A spicy night of amapiano: Nando's ‘Mix It Up’ EP launch went down a treat

Following the release of Nando’s ‘Mix It Up Vol. 2’, a four-track EP fusing South African and UK talent together to create amapiano-infused magic, the restaurant staple celebrated with an enticing launch party, fully equipped with food, music and a perfectly curated selection of DJs.

Soundtracked by the pioneers of amapiano and ambassadors for the project, Major League DJz, it was an incredible evening of food and music. Taking over Nando’s Clink Street restaurant, the venue's space overlooking the Thames was transformed into a club for one night only. Kitted out with a mega soundsystem and a balcony perfectly set for the DJ booth, this was one Extra-Hot party. As we were at the home of the indulgent PERi-PERi flavourings, it would be rude not to dive into their legendary menu. Serving out some tasty chicken wraps alongside their infamous PERi-salted chips, it was the ultimate South African experience.

A buzz ran from start to finish as the crowd anticipated the arrival of Major League DJz, who had a fiery set in store — while Ellie Prohan got us all hyped up with some singalong classics. There was no doubt that the boys would then bring the heat to the dancefloor, and as the food, energy and music kept flowing, it could have ran all-night-long.

Read this next: Exploring the homeland of amapiano with Niko B

Like volume one of the ‘Mix It Up’ series, the sophomore edition of the project bands together with the Bridges for Music charity and was overseen by globe-conquering industry heavyweights Major League DJz, whose expertise directed the transcontinental release. The development of the series’ second release saw the featured artists travel to South Africa and be inspired by the nation's rich, vivid culture, with the entire project recorded between the Nando's sponsored Flame Studio in Johannesburg, and its Soho location.

Bridges For Music focuses on empowering South African creatives from struggling and underfunded communities through programmes fostering creative entrepreneurship and music. The debut edition featured BERWYN, Bru-C, Miraa May and M1llionz, who came together in support of South Africa’s budding and dynamic artistic scene.

‘Mix It Up Vol. 2’ features the UK artists K-Trap, Kojey Radical, Lost Girl and Niko B in collaboration with a serious handful of South African producers: LuuDaDeejay, Dinho, Mathandos, MFR Souls, along with vocalist Makhanj.

Check out Major League DJz's set and some images from the event below.

Read this next: Exploring the homeland of amapiano with Lost Girl