The Beat Goes On: How M-Touch Is Leading Amapiano’s Next Wave
When M-Touch (real name Bulelwa Tibane) first stepped into a studio, he wasn’t chasing club fame or viral hits, he was simply a sound engineering student with a quiet curiosity about DJing. Fast forward to now, and he’s one of the genre’s most exciting new stars. From producing his breakout album Love and Piano in just two weeks while juggling a 9-to-5, to scooping Song of the Year at the Metro FM Awards with the undeniable Kwelanga, MTouch is proving that talent and timing are nothing without pure tenacity.
With a sonic palette that blends Mamelodi roots with London streets and a deep understanding of what moves a dance floor, he’s not just riding the Amapiano wave, he’s helping steer it. We caught up with the rising producer and DJ to talk early beginnings, breakthrough moments, and what’s next on his journey.
Let’s rewind to the beginning. What was 18-year-old M-Touch thinking when he first decided to jump behind the decks?
I remember that like it was yesterday! I initially went to study sound engineering at Boston in 2017. Back then, I knew nothing about DJing — it wasn’t even on my radar. But there was a DJ class downstairs, and I started hanging around there, getting close with DJ Miggs, who was the lecturer. On my free days, I’d ask if I could practice. That’s where it all began. The rest is history.
Your debut album Love and Piano feels like a love letter to both local and international sounds. How did working with Neothedj, KMat, and Tonic Motion shape your sonic vision?
NeoTheDJ actually came up with the name for the album — wild, right? And believe it or not, Love & Piano was produced in just two weeks. At the time, I was working a 9-to-5 and felt like something had to give because I really wanted to focus on my brand. So I went all in. Produced the whole thing and locked in the features during that time. It was intense but worth every second.
Kwelanga took Song of the Year at the Metro FM Music Awards — a massive win. What was the creative process behind that track, and did you know it would be that impactful?
Kwelanga was just two guys — myself and Ranger — with the same style, making music. The shift came when Thulani Away introduced us to Bassie. She heard the beat and connected with it more than anything else we’d played. The magic happened from there.
From Love and Piano to Kwelanga, your music evolves while staying rooted in Amapiano. How do you balance innovation with staying true to your sound?
Every producer has their own style, and honestly, I didn’t always believe in mine. But Kwelanga showed me that it works. And for someone who studied sound engineering, it’s not hard to adapt to how music is shifting — I just make sure I stay true to what feels right to me.
You’ve had some major career milestones already — what’s been the most surreal moment that made you stop and think, “Wow, this is really happening”?
The past three years have been beautiful. One standout moment was my first international gig in Zambia back in 2023. When I came back, I was selected as one of the HomeComing Events Artist On The Rise winners. That really shifted things for me. From there, it all started feeling real.
Your live sets are known for their energy and connection. In your words, what makes a signature MTouch performance stand out?
I don’t take any set for granted. Each one is personal to me. I think that’s why I’ve become really good at what I do — it’s about the intention. What makes me stand out is my music selection and the way I transition between tracks. That’s where the story lives.
Amapiano is constantly evolving — what excites you most about where the genre is headed next?
It’s opening doors for so many people. We’re seeing a new wave of artists consistently breaking into the industry. The genre’s not going anywhere — it’s here for a long time, and I’m excited to be part of its future.
You’re clearly just getting started. What can fans expect from the next chapter of M-Touch — are there any dream collabs or surprises in store?
Haha, I’m really just getting started! I’m currently working on the second instalment of Touch Is A Move, which I’m planning to drop in July. This time, I’ve been crafting it for over a year, and it’s such a beautiful project. It picks up right where Kwelanga left off. Expect big moves — this year and beyond.
