South African musical duo Murumba Pitch has officially disbanded, bringing an end to a partnership that has been at the forefront of the Amapiano movement. The announcement, made through a joint media statement released on 7 March 2025, confirms that Thabang Innocent Mangolo and Emmanuel Nanga Mathye have mutually agreed to terminate their professional and contractual relationship, effective immediately.
The decision was reached following a meeting held on 6 March 2025, where both artists determined that it was in their best interests to part ways and embark on independent ventures. While the dissolution of the duo is a significant moment for South African music, both parties have expressed their commitment to embracing new opportunities and pursuing their careers separately.
Murumba Pitch, known for their distinctive sound that seamlessly blended Amapiano, Afrobeat, and soulful melodies, played a crucial role in shaping contemporary South African music. Their collaborations with some of the industry’s biggest names, including Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa, and Ami Faku, cemented their reputation as one of the genre’s most influential acts. Hits such as Esangweni and Hamba Juba captured audiences across the country and beyond, making them household names within the Amapiano scene.
The duo’s statement emphasised that while they are going their separate ways, they remain dedicated to ensuring an amicable settlement regarding their shared business interests in the Murumba Pitch brand. This process, they assured, will be handled with fairness and professionalism.
Fans have already begun reacting to the news, with many expressing their disappointment over the split. Murumba Pitch had built a loyal following, not only because of their musical prowess but also due to the chemistry and synergy they displayed both in the studio and on stage. The unexpected nature of the announcement has left supporters wondering about the reasons behind the decision, although neither party has provided further details beyond the official statement.
Industry experts have noted that while breakups of musical groups are not uncommon, Murumba Pitch’s dissolution marks a particularly significant shift in the Amapiano landscape. With the genre continuing to evolve, it remains to be seen how Mangolo and Mathye will carve out their individual paths and whether their solo careers will maintain the momentum they achieved together.
For now, the focus remains on the division of their business interests and what the future holds for both artists. Their legal representatives, Jabu Nduma of Malatji Nduma Mojapelo and Associates Inc., representing Mangolo, and Wanga Ezekiel Monya, representing Mathye, will oversee the legal aspects of their separation.
As the South African music industry comes to terms with the end of an era, fans and fellow artists alike will be watching closely to see what comes next for the two talented musicians who, together, helped shape the sound of a generation.
