Shakers. Log drum. And at the heart of the genre, pianos. These are the sounds that make up the South African-born electronic dance music (EDM) genre, Amapiano. Often described as a blend of deep house, jazz, and Afrobeat, Amapiano has a unique way of drawing people in with its relaxed but insistent vibe. It hypnotizes you, making you want to groove.
Amapiano, which means “the pianos” in South Africa’s Zulu language, had an explosion in worldwide popularity, but its roots remain in South Africa.
The Evolution of Amapiano
The rise of Amapiano has been nothing short of extraordinary. What started as a local phenomenon in the townships of Gauteng, [northeastern province that includes Johannesburg and Pretoria], in the early 2010s has now crossed borders and oceans. Its creators—mostly young South Africans—fused Kwaito, deep house, and jazz elements to create something new and distinctly theirs.
It didn’t take long for Amapiano to break out beyond South Africa’s borders. Social media platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram helped the genre explode globally, with artists like Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa, and Focalistic leading the charge. Kabza De Small, the self-described “King of Amapiano,” has been pivotal in spreading the sound. Collaborations with artists from Nigeria, the U.K., and the U.S. have propelled Amapiano further into the global music scene. Songs like “Ke Star” by Focalistic featuring Vigro Deep became international hits, with the track even getting a remix from Nigerian superstar Davido.
Amapiano has evolved rapidly, thanks to the genre’s openness to experimentation. Producers have pushed the boundaries, incorporating influences from Afrobeat, R&B, and hip-hop while maintaining the core elements that make the sound so distinct. Its danceability has always been key, and Amapiano tracks often feature long instrumental breaks that invite movement. This openness has allowed the genre to adapt, keeping it fresh and exciting for listeners everywhere.
A defining moment for Amapiano’s global rise came in 2019 when the South African television show Live AMP featured a live DJ set that introduced the genre to new audiences. It wasn’t long before international DJs began weaving Amapiano into their sets, and its presence at festivals worldwide became more pronounced.
What Makes Amapiano Different
Amapiano stands out because it’s both rooted in tradition as well as modern. The log drum, which has become the heartbeat of the genre, sets it apart from other electronic music genres. It adds a raw, percussive energy to the smooth piano lines. The genre’s pace, usually set between 110 and 120 BPM, is slower than typical house music, making it feel more intimate and personal.
The lyrics of Amapiano songs often reflect the everyday experiences of South Africa’s urban youth. Multiple languages and a mix of rapping, singing, and spoken word are used to tell their stories. The combination of vocals, percussion, and the ever-present piano creates an immersive soundscape that resonates emotionally, whether you understand the language or not.
A Global Movement in the Making
What is the future of Amapiano? With its ability to seamlessly blend genres and cultures, the genre is poised for even greater global reach. Artists like Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa, and Focalistic are at the forefront, but Amapiano’s real strength lies in its community of young producers and creators who continue to innovate, pushing the boundaries of this genre.
As the world becomes more connected and digital platforms continue to break down geographic barriers, Amapiano will likely keep growing. It’s not just the sound of South Africa anymore—it’s becoming the soundtrack to global youth culture.
Three Pond5 Amapiano Artists to inspire your next creative project
- DamienSebe is a music producer from Johannesburg, South Africa, and a Pond5 Artist since 2022. Mesmerize your viewer by using the track End Of Times [Amapiano | Afro House | Dance | South Africa] – Main for your next travel video. It has the kind of groove you can get lost in.
- NathanGunaselvam is an independent music producer and multi-instrumentalist from the U.K. who has been a Pond5 Artist since 2022. Need a chill vibe for your video? Consider using Joburg Nights – Amapiano Afro Pop Music (Main Mix) – P5 to highlight your swanky urban cocktail lounge.
- CreativeRiot is a music producer and composer from Sweden and a Pond5 Artist since 2019. Patanweina – Chill Amapiano Track is upbeat and light, perfect for your corporate videos to keep everyone feeling positive and paying attention.
Don’t miss out on the movement as the Amapiano genre continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Subscribe to Pond5 for the latest tracks and immerse yourself in the pulsating beats of original Amapiano tracks. Join the groove, feel the beat, and be part of Amapiano’s evolving story.