Last year saw the kwaito-derived amapiano become one of the most talked-about genres in South Africa. The sound made waves around the continent and became inspirational for a number of artists outside its country of origin.
Many producers in South Africa have made the transition from gqom to amapiano and are currently forging a scene that is eclipsing leading genres like hip hop, Afropop and Afro-soul.
As more amapiano releases line up for a 2020 debut, below is a short playlist of the top amapiano songs released in January and featuring some of the genre’s most well-known South African artists.
Emcimbini by Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa, Samthing Soweto, Aymos, Mas Musiq and Myztro
‘Emcimbini‘ is no doubt the top amapiano track so far this year. The song is off Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa’s 2020 Scopions Kings album, which is doing well on streaming platforms.
Phoyisa by Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa ft. Cassper Nyovest and Qwestakufet
The song Phoyisa is a definite hit and serves as a new-year gift from the hottest artists of 2019 – Kabza and Phori.
Tender Love by Sha Sha ft. Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa
South Africa-based Zimbabwean singer Sha Sha could be defined as the ‘first lady’ of amapiano music. The artist, with the help of Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa, has earned herself a name in the genre via the song Tender Love.
Ndikuze by Major League & Focalistic Ndikuze ft. Moonchild, Kabza De Small & The Lowkeys
Kabza De Small deserves the credit on this song dubbed Ndikuze, coupled with Moonchild’s provocative dancing.
Going In by Sha Sha ft. Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa
Sha Sha is at it again as she connects with the scorpion kings DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small to stir through this new hit track Going In.
Idliwe by Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa, Mlindo the Vocalist and Howard
Idliwe is another song doing on Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa’s latest album. The duo sought the help of popular singer Mlindo The Vocalist and Howard.
Lalela by MFR Souls ft. The Squad
The song Lalela is by amapiano duo MFR Souls and is among the amapiano tracks that are doing well.
Umhlaba Wonke by Gaba Cannal ft. Busiswa
Here’s a new joint Umhlaba by producer Gaba Cannal featuring vocal powerhouse Busiswa.
