South Africa is one of the powerhouse when it comes to music that have shaken Africa and the world. Genres like Jazz, Kwela, Kwaito, Tswana and Mbebu are amongst the greatest exports from South Africa when it comes to music. The success of such genres have attracted artists across the world either to sample the genre’s sound or to collaborate with artists from South Africa doing a certain genre of music. In the mid 2010s, there was the birth of a new sound from South Africa by the name Amapiano. Amapiano is a Zulu or Xhosa word that is translated to “the pianos” and it’s is described as a sub genre of house and kwaito music characterized by synths and wide percussive baselines. Amapiano fuses deep house, jazz and lounge with identical base kicks that are rhythmically looped to give listeners a groove and a melody that is addictive to the ears.
The rapid rise of Amapiano is largely attributed to local stars who gave it life and expanded it throughout the nation, from the streets of townships such as Soweto and take it to the world. Amapiano has introduced a new way of life amongst South Africans which has been spread across the word including East Africa region. It provides a means to express themselves, communicate, and integrate into their environment. It continues to break down societal norms and limits for South Africans while providing another available method of using rhythm to express oneself.
The influence of Amapiano is very evident, as its one of the most played genre of music across the world. East Africa region being closer to South Africa, is feeling the heat of Amapiano wave as artists from the South have been head ling different major shows in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. Radio Stations, TV Stations and other digital media platforms have seen an increase in Amapiano songs being played and requested by their fans. The effect is massive to an extent that major East Africa artists have been seen or been hard on Amapiano tracks either as collaborations or as solo projects. This begs the question is Amapiano taking over East Africa music?
TANZANIA
Tanzania for the longest time Bongo has been it’s leading export in terms of music. Spear headed by greats like Marlow, Hussein Machozi, Alikiba then to the likes of Diamond Platinumz, Rayvany, Harmonize, and the new generation of artists like Mario, Jay Melody and Zuchu, the genre has been shaking East Africa region, Africa and the world. In the late 2010s and the beginning of 2020s, there was a shift as most Tanzanian artists starting jumping on Amapiano tracks, noticeably Diamond Platnumz with his collaboration with Focalistic, Mapara A Jazz & Ntosh Gazi on the song “Iyo”.
“Iyo” was a massive hit and it opened up doors for future collaborations and also Tanzanian artists’ releasing Amapiano songs. Mbosso, Rayvany, Harmonize, Jux, Alikiba, Mario and even Zuchu has followed the trend and have released massive Amapiano hits. Below are few of the top Amapiano songs out of Tanzania that have shaken the entire region proving that the influence of Amapiano in the Tanzania music is big.
- Rayvanny feat Diamond Platnumz – Nitongoze
- Dj Joozey feat Harmonize – Namficha
- Mbosso feat Costa Titch & Alfa Kat – Shetani
- Jux, Marioo and Pabi Cooper feat Tony Duardo – Nice (Kiss)
- Harmonize – Single Again
- Mbosso feat Costa Titch and Phantom Steeze – Moyo
- Marioo feat Sho Madjozi and Bontle Smith – Mama Amina
- Marioo feat Tyler ICU, Visca and Abbah Process – Beer Tamu
- Marioo – Dear Ex
- Harmonize – Teacher
- Zuchu – Kwikwi
- Jux feat Diamond – Enjoy
- Alikiba feat Marioo – Sumu
- Rayvanny feat Diamond and Jux – Yaya
- Whozu X Rayvanny ft.Ntosh Gazi Chawa
KENYA
In Kenya the influence took a different turn as it created the biggest demand for the sound. This opened doors for the greats from the South to come and perform in Kenya. This has raised many questions as to how a foreign genre of music has dominated media houses in the country and has continued to attract more artists and Djs who are well known for Amapiano genre of music. Few artists in Kenya have emulated the sound and decided to jump on the wave. Cartoon 47 according to many in Kenya is the pioneer of this sound. Below are few of the bangers from Kenya under Amapiano genre of music.
- Trio Mio feat Tunu – N’mekapitia
- Movaz Warombosaji – Nditini
- Brandy Maina – Oh Kumbe
- Vallerie Muthoni – Vitu kwa ground ni different (Amapiano Remix)
- Dukeøfhazard ft. Kabby Kay – Amakenyani
- Kagwe Mungai – Chay Chay
- Moira And Sineti Ft. Suba – You and I
- Cartoon47 x Rekles x Ssaru x Bclassic006 x Wyse x Vj Chris & Benawa – Pombe
- Rekles feat Cartoon47 x Aritah Music – Bado
- Jabidii ,Timeless Noel, Didi Man, Moji Shortbabaa – Anguka Nayo
It’s safe to say that Amapiano influence in Kenya is growing day by day and its impact is visible. More Amapiano songs are being released from Kenya and many Djs in Kenya during their sets – in different venues – wows their crowds by playing Amapiano music. Would you love to see a Kenyan artist collaborate with a South African Amapiano artist? It’s a question we are all waiting for an answer.
UGANDA
In Uganda, the wave of Amapiano is more influential as it’s now being considered a stiff competitor to the renowned Dancehall sound of Uganda. Biggest names in Ugandan music have been releasing Amapiano bangers to the satisfaction of Amapiano lovers in Uganda. Massive concerts have been headlined by Amapiano artists and Djs from the south and to many artists and Djs in Uganda they have taken advantage of the trend. Navio is the latest name in the Uganda scene to have Amapiano sound in his catalogue. However, unlike other artists who just went with the trend, he said his song “raha” was influenced by his South African background. Below are some of the bangers from Uganda under the genre of Amapiano.
- B2C Ent X MC Africa – It’s Okay
- Spice Diana Ft Dj Seven – Tujooge
- Nofia X Tanner -Baganike
- Zex Bilangilangi – Number Emu
- Azawi – Ache For You
Pressure is continuing to mount on more Ugandan artists to jump on the Amapiano train that’s taking the world by storm.