Since the mid 2010s, amapiano— which, in Zulu, loosely translates to “the pianos”— has been a influential genre of South African music. According to The Music Origins Project, it blends elements of deep house, jazz, kwaito, and Afrobeats to create infectiously danceable and uniquely African sounds. Now, thanks to artists like Tyla and Uncle Waffles, the world is more familiar with amapiano, but there’s so much more to discover about the genre. Looking to add to your amapiano playlist? Read on for five amapiano artists to pay attention to.
Uncle Waffles
Uncle Waffles has had a meteoric rise, going from first cultivating her DJ skills during the pandemic, to now being an internationally acclaimed DJ and producer, CNN reported. Taking advantage of social media, and amapiano becoming one of the fastest-growing music genres from Africa, the 24-year-old presents the best of the genre, understanding that “people will understand dance, even if they don’t understand the lyrics.”
To get that party started, check out “Tanzania.”
Tyla
South African singer Tyla exploded in 2023 with “Water,” a song-turned-TikTok sensation that had millions attempt to pour water on their backs while shaking heir derrières. The singer’s fame as skyrocketed since then, with a Grammy win and critically acclaimed first album already under her belt. Her approach to Amapiano is undeniably unique, challenging norms of the genre but including elements of hip-hop and R&B into her music. It makes her a standout artist, within and outside of the genre.
For the perfect end to your Amapiano playlist, check out “To Last.”
Major League DJz
Major League DJz have long been pioneers of African dance music, amplifying amapiano and its mother genre, kwaito. Best known for their “balcony mixes” which have garnered millions views on YouTube, twins Bandile and Banele Mbere (who make up the group) first came on the scene back in 2015 with “Slyza Tsotsi,” Forbes reported. Now they perform around the world and continue to define amapiano music.
To keep the party going, check out one of their latest balcony mixes.
Focalistic
Many think that South African amapiano artist breakout hit was “Ke Star” ft. Vigro Deep, which debuted number 16 on Billboard Top Triller Global charts and spawned a mega-successful remix with Nigerian singer Davido. But according to the artist, his track with Major League DJz called Ase Trap Tse ke Pina Tsa Ko Kasi (It’s Not Trap It’s Music From the Hood) was his claim to fame, Forbes reported. His effortless cool demeanor and music make him infectious to watch and listen to.
To revive any lulling party, check out “Khekheleza.”
DBN Gogo
DBN Gogo is beloved in the amapiano scene, with hits like “Khuza Gogo” featuring amapiano stars like the late Mpura, “Possible,” “Bambelela,” and “Bells,” captivating listeners, Grammy.com reported. Her dakiwe dance challenge went viral back in 2021, prompting tons of replications and variations on TikTok. She followed that up with a 2022 Coachella performance, and not one, but two features on the Grammy-nominated Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack. If Focalistic is the king of cool, DBN Gogo is the reigning queen.
