Gift Lubele makes history with SA’s first AI amapiano album

GIFT Lubele has made history by releasing South Africa’s first Al-generated amapiano album, a project that has captured global attention.

- LUTHO PASIYA

Originally from Rathoke, a small village in Limpopo, Lubele moved to Tembisa, where he witnessed firsthand the challenges of waste management.

He saw an opportunity to create more sustainable solutions, which led him to start Kudoti, a waste-tech startup designed to connect all stakeholders in the waste value chain through a single platform.

“That company became my first successful exit,” he said.

Lubele’s passion for innovation continued as he pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in AI and Data Analytics at Hult International Business School in Boston.

The programme allowed him to merge his interests in data, technology and creativity.

“This led to releasing South Africa's first AI amapiano album, which has grown by over two million percent in just 18 days after launch,” he explained.

The album explores how AI and data can be applied as creative tools in music production. Music has been a constant in Lubele’s life, but his approach became intentional during his time in the United States.

Studying for his MBA and attending master classes at MIT, Harvard and Boston University, he observed startups using AI and data to create entirely new business models.

“That moment made me realise that music did not have to be just a passion or hobby; it could be a platform for innovation and entrepreneurship,” he said.

Lubele was also aware of the financial challenges facing South African artists. A survey revealed that 76% of new artists considered their careers financially unsustainable.

“Many musicians in South Africa make only a few thousand rand a month despite their talent,” he noted.