In Conversation with Chipego – Ama Groove

At the Ama Groove Songwriting Camp, artists from across the globe came together for a unique cultural and creative exchange. Having previously spoke to Una Rams about his experience at the camp, this time around we got to speak to one of those artist, Chipego as she shares insights into the collaborative experience, the challenges of blending different musical backgrounds, and the unexpected breakthroughs that shaped their artistic journey during the camp. From late-night sessions to genre-bending experiments, this conversation highlights the power of music to bring people together across borders.

Read the conversation below…

How did you approach collaborating with both South African and Danish artists at the Ama Groove Songwriting Camp? Were there any specific elements of their style or approach that stood out to you?

My approach to the Ama Groove Camp was similar to how I usually make music here in South Africa. I wanted to bring what I had learned from my own experiences and felt confident that my contributions would be valued. Interestingly, the Danish artists approached it in the same way. What stood out to me most were the similarities. No matter where we’re from, we all share a common desire to create music we love. That shared goal between the South African and Danish artists was what really stood out.

Was there a particular song or moment during the camp that felt especially impactful for you as an artist? How did it come together?

One of the most impactful moments came toward the end of the camp. By then, we were all used to working in small groups of four or five, but on one of the last nights, a Danish producer and I decided to create a more intimate vibe. We worked on a song in the early hours, around 3 a.m., and it was a special experience because the camp provided such a safe and inspiring environment. That freedom to create music at any time made the whole process even more meaningful.

What were some of the challenges you encountered while working with artists from different cultural backgrounds, and how did you overcome them?

I thought language might be a challenge, but luckily we all spoke English. The real challenge was understanding and explaining our different backgrounds. We had deep conversations about our political climates, the music industry in Denmark, and what it’s like to live in South Africa. As songwriters, it’s important to incorporate an artist’s story into the music, so we had to be mindful of blending our different worlds during the creative process. It was challenging but in a good way—it made the music more layered and meaningful.

Given the focus on cultural exchange, did any of the musical styles or traditions you encountered change how you think about your own work?

Absolutely. Especially in terms of genre. I learned that pop music is huge in Denmark, while the Danish artists were eager to experience our music scene, especially Amapiano, which is a globally trending South African genre. I usually create R&B and Soul, so working with pop music and Amapiano opened my eyes to how collaborative those genres are. I’m now much more open to collaborating with more producers and songwriters, which is something I’ll take forward in my own work.

In terms of the social atmosphere at the Ama Groove Camp, how did the group dynamics shape your collaborative experience? Was there anyone in particular you connected with creatively?

The camp was all about collaboration. Each day we formed different groups at random, and everyone had the freedom to float between rooms and contribute to different songs. So, I can’t single out one person—it was really about working with everyone. For instance, Mark Fosnaes, a Danish producer, took the time to really understand me as an artist, while Pil Finger, another Danish producer with an impressive catalogue, brought a free-spirited energy to the sessions. We didn’t speak much, but the music said it all.

How did the collaborative environment of the camp compare to your usual songwriting process? Did working in this setting change how you create music?

Definitely. I’m used to working in R&B/Soul, and I usually create music on my own or with one other person. At the camp, the collaborative setting was a new experience for me, and it was incredible. It made me appreciate the energy that comes from creating music in a community.

Can you describe any breakthroughs you had during the camp—whether musical or personal—that you didn’t expect when you first arrived?

I ended up making a lot of Dance/Pop tracks, which I didn’t expect at all! On top of that, everyone at the camp encouraged me to release the music we made. Originally, I thought I’d just be writing for others, but I left with a whole new perspective on my ability to work across genres. That was a huge breakthrough for me.

What’s one thing you took away from the camp that has influenced your current or future projects? How has the experience shaped your direction moving forward?

I left the camp feeling more fearless and committed to my music than ever before. Seeing how other musicians tapped into their creativity and shared their own evolution was really encouraging. The support from everyone—from Rasmus Allin at One Groove to the Ricky Rick Foundation’s focus on wellness and mental health—was so inspiring. Our recent trip to Durban for the Music Imbizo conference was another reminder that this industry is a community effort. When one person succeeds, we all succeed. I’ll always be grateful for the collaborative spirit that made this experience possible.