The Artists Who Took the World by Storm
Kwaito was the dominant genre in South Africa in the early 1990s. This music style was a reflection of the post-apartheid era, with its focus on social issues and the struggles of the black community. As South Africa grappled with the aftermath of apartheid, kwaito came to represent the social and political issues that were prevalent in the country at the time. Kwaito was the sound of liberation, with its uplifting and positive lyrics.
However, the sound has since been overtaken by a new music style called Amapiano. Amapiano has taken the South African music industry by storm and is now the most popular genre. It is a blend of house, jazz, and traditional instruments, such as percussion, choral repertoire and African vocal techniques catching the attention of social media users all over the world, propelling it to even greater heights and exposing it to an even wider audience. The genre has been embraced by artists from all over the African continent, countries like Kenya, Nigeria, and Tanzania are now producing Amapiano-inspired music.
Kabza De Small
Kabza De Small is a South African DJ and producer who has played a key role in expanding amapiano worldwide. He is considered as the godfather of amapiano and has received tremendous acclaim both locally and internationally. He has produced numerous chart-topping songs, including “Abele” or “Asibe happy”. He has played a key role in expanding amapiano worldwide. He is known for his unique style of blending deep house, jazz, and kwaito music with the amapiano sound.
Kabza De Small has released several successful albums and singles, including “Pretty Girls Love Amapiano” and “I Am The King Of Amapiano: Sweet & Dust”. He has collaborated with other popular amapiano artists such as DJ Maphorisa and Samthing Soweto, helping to spread the genre’s popularity across Africa and beyond.
DJ Maphorisa
DJ Maphorisa is another South African influential producer, deejay, and entertainer. He has also been pivotal in creating and popularizing amapiano, crafting some of the most popular and beloved songs in the genre including the super popular “Bastrata”, “Hamba Haa” or “Izolo”.
DJ Maphorisa has helped to expand the genre’s reach worldwide. He is known for his collaborations with other popular South African musicians, as well as his work as a producer and remixer. He has also worked with international artists such as Wizkid and Drake, bringing the amapiano sound to new audiences around the world.
Sha Sha
Sha Sha is a Zimbabwean singer, songwriter, and dancer who has made a name for herself in the amapiano scene. She is known for her smooth, soulful vocals and is one of the most sought-after performers in the genre. She has been featured on numerous songs, including “Tender Love”, “Samthing Soweto” or “Ipiano”, and has taken her music beyond the borders of South Africa with her collaborations with international artists. She has collaborated with other top amapiano artists such as Kabza De Small and MFR Souls, and has won several awards for her contributions to the genre.
Vigro Deep
Vigro Deep is a South African DJ and producer who has become one of the most recognizable names in the amapiano scene. He is known for his energetic beats and innovative use of samples, which have helped to push the boundaries of the genre.
Some of Vigro Deep’s most popular tracks include “Untold Stories”, “International”, and “Ghost Producer”. He has collaborated with other top amapiano artists such as Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa, and has played a key role in spreading the genre’s popularity both within South Africa and abroad.
Samthing Soweto
Samthing Soweto is a South African musician who has been instrumental in expanding the amapiano sound beyond its traditional roots. He is known for his soulful vocals and his ability to fuse different genres together in a seamless way.
Some of Samthing Soweto’s most successful tracks include “Akulaleki”, “Lotto”, and “AmaDM”. He has collaborated with other popular amapiano artists such as Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa, as well as with international musicians such as Burna Boy and Alicia Keys.
MFR Souls
MFR Souls is a South African DJ and production duo who have played a key role in expanding the amapiano sound globally. They are known for their infectious beats and their ability to blend different styles of music together in a seamless way.
Some of MFR Souls’ most popular tracks include “Love You Tonight”, “Amanikiniki”, and “Bathandwa”. They have collaborated with other top amapiano artists such as Kabza De Small and Sha Sha, and have helped to introduce the genre to new audiences around the world.
