Q&A: ‘Kupe Dance’ Hitmaker @PaperMakerAstar Returns With A New Single and Dance Challenge 'Pika Pika'

Remember the 'Kupe Dance’ challenge that went viral in 2018? A-Star, the UK artist behind the hit and others such as ‘Balaya’, ‘Chocobodi’, ‘Hypeman’ is back with a new single and dance challenge ‘Pika Pika' alongside South African amapiano producer DJ Melzi. 

The 'King of AfroDance’ chats to SlikourOnLife about the success of the ‘Kupe Dance’ challenge, his collaboration with DJ Melzi and what to expect from him this year.

What was the thought process and intention behind your latest single alongside DJ Melzi, ‘Pika Pika’? 

Me and Melzi wanted to bring both of our worlds together. A merge of AfroDance and Amapiano. 

How did the collaboration with DJ Melzi come about? 

I met DJ Melzi in London and invited him to the studio. We worked on quite a few records and ‘Pika Pika’ was one of these.

Did the success of the ‘Kupe Dance’ challenge have anything to do with you coming up with the ‘Pika Pika’ dance challenge? 

No, not at all. I make AfroDance which is not just a genre but also African Dance Culture. Dancers all over the world gravitate towards my music and this generally turns into a dance challenge on social media. My music always caters to the dance world. 

Describe the life changing events that occurred after the release of your popular hit single, ‘Kupe Dance’. 

I literally quit my part-time job and began pursuing music full-time. I went on a Kupe World Tour in 2019, and I travelled the whole world (USA, Europe, Africa, Canada, Dubai, China, Australia +more). This was a life changing experience for me as I got to travel the world, meet new people and experience new cultures. That’s my favourite hobby other than making music. 

What can fans expect from you in 2023?

I’ll be releasing my first EP in the first quarter of this year. So, expect more music to dance to! I’ll also be touring the world again this year, so catch me in your city real soon. 

Stream 'Pika Pika' below: