Part 1: Top 5 Amapiano Artists Of 2022 So Far. South African popular music might be having the best years it has had in recent history. Carrying on from the momentum gained during the pandemic and its lockdown/travel restrictions, 2022 has been one of the years artists get to eat the fruits of their hard labour. Contemporary artists are touring, performing at the biggest global stages amongst the best the world has to offer.
Check these out:
1 Maphorisa
Born on the 15th of November 1987, Themba Sonnyboy Sekowe also known widely by his stage name, DJ Maphorisa is a prolific Disc jockey, record producer and producing artiste in South Africa. His genre of music is Amapiano, although he first ventured into Gqom, but due to the Durban producer’s calling him out for doing a genre that wasn’t from his town, he decided to major in Amapiano.
2 Kabza De Small
Kabelo Motha, who operates under the moniker Kabza De Small, is a South African DJ and record producer who is often referred to as the “King of Amapiano,” a subgenre of house music that pairs airy synth pads, bright piano melodies, and low-tempo rhythms with elements of jazz, lounge, and deep house.
3 DBN Gogo
Mandisa Radebe, popularly known as DBN Gogo is a South African female DJ and producer who gained attention after she featured on the Channel O Lockdown House Party in 2020. Prior to her feature on the popular Live show, she had had successful stints at DJing until her big break. Her outstanding performance on the show drew so much attention to her, causing her to become one of the most talked about female DJs in South Africa from 2020 into 2021. She is also known for the popular online Quarantine Sessions, “Quarantunes Live” which has gotten only positive reviews from fans.
4 Felo Le Tee
Born and raised in Siyabuswa, Mpumalanga, South Africa, Felo Le Tee embarked on his musical career at the age of 14, starting with a collection of cassettes playing on both sides with the other one on cue. With the discovery of computers, he then elevated to digital DJing.
5 Nkosazana Daughter
Nkosazana Daughter whose real name is Nkosazana Nolwazi Kimberly Nzama, is a 21-year-old South African Amapiano vocalist best known for her mesmerising voice in Master KG’s hit single Dali Nguwe. She has collaborated with several Amapiano artist including Master KG, Tyler ICU, Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa and Soa Mattrix. She has been categorized amongst some of the fastest rising Amapiano artists in 2022.
