Top 10 Amapiano songs of 2021:
The Amapiano beat appears to be the trending wave at the moment, and we have seen musicians do justice to the beat. The year’s top amapiano tunes, featuring Focalistic, De Mthuda, Kwiish SA, Mr JazziQ, DBN Gogo, and others.
Despite the pandemic and accompanying restrictions on public gatherings, Amapiano producers and musicians are always on the move, delivering songs, and are currently the most booked in the country. Streaming data and charts suggest that amapiano is currently the most streamed genre.
Global interest in the Amapiano genre has increased. Outside of the genre and South Africa, many artists and producers have bounced and incorporated various components of the sound into their music. Artists and deejays from Amapiano are receiving gigs all over the continent.
There had been an increase in the number of outstanding and intriguing vocalists and producers. Pioneers and stalwarts of the genre have maintained their dominance and continue to expand its soundscapes as it advances in real-time.
In no particular order, below is a list of Top 10 Amapiano songs of 2021.
Siyathandana by Cassper Nyovest ft. Boohle and Abidoza
Cassper Nyovest, the genre-crossing rapper, is serious about making amapiano successes, as evidenced by ‘Siyathandana,’ taken from his follow-up amapiano album Sweet & Short 2.0. His talent for rearranging ancient classics, in this case Bob Sinclair’s “World Hold On,” combined with the voice of fast-rising vocalist Boohle, has given the lead single a long-running streak at the top of local music charts.
Banyana by DJ Maphorisa and Tyler ICU ft. Sir Trill, Daliwonga and Kabza De Small
‘Banyana’ features a collaborative effort by amapiano’s top vocalists Sir Trill and Daliwonga, as well as genre-bending prolific producers DJ Maphorisa, Tyler ICU, and Kabza De Small. The sampling of Charles Webster’s classic club mix of Michel Cleis’ ‘La Mezcla’ will be recognized by familiar house enthusiasts.
Possible by DBN Gogo, Musa Keys, Dinho and Lebza The Villain
Since DBN Gogo teased her audience in May by playing the unreleased song, fans have been clamoring for ‘Possible.’ ‘Musa Keys’ on the production means a fantastic beat and flawless mixing and mastering, while DBN Gogo’s eye for consistently selecting amazing graphics shines through in the song’s video.
Manuel by Josiah De Disciple and Kabza De Small
‘Manuel,’ taken from Josiah De Disciple’s most recent album Spirit of Makoela Vol 2: The Reintroduction, sees the two pioneering and incredibly skilled producers interchange vocals. Kabza has recently started flexing his vocal cords, and on the song, he addresses Manuel, who, according to the lyrics, owes him. ‘Manuel’ is a certified smash on paper, and thankfully, that excitement translates to the audio as well.
Izolo by DJ Maphorisa & Tyler ICU ft. Mpura, Daliwonga and Visca
Taken from DJ Maphorisa and Tyler ICU’s three-track EP Banyana, the song features top amapiano vocalists Daliwonga, as well as Mpura and Visca, and finds Tyler ICU reflecting on his past.
Vula Mlomo by Musa Keys ft. Sir Trill and Nobantu Vilakazi
Musa Keys demonstrates his remarkable production skills with the chart-topping tune ‘Vula Mlomo,’ which he recorded overnight during an impromptu recording session. Featured vocalists Sir Trill and Nobantu Vilakazi performed emotional chants and sensuous vocals at the gathering.
Kabza De Small & DJ Maphorisa, ft Ami Faku ‘Abalele’
“Abalele,” anchored by Ami Faku’s imploring vocals, was served up by Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa. The song, which was published in September, ranked fourth on Spotify’s list of the most streamed songs in South Africa for 2021.
Mr JazziQ x Kabza De Small x Lady Du ‘Woza’ ft Boohle
Tumelo Manyoni aka Mr JazziQ has had a fantastic year, having been named the most streamed South African artist by Gen Z audiences by Spotify SA earlier in 2021. The former JazziDisciple released a tremendous lead hit from his album, Party with the English, with Kabza De Small, Lady Du, and Boohle by his side. Who can forget the footage of three men dancing to the beat of a song outside the White House in Washington, DC?
DBN Gogo x Blaqnick x MasterBlaq ‘Khuza Gogo’ ft Mpura, Ama Avenger and M.J
Mongezi Stuurman, who tragically died in August of this year, left behind a legacy of recordings under the pseudonym Mpura. This was one of the songs to which he contributed. Mpura, Ama Avenger, and MJ handled the vocals, while DBN Gogo, Blaqnick, and MasterBlaq handled the beats. The track’s YouTube video had nearly 4 million views since its premiere in March, and Spotify SA revealed it was the most streamed South African track by Gen Z.
John Wick by De Mthuda ft. Ntokzin and Sir Trill
De Mthuda, a highly accomplished producer, continues to dominate local airwaves with ‘John Wick,’ a rudimental yet aggressive beat marked by repetitive thumping bass lines and synth topped by his usual partners Ntokzin and Sir Trill, who laces his unique vocals.
