It’s three months to the end of the year, and from the look of things, amapiano is one genre that dominated the music scene in South Africa. In fact, so deep was the dominance that it became a common joke in South Africa that hip-hop was dead.
This year, amapiano arrogantly snapped several voices from other genres into its orbit, leaving no room for doubt that piano music is the in-thing in South Africa at the moment.
With hundreds of songs released in the genre this year, there are more than enough songs to pick from and share with y’all. In this post, though, we’re going to pick the top 10 amapiano songs released so far this year.
The idea of “best” is obviously subjective. But then we’re confident you will love the songs that make our list. The songs are listed in no particular order, if you please.
1. Mellow & Sleazy & Felo Le Tee – Bopha Ft. DJ Maphorisa, Madumane & Young Stunna
If you’re crazy like us, you’d probably say that “Bopha” sounds so like “buffer.” While that’s not exactly the case, you can count on this song to act as a buffer against boredom. This high-energy drop has Mellow & Sleazy, Felo Le Tee, DJ Maphorisa, Madumane and Young Stunna spitting their bas like there’s nothing else in the world worth doing.
The track brings together champions of piano, and the musical synergy among them is something to nod to. Not bad.
2. Busta 929 – Mmapula Ft. Mzu M
Busta 929 is one calm bod who never fails to excite. With his songs you can easily burst a move and have a wonderful time at it. “Mmapula” is one such energizing drop. With Mzu M, it’s a winner through and through and something to adopt for your playlist
3. DJ Maphorisa & Tyler ICU – Izolo Ft. Madumane, Mpura, Daliwonga & Visca
“Izolo” is one song that just might tickle the exuberant part of you. Although the song features only one of the two Piano Kings, it’s a lyrical winner all the song and a number you can have on your playlist without qualms.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0PRbO_Afbw
For this scorcher, Daliwonga, Visca and Mpura were on hand to deliver parts of themselves. The song is potent enough and one might as well remember Mpura by it. The songster had perished recently alongside fellow musos in a car accident while heading to a gig.
4. Mr JazziQ – Ungangi Bambi Ft. Khanyisa
Mr JazziQ keeps it jazzy with his “Ungangi Bambi,” featuring Khanyisa. This dance floor warmer easily warms the souls as well. It remains one of our top songs released so far this year. You should love it.
5. De Mthuda & Sir Trill – Emlanjeni Ft. Da Muziqal Chef
He may not be recognized as a piano king, but De Mthuda has earned his stripes and deserves a crown. In his “Emlanjeni” song with Sir Trill and Da Muziqal Chef, he affirms his place as a leading piano figure.
6. Kweyama Brothers & Mpura – Impilo yaseSandton Ft. Abidoza & Thabiso Lavish
“Impilo yaseSandton” is one song that rings like a benediction on the soul, and one of the top releases so far this year in the amapiano genre. Kweyama Brothers and Mpura were in their elements singing alongside Abidoza and Thabiso Lavish.
7. Pabi Cooper – Isphithiphithi Ft. Reece Madlisa, Busta 929 & Joocy
The “Isphithiphithi” tune of Pabi Cooper, Reece Madlisa, Busta 929 and Joocy is another soul-warming tune that you should be chuffed to have on your playlist. It has great entertainment value and might keep you warm on a cold day.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4me_7Lix4o
8. Cassper Nyovest – Siyathandana Ft. Abidoza & Boohle
“Siyathandana” by Family Tree boss Cassper Nyovest was an instant hit on release. The song has two vital voices in the amapiano genre as guests, Abidoza and Boohle. Reportedly the song by which Cassper Nyovest clinched his first number 1 spot on radio, the song should make a fine addition to your playlist.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89Y_5hnOV_c
9. Busta 929 & Mpura – Umsebenzi Wethu Ft. Zuma, Mr JazziQ, Lady Du & Reece Madlisa
It’s impossible to make a list without somehow including “Umsebenzi Wethu.” This collaborative jam from some of amapiano’s finest voices is just the right number to get the party started and launch your mood like a butterfly aloft. Busta 929, Mpura Zuma, Mr JazziQ, Lady Du and Reece Madlisa have got a fine musical legacy here. We stan!
10. De Mthuda – John Wick Ft. Sir Trill & Da Muziqal Chef
“John Wick” as a title brings to mind a film hero of the same name. You don’t get to face boring memories with this song, though. De Mthuda, Sir Trill and Da Muziqal Chef simply take you into a splendid piano orbit from which you just find might yourself disinclined to leave.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-cC4h6zUJM
Now that’s what good music does to the soul. Yes?
Amapiano might be new on the scene, but the inroads the genre has made in the industry will make a subject for scholarly study one of these days. And we know some of the songs on your list will form part of it.