​Amapiano DJs pledge money to the creator of the log drum, Mdu Aka TRP

Amapiano artists have come together to donate money to Mdu Aka TRP, the producer thought to be behind the creation of the iconic log drum sound.

The log drum, which is heavily used throughout amapiano music, has been credited for the huge success of the genre since it sparked global fame in the late 2010s.

DJ Maphorisa posted on Twitter last week asking the amapiano community to come together and send money to Mdu Aka TRP, writing: “Thank You “Mdu AKA Trp” for changing our lives with Dat LOG DRUM forever be grateful mfanaka.”

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The DJ and producer - who’s known for hits including ‘Mnike’ and ‘Particula’, and his work alongside Kabza De Small under the moniker Scorpion Kings - added that both him and Kabza would send R100,000 (£4,337) each for his contribution to the sound.

Following DJ Maphorisa’s call to the amapiano community, Major League Djz confirmed that they would donate $50,000 USD (£40,987) to the producer.

The move comes almost two decades after the death of Gregory S. Coleman, the creator of the popularly used amen break, who was said to have died homeless and in poverty in 2006.

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Several other amapiano artists including Musa Keys and Sam Deep have also vowed to send Mdu Aka TRP money for his contribution to the genre, Johannesburg outlet Kaya 959 reported.

In an interview with Kaya 959, Mdu Aka TRP explained: “There’s no such thing as a King of Amapiano, no one can say: ‘Yeah, I own this sound. There are always guys who reinvent the genre and put out amazing work, but no one can call me that.”

“I just do what I do, and I don’t care about what anyone thinks. It’s about what I’m happy to put out,” he added.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Assistant Editor, follow her on Twitter