Apple Music has officially released its highly anticipated Replay ’25 experience, giving listeners a deeper and more personalized look into their year in music. The report provides richer discovery insights than ever before, highlighting which artists shaped listener habits and dominated streaming charts throughout 2025.
Among global heavyweights like Drake and Chris Brown, Amapiano continues its unstoppable rise, with three South African stars securing top positions on the national charts. According to Apple Music’s Top Artists of 2025: South Africa, the leading Amapiano artists of the year are:
1. Kelvin Momo
Kelvin Momo has truly become the heartbeat of soulful Amapiano. Known for his signature “Private School Amapiano” style—characterized by lush chords, deep grooves, and emotional melodies—Kelvin Momo has moved from underground favorite to mainstream champion.
His placements near the top of Apple Music’s national rankings reflect how widely his production style resonates, blending musical sophistication with the rhythmic essence of Amapiano. In 2025, he continues to shape the direction of the genre with projects that top charts, spark viral trends, and influence a new wave of up-and-coming producers.
2. Kabza De Small
Widely crowned as the “King of Amapiano,” Kabza De Small remains one of South Africa’s most streamed artists year after year—and 2025 is no different. His impact is felt both through his solo work and his numerous collaborations. Kabza’s consistency, innovation, and ability to craft national anthems make him a fixture on playlists, club sets, and radio rotations.
His presence in Apple Music’s top artists list showcases his continued dominance in shaping Amapiano’s evolution—from log drums to lush instrumentals—and maintaining the genre’s global momentum.
3. DJ Maphorisa
As one-half of the iconic Scorpion Kings duo alongside Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa remains a powerhouse in South African music. His versatility, production genius, and ability to merge Amapiano with Afrobeats, house, and hip-hop influences have kept him at the forefront of the industry.
2025 sees him continuing to deliver hits that cross borders, attract global collaborations, and cement Amapiano’s position on the world stage. His appearance among Apple Music’s top artists once again underscores his role as one of the genre’s most influential figures.
The presence of Kelvin Momo, Kabza De Small, and DJ Maphorisa in Apple Music’s Top Artists of 2025: South Africalist—alongside global giants like Drake and Chris Brown—highlights just how integral Amapiano has become to the country’s musical identity and global exports.
Apple Music’s Replay ’25 experience not only celebrates listeners’ tastes but also reaffirms the genre’s enormous reach, influence, and cultural impact.
Amapiano isn’t just a trend anymore—it’s a world-shaping sound, and these three artists are leading the charge into the future.
