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Pianist, Composer, Record Producer, Songwriter, Mixing Engineer & DJ
Apiwe Bubu is a South African pianist, composer, record producer, songwriter, mix engineer, and DJ who believes creativity is the ultimate form of human expression. His work spans continents and disciplines, merging African traditions with jazz, contemporary production, and experimental soundscapes. Boundless in his approach, Apiwe’s artistry has been recognized in leading publications such as the Mail & Guardian and celebrated pianist Andile Yenana praised him as:
“a special kind of artist, fearless and highly aware of self, a rare voice indeed. His piano voice defies genre conventions, by cutting straight to the essence of composition and emotion.”
His latest album, Reflections of a Sound Mind, embodies this spirit—an intimate yet expansive project that invites listeners into a deeply personal journey while challenging the boundaries of genre and form.
Apiwe began classical piano training in middle school before earning a Sound Engineering Audio Training Certificate at Johannesburg’s Inhouse Audio Training Institute, followed by a Berklee Online Professional Certificate in Music Theory, Ear Training, and Harmony. At 21, he composed his first original TV theme for the popular show How To (Wenza Kanjani), and went on to work in radio sound design and production at Sonovision Studios.
For four years, he studied jazz piano under acclaimed South African pianist Andile Yenana, an experience that shaped his voice as both composer and performer. He later wrote and produced for the SAMA-winning album Nomisupasta by Nomsa Mazwai and performed internationally across Ethiopia, Mozambique, Norway, Spain, and the US.
At Berklee College of Music, where he graduated cum laude with a dual major in Contemporary Writing & Production and Music Production & Engineering (plus a minor in Writing music for TV & New Media), Apiwe served as President of the African Club, championing South Africa’s cultural voice abroad.
After Berklee, he worked alongside Grammy-winning engineer Tony Maserati (Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Robin Thicke) under Mirrorball Entertainment. There, he contributed to Grammy-winning/nominated albums including Beyoncé’s Lemonade, Keith Urban’s Ripcord, and Gallant’s Ology.
Determined to forge his own path, Apiwe founded Global Sound Studio LA, a creative hub for recording, songwriting, mixing, and production. His collaborations span artists such as Chief Keef, Bridgit Mendler, Adam Friedman, 808 Mafia, and Flip Dinero.
A versatile performer, Apiwe has also built a reputation as a DJ, sharing stages with Sofía Reyes and performing at events for icons like Snoop Dogg. He has appeared at venues including Los Globos, The Resident DTLA, Mama Shelter LA and St. Felix Hollywood, and continues to be active in New York, Johannesburg, Los Angeles and Cape Town. He is also the founder of Amagintsa eVybe, a bi-coastal/continental media brand dedicated to promoting South African music culture in the US.
With Reflections of a Sound Mind, Apiwe enters a new chapter—bringing together his experiences as a pianist, producer, composer, and cultural advocate. Courageously innovative and deeply rooted in the sounds of his homeland, he continues to redefine what it means to be a South African artist on the global stage.
"Berklee College of Music has put him in a unique position with a command of professional and creative techniques key to the success of any business in the entertainment field."
Tony Maserati
Grammy Award winning record producer and audio engineer
"His value to the past, current and future of South African music writing and production cannot be overstated. He has a stunningly fresh approach, sound and style."
Bakithi Khumalo
Grammy Award winning bassist; performed with Paul Simon, Gloria Estefan, Miriam Makeba, Angelique Kidjo
Favorite quote:
"Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not, nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not, unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not, the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The notion "press on" has solved and will always solve the problems of the human race."