The Best Amapiano Songs Right Now

Amapiano has made an extraordinary journey from its South African roots to become a global music phenomenon. Much like kwaito before it, the genre emerged as a powerful vehicle for young, Black South African youth to fight their way out of poverty. Each year brings fresh hits, innovative trends and a new sound to get fascinated by. It's almost as though the music's range is endless as it delicately embraces different aspects of the human experience.

Amapiano has become more than music — it has always represented a lifestyle that inspires a devoted following. It's how you carry yourself, speak, move, and relate to your community. This genre is a comprehensive package whose offerings only get better. For artist discovery, there are platforms such asSniper Zone andFreshmen Magazine, whilePiano City andGroove Cartel are geared toward more established acts.

DJ Maphorisa, XDuppy, Sean1401 - "Ngibolekeni" feat. Leemckrazy, Scotts Maphuma, Blxckie, PCee, Kabelo Sings

DJ Maphorisa's undeniable presence and influence in amapiano continues unchallenged with "Ngibolekeni," a song that sounds and feels like leftovers from the festive season. That's not bad, especially when the cast includes some of the most sought-after talents in Blxckie, Scotts Maphuma, Leemckrazy and PCee. This one's an early contender for song of the year.

Ntate Stunna - "Moya" feat. DJ Ngwazi, Lowly

Ntate Stunna has carved out a comfortable spot in music. It occupies a position that allows him to dropbattle tracks at one moment and follow that up with a monumental achievement such as "Moya" — a song about persevering through difficult times and remaining hopeful that everything will work out eventually. The MC anoints the song with verses that touch on his breakthrough in 2020 and how far he's come since then.

TeepeeMassoxs and Kelvin Momo - "Opera"

"Opera" is reminiscent of early amapiano releases with its jazz-inclined chords and deep, pounding bassline. TeepeeMassoxs, a relative newcomer to the mainstream amapiano scene, collides with “private school piano” kingpin Kelvin Momo for a chilled-out sonic expedition into the underground depths. "Opera" is taken from the producer's impressive debut album,The Beginning.

Trappybeats - "Gululu"

Malawi's Trappybeats follows up his smash hit, "Cardio," with an equally impressive, high-energy take on amapiano (or Nyasa-piano, as they call it in Malawi). The song incorporates elements of Barcardi house around the two-minute mark, which makes for a refreshing transition and an inspired production decision. "Gululu" has the potential to blaze dance floors worldwide.

DJ Stoks, Mel Muziq, Happy Jazzman - “Mamazala” feat. Bassie, Faith Strings

Bassie's "Kwelanga 2.0" was one of 2024's standout hits. That song built upon the momentum she was already on in 2023 with songs such as "Izenzo" alongside Aymos. She brings that energy to "Mamazala," a song about fighting for a love that is fading away.

TOSS, Scotts Maphuma, Young Stunna, DJ Maphorisa & Uncool MC - "Mjolo" feat. CubaBeats, Tyler ICU, Sbu YDN

TOSS's talent is incredible. He is equally versed in rhyming double-time overthundering trap beats as he gets his kwaito-inspired style to glide over amapiano's percussive soundscape. "Mjolo 2.0" is an alternate take on "Mjolo," and it features some of the genre's biggest names, such as Tyler ICU, DJ Maphorisa, Young Stunna and Scotts Maphuma.

Focalistic, Mellow & Sleazy, Enny Man Da Guitar - "Telenovela" feat. Reece Madlisa

Anything with a Mellow & Sleazy touch is pure gold. Add Focalistic to the mix, and a banger is guaranteed. This song got buried in all the December madness, but it's worth unearthing and platforming because it shows how wide-ranging amapiano's sonics have become. Reece Madlisa brings his signature swag to an otherworldly song, making for a legendary link-up for all involved.

DJ Khyber, Sino Msolo & Nkosazana Daughter - "Jealousy"

Sino Msolo and Nkosazana Daughter are some of the most celebrated voices in amapiano. "Jealousy" finds the two flexing their vocal cords on DJ Khyber's production. This is not to be confused withKhalil Harrison and Tyler ICU's song of the same name.

Amu Classic, Kappie, Mellow & Sleazy, Thatohatsi - "Into The Stars"

Amu Classic, Kappie andMellow & Sleazy are collectively known as the Fantastic 4. "Into The Stars" builds upon the groundwork that 2024's "Phezulu" laid. This producer's affair is animated by Thatohatsi's lilting vocals, proving that putting a voice on amapiano beats can do wonders for a song.

Mr JazziQ, Vigro Deep, Mellow & Sleazy, Scotts Maphuma, Cowboii, Xduppy - "Majozi"

On Mr. JazziQ's first release of the year, the celebrated producer brings along fellow heavy-hitters Vigro Deep and Mellow & Sleazy, alongside Cowboii and Xduppy for one of those legendary get-togethers that amapiano experiences now and then. "Majozi" also comes with a music video, a first for the producer. "The song was created late last year in conjunction with my strikers, Mellow and Sleazy, Vigro, Duppy, Cowboii and Scotts Maphuma,"stated the producer. "I remember the exact night that the beat was created. We all wouldn't stop dancing to the arrangement we had just put together, and obviously, everyone in the studio was dressed in NIKE that night."