Limpopo rising star ascends in amapiano
Amapiano star Mickey Black is making waves with her emotional music, rising career, and new EP.
LIMPOPO – Phathutshedzo Munyadziwa, better known by her stage name Mickey Black, is rapidly ascending the musical ranks.
The 21-year-old from Vuwani in the Collins Chabane Municipality has made a name for herself through her passion for amapiano.
Mickey’s journey into music began over a decade ago when she started singing in Gr 6 at Tshivhulana Primary School. Raised in a family where music played a central role, her love for singing was nurtured from an early age. However, it wasn’t until she met VanGee that she began delving into the deeper aspects of music production and songwriting, further refining her talents.
In 2020, Mickey Black officially launched her music career with the release of her debut single, ‘Nothing Better’.
The following year, she released her second single, ‘Kwanele’, featuring Rude Kid Venda. Her career hit a significant turning point in 2021 when she experienced the loss of her mother. This personal tragedy inspired her to release the deeply emotional Electro Play (EP) 10-07-21, a heartfelt tribute to her mother and a reflection of her own journey through grief and healing.
Mickey continued to push forward with her music career. In October 2022, she joined D’braz Entertainment, a decision that provided new opportunities and allowed her to release the single Mavharivhari and the EP Isipho. These projects showcased her versatility and growth as an artist. Though she has since parted ways with D’braz Entertainment, Mickey credits her time there for shaping her musical identity.
In July 2024, Mickey took a major step in her career by partnering with The King of Amapiano (PTY) LTD, which became her management company. This collaboration also saw the launch of her own record label, N.V. Productions, where Mickey serves as both an artist and a leader. Shortly after, she released her lead single ‘Kuyashintsha’, featuring Fortunator and DJ Gun-Do SA. The single received commercial success, resonating with fans of both amapiano and dance music, and it serves as an introduction to her upcoming EP, Ufunani.
Mickey’s musical journey has been marked by numerous collaborations with well-known artists and producers, including Mizo Phyll, The Capable Boyz, LutrooDamusic, Rude Kid Venda, Megamind Nova, Jr Player and LyeOon.
Despite the challenges she has faced, Mickey Black remains focused on her goals, driven by her love for music and the desire to honour her mother’s memory through her art.
