One of Amapiano’s most exciting young innovators, Stixx, pays tribute to one of South Africa’s greatest musical icons with the release of Market Place 2.0, a reimagining of Hugh Masekela‘s beloved classic, “Marketplace.” Bridging generations through music, the release celebrates Masekela’s timeless artistry while introducing the song to a new audience through the soulful rhythms of contemporary Amapiano.
Inspired by Stixx’s late father, whose love for Hugh Masekela’s music left a lasting impression on him, Market Place 2.0 is deeply personal; the record stands as both a celebration of family and a tribute to one of South Africa’s most influential cultural figures. Rather than reinventing the original, Stixx carefully preserves its unmistakable essence, retaining Masekela’s iconic vocals, trumpet melodies and guitar work while layering them with his signature Kwapi-inspired production.
The result is a record that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly current, honouring the emotional weight and musical brilliance of the original while creating space for a new generation of listeners to connect with its story.
Adding another layer of warmth and authenticity is The Bless, who is best known for his work alongside Russell Zuma, Gaba Cannal, Thatohatsi and CowBoii, The Bless has become one of Amapiano’s most sought-after voices, bringing emotional depth to productions that blur the lines between jazz, soul and dance music. His contribution helps transform Market Place 2.0 into a genuine collaboration between generations, honouring the past while embracing the present.
Still only in his early twenties, Stixx has rapidly established himself as one of Amapiano’s defining producers. Born Samuel Seloane in Kwa-Thema, his musical journey began as a church drummer before he taught himself production through hours of self-study, developing a sound rooted in gospel, deep house and Afro-soul influences. His breakthrough came after being discovered by DBN Gogo, who signed him to Zikode Records, leading to acclaimed production work on Kelvin Momo‘s Amukelani and the release of his own celebrated projects, including Test of Time, Jazz Cruise Series Vol. 1 and Kings of Kwapi Vol. 1.
By revisiting one of Hugh Masekela’s most cherished recordings, Stixx continues a tradition that has long defined South African music: honouring the past while pushing the culture forward. It is a meeting point between two generations of musicians connected by authenticity, storytelling and an unwavering commitment to preserving the country’s rich musical identity.
Few artists have left a legacy as profound as Hugh Masekela. Revered around the world as the father of South African jazz, his music became a powerful soundtrack to the country’s struggle for freedom, carrying messages of resilience, hope and cultural pride across continents. Decades after its original release, Marketplace remains as relevant as ever, and Market Place 2.0 ensures its spirit continues to resonate on today’s dancefloors.
With Market Place 2.0, Stixx delivers a standout Amapiano release. He offers a heartfelt conversation across generations, proving that great music never fades, it simply finds new voices to carry it forward.