Amapiano, a genre that fuses elements of deep house, jazz, and lounge music, has its roots deeply embedded in South African townships. Emerging in the early 2010s, this genre has steadily grown from a local sound to a global phenomenon, characterized by its distinctive piano melodies, lush synths, and percussive basslines. The name “Amapiano” translates to “the pianos” in Zulu, reflecting the genre’s signature keyboard-driven sound.
The journey of Amapiano is a tale of innovation, resilience, and cultural expression. Initially referred to as Inumber, Amapiano has transcended its underground origins to become a mainstream staple, both in South Africa and on the international stage. Its rise can be attributed to the dedication of its artists, the support of local venues and radio stations, and the power of digital distribution and streaming platforms.
From its humble beginnings in Mamelodi to captivating audiences at global festivals like Coachella, Amapiano has had numerous defining moments. This article delves into ten of these pivotal events that have significantly shaped the trajectory of Amapiano, highlighting the genre’s evolution and its impact on the music world. Each moment underscores the genre’s dynamic growth and the creative efforts of its pioneers, painting a vivid picture of Amapiano’s rise to prominence.
1. The Underground Roots (2013)
In 2013, Amapiano, then known as Inumber, began to surface in select venues like Jack Budha in Mamelodi. DJs who played Inumber were given slots, and promoters started hosting nights dedicated to this emerging sound. Artists like Kwiish SA leveraged messaging technologies to disseminate their music, creating a grassroots network that was crucial for expanding Inumber’s—and later Amapiano’s—audience.
2. Calvin Fallo’s “Yellow” (2015)
Calvin Fallo’s track “Yellow” became a street hit in 2015, setting the stage for the genre. This song, a precursor to Amapiano, featured live, jazzy keyboard solos over deep house beats, inspiring other artists to adopt a similar style. Fallo’s innovative approach was instrumental in shaping the early sound of Amapiano.
3. The #AmapianoHour on YFM (2016)
In 2016, radio DJ and presenter Da Kruk launched the #AmapianoHour segment on his show at YFM, a popular youth radio station. This segment provided a dedicated platform for Amapiano artists to showcase their work, featuring interviews and live mixes. It was arguably the first radio segment devoted entirely to Amapiano, significantly boosting its visibility.
4. Digital Distribution Breakthrough (2017)
The digital distribution boom of 2017 played a critical role in bringing Amapiano to mainstream recognition. Notable releases, including MFR Souls’ “Catalina” and Gaba Cannal’s “Amazon,” helped establish the sound. As more musicians pushed their boundaries and honed their styles, Amapiano started to gain a wider audience.
5. The Launch of Amapiano Grooves (2019)
In 2019, the rising global popularity of Amapiano and the growth in streaming on platforms like Spotify led to the launch of the Amapiano Grooves playlist. This flagship playlist quickly became a go-to source for the best and biggest Amapiano releases, helping to further popularize the genre.
6. Scorpion Kings EP (2019)
July 2019 saw the release of the Scorpion Kings EP, a collaboration between Amapiano pioneer Kabza De Small and renowned producer DJ Maphorisa. This project not only introduced Kabza De Small to a wider audience but also solidified Maphorisa’s place in the mainstream. The EP was a critical milestone in Amapiano’s rise.
7. Lockdown Entertainment (2020)
During the global COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, DJ Shimza’s Lockdown House Party and the Balcony Mix by Major League DJz became crucial sources of entertainment and showcases for new Amapiano music. These platforms attracted listeners beyond the genre’s core audience, contributing to Amapiano’s nationwide adoption.
8. Global Expansion (2021)
By 2021, as COVID lockdown restrictions lifted, Amapiano had captured the imagination of South Africa and was poised for global expansion. Artists were eager to reach international audiences, leading to collaborations like Focalistic and Davido’s “Ke Star (Remix).” These efforts opened the UK market and led to fruitful studio camps abroad.
9. 1 Billion Streams on Spotify (2022)
In 2022, Amapiano fans celebrated a significant milestone as the genre surpassed 1 billion all-time streams on Spotify. Kabza De Small’s release, KOA II Part 1, became the most-streamed album in South Africa that year, earning him the title of the second most-streamed artist in the country and driving the genre’s streaming numbers.
10. Amapiano at Coachella (2023)
In 2023, Amapiano solidified its place in global dance music culture. Uncle Waffles, Tony Duardo, and Justin99 featuring Pcee, Eeque, and Chley’s “Yahyuppiyah” became a global dance trend on social media, earning Uncle Waffles a slot at the prestigious Coachella Festival. This global recognition, along with the success of artists like Focalistic, DBN Gogo, Kabza De Small, and DJ Maphorisa, cemented Amapiano’s international presence.
Amapiano’s journey from local township parties to global dance floors is a testament to the genre’s infectious sound and the relentless drive of its artists. These ten moments highlight the key milestones that have defined Amapiano’s rise to prominence.
