Amapiano: The Next Decade
Official Newsletter for the Global Awards Ceremony for Amapiano
There was a time when Amapiano was just a whisper in the streets of South Africa’s townships, its beats weaving through everyday life like a quiet undercurrent. Back in the early 2010s, Amapiano wasn’t something you’d hear on the radio or find in stores. It existed in the backrooms of townships, passed between friends and played at street corner parties. It was the sound of resilience, the sound of people creating joy in the midst of struggle. From 2010 to 2015, it was largely an underground phenomenon, unpolished and pure, a language spoken only by those who knew where to listen.
Then, in 2015, the sound went from being an underground movement shared among peers to us seeing the first official releases come out on digital stores. MFR Souls were among the first, with tracks like “Gardens of Eden” in 2015 and “Eargasms” in 2016 being some of the early Amapiano songs to make it onto streaming platforms. These early tracks were mostly instrumentals, driven by deep, bass-heavy rhythms and soulful piano melodies. The music was hypnotic, often looping vocal samples, creating a trance-like effect that stayed with you long after the music had stopped. It was in these early releases that the foundation of the genre was laid.
Then, something happened around 2017. The genre started to find its voice—literally. Vocal tracks began to emerge, bringing a new depth and emotion to the music. De Mogul SA’s “Oe Batla Kae” was one of the first vocal Amapiano songs to make waves commercially, as well as by Pencil & Zingmaster’s “Tshwara,” a track that blended the signature Amapiano sound with lyrics that spoke to a generation. These songs weren’t just club bangers; they became the anthems of a movement.
By 2019, Amapiano had broken through in a big way. “Shesha” by De Mthuda & Njelic didn’t just climb the charts; it became the soundtrack to a revolution. Vocalists like Sha Sha and Samthing Soweto were pulling at the heartstrings of the nation delivering smooth vocals on tracks like “Love You Tonight” by MFR Souls and “Akulaleki” which featured DJ Maphorisa & Kabza De Small. These songs weren’t just about having a good time; they carried the weight of joy, heartbreak, hope, and everything in between. Amapiano was no longer just music—it was a feeling, a connection, a reflection of life as it was lived in the townships and beyond.
As the genre entered the 2020s, it only grew stronger. Remember “Emcimbini” from the Scorpion Kings (Live) album, “Ke Star” by Focalistic & Vigro Deep, “Dinaledi” by the Major League DJz and “Sithi Sithi” by Reece Madlisa & Zuma all from the year 2020? The following year (2021) was a turning point, not just for Amapiano but for South African music as a whole. The first-ever Amapiano Awards were held, celebrating a genre that had been built from the ground up. Songs like “Vula Mlomo” by Musa Keys and “Umsebenzi Wethu” by Busta 929 & Mpura were more than hits—they were moments of cultural significance. Each track was a snapshot of where the genre had come from and a glimpse of where it was headed.
The sound became more refined, with complex production techniques blending with the simplicity of the genre’s roots. Tracks like “Nkao Tempela” by Ch’cco alongside Mellow & Sleazy, “66” by Felo Le Tee & Myztro, “John Wick” by De Mthuda and “Adiwele” by Young Stunna showed just how far the genre had come in both technical and emotional sophistication. Amapiano wasn’t just something you heard—it was something you felt deep within your soul.
By 2022 and 2023, Amapiano was unstoppable. Tracks like “Umlando” by Toss and “Awukhuzeki” by DJ Stokie kept the momentum going, while a new generation of artists began to emerge. And then, in 2024, a fresh wave of talent like Lee McKrazy, Shakes & Les, and Scotts Maphuma took the torch and ran with it, delivering hits like “Funk 99” and “Yebo Lapho.” Amapiano had not only survived the test of time, but it had evolved, drawing in more voices and creating even deeper connections.
But as we stand on the threshold of the next decade, the question remains: what does the future hold for Amapiano?
The Next 10 Years: A Global Movement
Amapiano’s next chapter will be written not only in South Africa but across the world. In the last decade, we’ve already seen international artists like Burna Boy and Drake take notice, weaving the sound into their own music. This is just the beginning. As Amapiano continues to spread beyond the borders of South Africa, we can expect more collaborations with artists from North America, Europe, and Latin America. These partnerships will not dilute the genre’s unique essence but will serve to elevate it, bringing Amapiano’s heart and soul to new audiences.
As the world listens, Amapiano will begin to intertwine with other genres. Its beats will merge with Afrobeats, reggaeton, and even pop, while always retaining that unmistakable sound that makes it distinctly Amapiano. Like the Afrobeat movement before it, Amapiano is on the cusp of becoming a global phenomenon, with its log drums and piano chords set to take over dance floors from Lagos to London, New York to Rio. A prime example of this fusion is South African artist Tyla, who has already garnered international success by blending Amapiano with pop and R&B elements, showcasing the genre’s versatility and broad appeal on the world stage.
Technology will also shape the future of Amapiano. Advances in AI and music production will allow producers to explore new sonic landscapes, pushing the boundaries of what Amapiano can be. The genre, known for its intricate layers and deep basslines, will become even more complex, with new tools allowing producers to experiment with sounds that go beyond traditional instruments.
The genre’s rise will also bring more voices to the forefront. While the genre has been largely male-dominated, artists like Sha Sha, Boohle, and Lady Du have already shown that there’s a place for female voices in Amapiano. Over the next decade, more women will step into the spotlight, and with them, they’ll bring new stories, new emotions, and new perspectives that will enrich the genre.
Imagine Amapiano festivals in every corner of the globe, with fans gathering to experience the magic of live performances. These festivals will become spaces of cultural exchange, where the world will come to experience not just the music, but the fashion, the dance, and the energy of Amapiano. As the genre continues to expand, we will see Amapiano influence not only music but global youth culture. Streetwear, dance challenges, and even art will be shaped by the aesthetics and ethos of Amapiano.
Amapiano’s story is far from over. The genre that started as a whisper in the townships has become a roar heard across the world. Its next decade will be filled with more voices, more stories, and more connections. And through it all, Amapiano will continue to be what it has always been—a reflection of the people, a celebration of life, and a reminder that from the simplest beginnings, greatness can grow.
By the Amapiano Awards Research Team