Kamo WW is popularly known and loved as a content creator, but he has now ventured into the music industry as the first openly queer artist in the amapiano scene.
Kmahelo Pule’s love for dance and growing up in a big musical family inspired his entry into the music scene. This has also inspired his debut EP “Pose,” which represents a significant step forward in broadening the genre’s musical and cultural reach.
“I’ve always loved dancing from a young age and have always envisioned myself performing for a big crowd. I just never knew that it would be my own music,” he said in an interview with IOL.
Pose is more than just another amapiano EP, it is an energetic multi-genre project that pushes the boundaries of sound and challenges the societal norm of the genre being dominated by heterosexual people.
It showcases a daring, unapologetic fusion of amapiano and gqom.
“The amapiano industry didn’t really embrace the idea of having a queer person in the scene, and it wasn’t recognized at all. So having a queer artist with a different aesthetic shook a lot of artists in the amapiano game,” he said.
He adds that, although there are people in the industry who show him love and have since become friends, it was difficult for many to “find it palatable.”
Pule shares that there was a period when he felt down after releasing his two singles in 2023, “Abafana” and “Chomi,” because he felt he had put in a lot of work, but it was not received the way it might have been if he were a straight-presenting person.
His unique perspective as the first queer voice in the amapiano space brings fresh energy to a genre already known for its vibrant and evolving nature.
For Pule, “Pose” is not only about infectious beats; it’s also about encouraging people to get up, “fetch their lives,” and believe in themselves so they can tap into the greatest version of themselves.
The title Pose is inspired by things that make Pule who he is.
As a fan of RuPaul, he titled his EP “Pose” for its energetic and queer vibe, and that’s what he wanted people to envision when they saw the title.
Pule has now found his footing in the music industry and shares that the studio is not as intimidating as it once was.
The process of creating “Pose” has been enjoyable with the support of the right people.
The five-track EP showcases his ability to fuse genres and celebrates life, rhythm, and self-expression.
His message of self-worth is evident in every beat, inspiring listeners to set aside their fears and take charge of their own stories, and show the next generation of queer artists looking to enter the amapiano scene that it is absolutely possible to push boundaries.
“Touched by Me” and “Shake(A)” are some of the stand out tracks from his debut EP and “Pose” is sure to have you waacking and voguing in the club.