or even Afrobeats flavor into his Amapiano productions.
In this sense, the split allows for personal growth. There’s also the practical side: as solo performers, they won’t have to split earnings or decision-making, and each can build their own brand. If handled well, they could each attract their own fanbases and even double the representation of the original Murumba Pitch legacy.
We’ve seen instances in music where group members find great success on their own, sometimes even greater than before.
On the other hand, there are valid concerns that the split could be harmful in the short term. Murumba Pitch was a brand – a beloved one at that.
Together, Emmanuel and Innocent had a special chemistry that fans could hear in the harmonies and feel during live performances. That kind of magic isn’t easy to replicate.
As solo artists, they will have to work to establish themselves from scratch in a certain sense, this time as “Emmanuel (ex-Murumba Pitch)” and “Innocent Maeywon (ex-Murumba Pitch)” rather than as Murumba Pitch.
There’s a risk that without the Murumba Pitch name, their releases might not initially get the same hype or attention.
Also, fans who adored the duo dynamic might be hesitant to embrace two separate acts – at least at first. In the competitive Amapiano industry, momentum is everything.
The duo had built a momentum together; now they’ll each need to maintain or build momentum individually. It’s possible the split could slow down their career progress if not managed well. We should also consider that their most memorable songs involved both of their contributions.
Will an Emmanuel solo track hit as hard without Innocent’s vocals, or vice versa? Only time will tell.
From an industry perspective, some insiders have noted that the duo had “fulfilled their purpose as a duo”, implying that perhaps they had already achieved what they set out to do together.
In that light, the split might not be a bad thing – it could simply be the natural next step for two artists who started their journey very young (remember, Innocent is only in his early 20s). Both have plenty of time to craft long, successful careers on their own. Importantly, it appears the split was amicable, so there’s no public bad blood that could tarnish their image. This leaves the door open for possible future collaborations between the two.
Who knows, a few years down the line we might see “Murumba Pitch Reunion” on a festival lineup, or they might feature on each other’s solo projects. For fans, that’s a comforting thought.
In conclusion, the story of Murumba Pitch – from two kids playing drums in church, to conquering the Amapiano charts with hit after hit, and ultimately deciding to amicably part ways – is a testament to the ever-evolving nature of the music industry. They’ve already made a significant impact on Amapiano, and their influence will be felt in the genre for years to come.
While the split marks the end of a beautiful chapter, it also marks the beginning of two new stories. As listeners, we can choose to be saddened by the breakup, or instead celebrate what Murumba Pitch gave us and look forward to what Emmanuel and Innocent will create in the future.
Whether the split turns out to be a boon or a setback, one thing is clear: both members of Murumba Pitch are incredibly talented, and their passion for music isn’t going anywhere. Fans are rooting for each of them. So, let’s keep grooving to the tracks that brought us joy (I’ll never skip “Hamba Juba” at a party!), and let’s stay tuned to see how these artists evolve. In the dynamic world of Amapiano, change is the only constant – and if history is any guide, Murumba Pitch’s legacy will continue, just in a different form. Here’s wishing Emmanuel and Innocent the very best on their new journeys. Their chapter together might have ended, but the book of Amapiano has many pages yet to be written, and no doubt, they will each contribute to it in exciting ways.
Murumba Pitch’s story reminds us: sometimes, a split isn’t about failure or ending on a bad note, but about growth and new beginnings. And as fans, we’ve got front-row seats to witness whatever comes next. Keep streaming their classics, support their solo projects, and cherish the groove they gave us – after all, as their name implies, the sound of the drums will always live on in our hearts and playlists.
