Amapiano 2019 Playlist

 

2019 was a huge year for Amapiano as it continued to emerge as the new dominant electronic music genre in South Africa. The sound that’s been inspired from the music that's been popular in South African townships for decades: kwaito, jazz and house are just some of its raw ingredients. Started in Pretoria is a sophisticated hybrid of deep house, jazz and lounge music characterized by synths, airy pads and wide basslines.

 

The word "amapiano" translated to English is "pianos." It merges an isiZulu plural article (ama) with an English noun (piano). Hundreds of new amapiano songs are released through messaging apps and free file-sharing sites every day, as is the way of things in South Africa - meaning unearthing the finest tracks can take time as they rise from the underground.

 

So here’s my picks of the finest tracks from the Amapiano style in 2019.

 

‘Vula Vala’ by DJ Maphorisa, Kabza De Small, Vigro Deep feat. Nokwazi

Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa have dominated the sound individually and as Scorpion Kings defining the sound to a greater extent than any others. In collaboration with many others they’ve extended themselves and brought many new listeners to the scene.

 

'Shesha' by De Mthuda and Njelic

De Mthuda and Njelic deliver a softer side to Amapiano with this one - soulful chords rolling around gritty vocals and a smooth mood.

 

'Akulaleki' by Samthing Soweto feat. Sha Sha, DJ Maphorisa & Kabza De Small
Samthing Soweto’s vocals just draw you into this track, coupled with Sha Sha’s soothing sounds and a glorious mellow vibe from Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa.

 

'Tender Love' by Sha Sha feat. DJ Maphorisa, Kabza De Small

Sha Sha’s vocals are just beautiful on this track - what a voice!  Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa allow the vocal to soar over classic Amapiano sounds.

 

‘Love You Tonight’ Mfr Souls feat. Sha Sha, DJ Maphorisa & Kabza De Small
Mfr Souls dropping in here with more vocals from Sha Sha and the Scorpion Kings duo on the collaboration.

 

‘Kokota Piano’ by Kaygee Daking x Bizizi
Kick drum and percussive hypnosis in this one.

 

So many good tracks I could write all day, but a playlist is probably better! Look out for other quality producers such as Semi-Tee, Miano, Jobe London, Loxion Deep and so many more.