Here are the top 15 Amapiano artists in South Africa.
The Amapiano movement is one of the biggest things happening on the continent today. Like Afrobeats, Amapiano is gaining ground in Africa and various parts of the world. “Yaba Buluku” star Burna Boy dubbed the genre the next big thing in the world.
Mzansi has seen the rise of some of the country’s most prominent artists from the Piano scene. Now, here are 15 of them.
1. Boohle
Mzansi, female vocalist, has been around for some time. She first made her debut in 2016 and has been collaborating with various artists, including Josiah De Disciple, and more since. Boohle gained praise from fans and more fame for songs like “Yini Na,” “Slala Amalunde,” and the beautiful “Siyathandana.” She expertly incorporates Amapiano, Afro House, Afro-soul, and Gospel into her music. Boohle has also earned multi-platinum certifications for her music and is currently one of the most featured female vocalists in Amapiano. She teamed up with Deep London and dropped “Hamba Wena” and appeared alongside Phila Dlozi and Kabza on Soa Mattrix’s hit “Idlozi Lami.”
2. DBN Gogo
DBN Gogo is not just a famous Disc Jockey and producer but also a trendsetter. She rightly makes every list of the top Piano hitmakers on the scene. DBN Gogo gained significant attention during the pandemic season when her Live sets on TV during the lockdown season dominated social media. Gogo cemented her place on the scene with good music. She has gained praise for the work she did on hits like “Bells” with TNK MusiQ, DJ Stopper and Eltonk SA, “Bambelela” with Felo Le Tee, Pabi Cooper & Young Stunna, “Khuza Gogo,” and more.
3. Uncle Waffles
We are all right to wonder how Uncle Waffles did it. The talented female DJ rose in record time and became one of the biggest names on the scene. Waffles had been a presenter on the scene and DJ on the side. However, over a year ago, she went viral for playing “Adiwele” at a gig. Since then, her fame has grown wildly and fetched her praise from the biggest names in the world. She has toured the world to perform to thousands and topped several charts with her music, including the number “Tanzania” and the EP “Red Dragon.”
4. Nkosazana Daughter
To know Nkosazana Daughter is to love her. You may see her on virtually every hit song these days, and that’s because of how much in demand she is. Nkosazana Daughter has collaborated with several big names on the scene, including Kabza De Small, Cyfred, Musa Keys, Citizen Deep, and more. In 2022, she recorded more hits than most on the Piano scene. Nkosazana Daughter is known for the songs “Umama Akekho” with Soa Mattrix, DJ Maphorisa & Mas Musiq, “Isoka” with Kabza De Small & Murumba Pitch, “Thula” with Lowsheen & Master KG, and more. She has featured on almost everyone’s album and continues to be in demand.
5. Pabi Cooper
Pabi Cooper is a star that knows she’s one. Probably one of the most decorated star on this list, Pabi Cooper is well-loved by her fans, and she made music, particularly for them. The talented hitmaker recently released her highly anticipated EP “Cooperville,” and the reviews have been amazing. She is also credited for her work on some of the biggest songs on the airwaves. The songs include “Isiphithiphithi” with Reece Madlisa, Busta 929 & Joocy, “Bambelela” with DBN Gogo, Felo Le Tee & Young Stunna, “Banyana Ke Bafana” with Focalistic, Ch’cco, LuuDaDeejay & Nobantu Vilakazi, etc.
6. Lady Du
Dubbed the Queen of Amapiano by Mr. JazziQ, Lady Du deserves all the praise that she gets. The Piano DJ and singer has been around for years, but it wasn’t until a few years back that she gained significant recognition on the scene. She constantly tells the story of her rise every chance she gets. Lady Du has also collaborated with both local and international artists like Focalistic on “Gupta,” Nigerian star Niniola on “Bum Bum,” “Woza” with Mr. JazziQ, Kabza De Small & Boohle, “Dakiwe” with DBN Gogo, Mr. JazziQ & Seekay, “Bheka Mina Ngedwa” with Khanyisa, Marcus MC & Tsiki XII, etc.
7. Sha Sha
BET Award winner Sha Sha is one of the most prominent artists in the country and also on the Piano scene. The Zimbabwean singer, who is signed to DJ Maphorisa’s Blaqboy Music label, dominated the airwaves in 2019, and everyone wanted a taste of what she was serving. She owned the scene with hits like “Tender Love” featuring DJ Maphorisa & Kabza De Small, “Love You Tonight” with DJ Maphorisa & MFR Souls, “eMcimbini” with Kabza De Small, Maphorisa, Samthing Soweto & more, etc. She recently released her new album, “I’m Alive.” It features several big names on the scene.
8. Kamo Mphela
If there is anyone on this list who is famous for doing her own thing, it is Kamo Mphela. Kamo has worked hard to be where she is today, and she has the hits and entertaining music videos to prove this. Kamo owned the airwaves with hits like “Nkulunkulu,” “Ghost” featuring Daliwonga & Felo Le Tee, “Percy Tau” with Nobantu Vilakazi, 9umba, “Dubai” with Daliwonga, Sizwe Alakine & Tyler ICU, etc. Kamo is one of the best live performances on the Piano scene. Her moves are second to none, and she always brings her A-game to the stage.
9. Bontle Smith
She may not be the biggest name on this list, but Bontle Smith is one name the Piano scene cannot do without. Bontle Smith has collaborated with some of the most prominent artists in Amapiano and delivered jams sprinkled with her vocals on them. She joined the MFR Souls, Major League DJz, and Kamo Mphela on “Amanikiniki.” She also collaborated with Nigerian rapper Falz and Sayfar on the hit “Oga.” Bontle has worked with Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa, Mas Musiq, Marioo, Zuchu, Spumante, and more. Bontle also worked with Nicole Elocin on “MBOKODO” alongside Da Muziqal Chef and Visca.
10. Babalwa M
Undeniably a powerful voice and contributor to the Piano music scene, Babalwa M has been doing the most since we met her. She has worked with the best, delivered the best, and promised more great music. In 2020, the talented artist teamed up with Kelvin Momo and released the “Bayeke” album spawning the hits “Feza,” “Aba’ngan Bami,” and more. Her work on the successful hit “Nhliziyo” by Mas Musiq earned her so much praise. She has collaborated with other big names, including Abidoza, De Mthuda, Sam Deep, and more. With Kelvin Momo and Aymos, she delivered “Inyembezi” to the airwaves.
11. Nia Pearl
Steadily registering herself as one of the best vocalists on the scene, Nia Pearl has stayed true to her art and only delivered good music. The famous singer has made the best moves and blessed fans with music to match. She appeared on Kabza De Small’s “KOA II Part 1” album contributing to the song “Ubumnandi” alongside Mdu aka TRP. She also featured Kabza, Stakev, and Da Muziqal Chef on “Makubenjalo.” Her “Dreamers & Believers” EP was well received by Piano Scene. It featured contributions from Kabza, Mhaw Keys, Stakev, and Da Muziqal Chef. She recently collaborated with Stixx & DBN on “Buya” and Murumba Pitch & Omit ST on “Danko.”
12. MaWhoo
There is no denying the fact that MaWhoo was one of the year’s brightest shining stars. The Piano singer has risen to be one of the most sort after vocalists on the scene. She has worked with big names, including Sam Deep, Mdoovar, 9umba, and more. MaWhoo teamed up with Master KG and Lowsheen and delivered the song “Ngiyamthanda” to the airwaves. She appeared as a contributor to Sam Deep’s hit “Thokoza.” She has also dropped jams with 9umba and several other hitmakers on the scene.
13. Soulful G
Slowly and steadily making her way to the top of the game, Soulful G has been doing the most on the airwaves. The famous Mzansi female singer has worked with several talents in the industry and blessed fans with only good music. She continues to gain praise for her work on the song “uThando” with Soa Mattrix and Shaun 101. She also contributed to Soa’s “Buyisa” alongside Sir Trill. It is one of Soa’s most talked-about songs. She has also collaborated with top hitmakers, including Busta 929, DJ Melzi, Mobi Dixon, and more, on several impressive jams.
14. Nicole Elocin
If you know Nicole, then you know she’s where she is today because she worked hard for it. The famous Mzansi artist has been around for a few years. She first turned heads when she teamed up with Tyler ICU and dropped a cover of the soundtrack for the Netflix series “Money Heist” titled “Bella Ciao.” The song became a massive hit. They also crowned their effort with the “Money Heist EP.” She has since collaborated with Kabza De Small, Mas Musiq, DBN Gogo, and more, and also released her own projects.
15. Khanyisa
Making her climb to the top of the game, Khanyisa has left a trail of hits behind her. The talented singer is always hard at work on new music. Her EP “Halfway” spawned the hit song “Gyjima,” featuring contributions from Sir Trill, Marcus MC, Tycoon, and Ben Da Prince. She has also worked with the biggest names in Amapiano, including Kabza De Small, Focalistic, DBN Gogo, VilloSoul, and more. We loved her work on Pabi Cooper’s latest hit, “Mama.”
