Apple Music has unveiled its year-end Replay ’25 experience, offering fans an immersive look into their personal musical journeys while also highlighting the artists and albums that defined the year. Within South Africa’s vibrant Amapiano scene, the platform has crowned its Top 3 Amapiano Albums of 2025—an exciting moment for both fans and artists as the genre continues its global rise. This year, one name stood out above the rest: Kelvin Momo, who secured not just one but the top two spots.
Replay ’25 expanded Apple Music’s approach to year-end reflections by offering deeper insights than ever before. Beyond simple replay statistics, users were able to explore new levels of personalization, from the artists they discovered to those they remained loyal to, and even the musicians who made a comeback into their rotation. With enhanced metrics like listening minutes, artist streaks, favored genres, and global reach, Replay ’25 painted a rich portrait of each listener’s evolving relationship with music.
Amid these insights came Apple Music’s Top Albums of 2025: South Africa, a list shaped by streams, Shazam activity, radio presence, lyric engagement, and listener interaction across the platform. The results reflect not only what fans loved but also the albums that shaped South Africa’s sonic landscape throughout the year.
- Kelvin Momo’s ‘Ntsako’
An album widely praised for its lush, soulful production and signature “private school Amapiano” sound. Momo’s ability to craft immersive, emotive musical experiences has repeatedly placed him at the forefront of the genre, and Ntsako continued that legacy by resonating deeply with both local and international audiences.
2. Kelvin Momo ‘Thato Ya Modimo’
The project further cemented his consistency and influence, offering a spiritual and atmospheric journey through the rich textures of Amapiano. Its placement reflects Kelvin Momo’s rare ability to deliver back-to-back critically acclaimed bodies of work within a single year.
3. Kabza De Small ‘Bab’Motha’
Known as the “King of Amapiano,” Kabza continues to set standards in the genre. Bab’Motha captivated fans with its inventive production, infectious rhythms, and collaborations that pushed the genre into new creative spaces.
As 2025 concludes, one thing is clear: Amapiano’s momentum is unstoppable. And with Kelvin Momo and Kabza De Small steering the sound, the genre’s future looks even brighter.
