These Are Kings of “Amapiano”

If you’re unfamiliar with “amapiano” music genre then P Diddy is more South African than you. Amapiano were born in the soil of the streets of South Africa in 2012. The sound of amapiano is a mixture of Kwaito basslines, high-pitched piano melodies and low tempo of 90s Mzansi house rhythms. 

While amapiano is huge in South African, it’s also transcended borders. On TikTok, the #amapiano hashtag stands at more than 579 million views. According to Spotify the AmapianoGrooves playlist have increased 116% globally over the past year; the increase in the U.S is 75%.

Manbox team came up with a list of “Yanos” – a slang for the people who make amapiano and enjoy it. 

DJ Maphorisa 

 

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Maporisa has worked with and has received production credits from several notable artists, including  Wizkid, Drake, Black Coffee to metion a few. Phori is the godfather of amapiano. 

Kabza De Small

 

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Kabza De small is the “master Yano” even P Diddy sent him a warm shout-out on Instagram. All the amapiano fans call him the prince of the genre. 

Cassper Nyovest 

 

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Nyovest proves to be versatile when he jumped on the amapiano wave. He currently has the dopest amapiano hits at the moment. 

Major League Djz

 

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The popular twins are leading the pack. Their YouTube views will show you how big amapiano genre is. The twins global following is rapidly growing.  

Watch “Labantwana Ama Uber “ by Semi Tee of Soweto, one the songs that made amapiano popular: 

What’s your favourite amapiano song?