If you enjoy music, especially the amapiano genre, you’ve probably seen that it has been taking over the South African and African music scenes. And if you’re as fascinated as we are, you’ve probably tried to learn more about the genre.
Amapiano is an intriguing trajectory and one many did not expect to evolve the way it has done so far.
Although it began in South Africa, the music that is now known as amapiano didn’t initially go by that name 10 years ago. Amapiano, a fusion of jazz, deep house, and lounge music, began as a subculture but gained popularity around 2012. At the time, it was more of an experiment, and neither a specific person nor organization were given credit for its creation.
To its evolution, including its naming, numerous artists have nevertheless made contributions over the years. The genre’s previous name was just “number.” Nevertheless, according to rumors, the musical group MFR Souls chose the new moniker “Amapiano,” which is Zulu for “the pianos.”
Since then, the moniker has stayed. However, the genre first had trouble, much like a young infant who had just been introduced to the material world. When it first gained notoriety, there was lingering skepticism about its viability, with some critics predicting that it would eventually lose its appeal and disappear from the South African music scene.
Amapiano music is currently in vogue in South Africa, making it the preferred genre and a dominant force in the nation’s music scene.
But in actuality, the genre has spread beyond South Africa as musicians from various nations have begun to dabble in the world of amapiano. It’s only a matter of time before the genre spreads to the far reaches of the planet, especially with South African performers fervently promoting it abroad.
Similar to South Africa, amapiano is the most popular genre and has successfully stolen musicians from other genres. In fact, some artists’ piano recordings helped them reach the radio’s top spot for the first time. The song “Siyathandana” by Cassper Nyovest featuring Boohle and Abidoza immediately springs to mind.
Previously a member of the hip hop community, Cassper Nyovest recently entered the amapiano music scene. Additionally, the public has embraced his releases in the genre.
The Future of Amapiano Music
The future of anything, including a genre of music, depends on a variety of variables, including its producers and the size of its audience. In some ways, it is similar to language in that if it is not used, it could become obsolete.
But it’s safe to say that amapiano genuinely has a future now—a promising future. The reason for this optimism is plain to see: the number of amapiano fans is growing daily, and many well-known individuals are taking it upon themselves to spread amapiano music throughout the world.
That’s not all, though. The genre is thriving and has drawn the attention of other performers from all around the world, including Nigeria and the United States. In fact, the genre has just given rise to a brand-new subgenre called Indian amapiano. The intervening years will see a lot of similar manifestations.
