The Best Amapiano Songs Right Now

March started on a somber note with the loss of Yallunder, a vocalist whose range in the Amapiano space and beyond endeared her to music lovers in South Africa. Her family called her a beacon of love, kindness, and artistry, even in the most vulnerable moments. Yallunder's voice graced songs by the likes of Kelvin Momo, De Mthuda, and MÖRDA, who did a reinterpretation of her song "Ndinovalo." Mr-Luu De Stylist has made a tribute mix in memory of her.

In other news, hip-hop and Amapiano artist Sizwe Alakine, formerly Reason, pulled up on the Piano Pulse podcast to discuss the hosts' disparaging remarks about his partner, Gigi Lamayne. It got awkward quickly, with one of the hosts even receiving threats of getting his jaw tested. The point was simple: Sizwe Alakine advocated for podcast platforms to become beacons of truth instead of opinions passed as fact. People get hurt in the process, and he wanted to emphasize how uncool that is.

"Biri Marung" continues to put numbers on the board; the video for the song of Summer '24 has recently surpassed 30 million views on YouTube, making it one of the most-viewed Amapiano videos alongside "Mnike," currently at 63 million views. Elsewhere, the dance community has been busy choreographing moves for the "Hamba Nabo" challenge by Shakes & Les. The song, which features Scotts Maphuma, is currently unreleased but is set to cause waves when it hits the streets and streaming platforms.

As is now tradition, OkayAfrica has packed this edition with some mixes for you to check out. Major League DJz have recently uploaded a mix by Kelvin Momo to celebrate their YouTube channel getting a million subscribers. DJ Lag and Thakzin go back-to-back in this glorious mix filled with 3-step gems and other goodies.

This month, we've also got a return to form by Sir Trill, who comes back after a brief period of absence, some heat from DJ Maphorisa's and Xduppy's wide-ranging double album, Rough Dance and Ngomoya, and more.

Read ahead for The Best Amapiano Songs Right Now.

DJ Maphorisa, Xduppy, and Seun1401 - "Ke System" feat. Mellow & Sleazy and Kabelo Sings

From the onset, "Ke System" makes it known that it's about to be a jump wherever it gets played. The bass-heavy concoction, with contributions from Mellow & Sleazy, Kabelo Sings, and Seun1401 is just a slice of what DJ Maphorisa and Xduppy have cooked on their sprawling double album that's part-amapiano, part-sgubhu, and a whole lot of funk.

Romeo Makota, Nokwazi, Khathapillar - "Umlil'Ovuthayo"

"Umlil'Ovuthayo" is as blazing as its name suggests. Nokwazi sings a message of love and togetherness as the chords delve deep into your soul. The result is an enlivening feeling of being elevated above the clouds and seeing everything for what it truly is. The song is from Romeo Makota's Lebelo EP.

Sobzeen, DJ Stokie - “Kunzima” feat. Zee_nhle, Mr. Maker

DJ Stokie is a respected figure in amapiano and is acclaimed as one of the DJs who brought the sound to a broader audience. Along with Sobzeen, the pair have brought some timeless bangers to the masses. "Kunzima," meaning "It's Bad," can be taken to be about the current state of the world. It's a soothing song, courtesy of Zee_nhle and Mr. Maker's vocals—this one's fit to bump with friends while enjoying a chilled afternoon and contemplating life.

Omaannn and Beekay & Kaypee - “Mathata” feat. Mellow & Sleazy & Sdo&Lefrendeh012

The ability of amapiano vocalists to narrate an entire story while making your head bop deserves an award. "Mathata" is precisely that: it narrates the dynamics of a party and the events that unfold when it's time to leave, served on a thumping amapiano instrumental that borders on the illogical. The video was filmed at the old beer hall in Mamelodi, the only place where black people could freely indulge in their favorite beverage without fear of being arrested by the apartheid police.

Sir Trill, B33Kay SA & DJ 2K - “iMpumelelo” (feat. Msongi, Tumisho, De Soul)

Like many amapiano artists, Sir Trill got his start in hip-hop. Since then, he's hopped on different cuts that became genre-defining hits, such as "John Wick" alongside De Mthuda and Da Muziqal Chef and "Isingisi" with Semi Tee and MDU aka TRP. On "iMpumelelo," Sir Trill breathes life into the music and re-inscribes his lane, reminding us that his name is not to be left behind when a discussion about the greats comes up.

Odeal - "Blame U" feat. DJ Maphorisa and Xduppy

Straight out of South East London comes Odeal, a multi-genre artist known for his fusion of Afrobeats and R&B sensibilities. The artist delves deeper into his love for electronic music on "Blame U" by bringing DJ Maphorisa and Xduppy to give the song, initially on his Lustropolis album, a makeover for the ages. Amapiano has never sounded more sensual.

Khalil Harrison & Kelvin Momo - "Thand'Owakho" feat. Cooper SA, Stixx & Zwayetoven

Khalil Harrison has become a mainstay on the amapiano stage. Over the years, he has sizzled on collaborations with the likes of Kelvin Momo and Tyler ICU. He brings more of that smooth, private school piano flavor on "Thand'Owakho," and the result is an unending ride that is both joyful and fulfilling.