The Best Amapiano Songs of 2024 So Far

Sonically, there has been a dominance of quantum sound ever since songs like “Habibi” and “Bhebha” introduced the sub-heavy morphology of amapiano. There’s also been a hybridization with 3-step and gqom, as witnessed on DJ Lag’s latest work, for example.

For those looking for mixes to bump at any time of the day, Scorpion Kings’ Boiler Room mix is satisfying, this Djy Jaivane mix from a few months ago will refresh your senses, while this back-to-back session between DBN Gogo and Tyler ICU is potent enough to keep groovers on their toes.

That said, these are the Best Amapiano Songs of the Year So Far.

TitoM & Yuppe - “Tshwala Bam” feat. S.N.E & EeQue

“Tshwala Bam” has shown hit potential since its release in March this year. The hype it generated caught the attention of Burna Boy, who lent his vocals to the equally potent remix. It still gets parties jumping today, and will definitely be one of the biggest songs this year.

Mas Musiq - “Amalanga Awafani” feat. Samthing Soweto, Howard Gomba & TO Starquality

“Amalanga Awafani” is a proverb that speaks about how no two days are the same. The Amapiano golden child Mas Musiq recruits one of the genre’s hidden treasures, Samthing Soweto, to lend his vocals to this fine blend of groove elements. The song will have you singing its chorus at odd hours of the night. It’s that good.

DJ Jaivane x Record L Jones - “Vulani” feat. Mangoli, Sighful & Nhlanhla The Guitarist

DJ Jaivane splurges on this private school piano cut that has its hands deep in the most soulful, jazz-flavored dance music to be found this side of the dancefloor. The vibes are easy, laid-back and strictly for the cool and the calm.

Tyler ICU - "Ebasini" feat. Leemckrazy, Tman Xpress, Ceeka RSA,Visca, AL Xapo, Sjavas DaDeejay

Life has been nothing short of amazing for Tyler ICU. His journey from security guard to one of the biggest producers around is inspirational. The multi-genre producer serves one of his acclaimed Amapiano flavors on “Ebasini,” which features the vocal talents of the current buzz around town, LeeMckrazy.

Kabza De Small - “Kabza Chant” feat. Young Stunna, Nkosazana Daughter, Mthunzi, Nokwazi, Anzo, Mashudu, Murumba Pitch, Tman Xpress

Kabza De Small continues to outdo himself on every tune his grubby producer fingers handle. “Kabza Chant” falls somewhere between a church hymnal, an ancestral chant, and chorale music. The featured artists, from Young Stunna to Nkosazana Daughter to Nokwazi, add an ethereal touch to an already spiritually potent orchestration. All hail the King!

Tyler ICU - “Manzi Nte” feat. Masterpiece YVK, Ceeka RSA, M.J, Silas Afrika, Al Xapo

Tyler ICU has a knack for creating bangers that crawl inside your skin. The log drum on this one will leave speakers rattling well after the song ends. “Manzi Nte” is for the late nights, the month-ends, the kasi get-downs and the big festival stages.

Uncle Waffles & Royal Musiq - “Wadibusa” feat. Ohp Sage, Pcee & DJY Biza 

Uncle Waffles went from absolute beginner to globe-trotting DJ-turned-artist in just under four years. She regularly crisscrosses the world, performing her flavor of amapiano to a variety of people. “Wadibusa” builds upon a foundation that has hits such as “Tanzania” and “Yahyuppiyah” in its corner.

KMAT - "MKK [Mkhukhu]" feat. CowBoii, DjyGubziin & Range

Pretoria’s DJ KMAT’s profile is experiencing a ceremonious buzz at the moment. The Soshanguve-born star’s latest hit is sending dancefloors into a panic. The song became popular following a Hope Ramafalo-choreographed routine that went viral on TikTok. KMAT is another addition to the flock of women pioneering amapiano to the world.

Shakes & Les - “Funk 99” feat. LeeMckrazy

“Funk 99” comes hot on the heels of “Funk 55,” which caused a ruckus upon its release in December. It is on the duo’s Funk Series album released in April this year. This is the type of joint that’ll have people speaking in tongues at the party. A real, certified banger.

Zee Nxumalo, Pabi Cooper & 031Choppa - “Thula Mabota” feat. Shakes & Les

Pabi Cooper joins Zee Nxumalo to do a make-over of MaWillies’ kwaito hit from the ‘90s. The song is about falling head over heels with someone, and not being able to control yourself as a result.

Bassie, M-Touch, Range, Amaza - “Kwelanga 2.0” feat. Tman, Xpress, LeemcKrazy

Amapiano songs are family affairs, and this Bassie-headed smash is no different. The likes of Tman, Xpress and LeeMckrazy add their unique flavor, resulting in a banger that is bound to resonate on dancefloors worldwide.

MFR Souls & Kabza De Small - “Ngifa Nawe” feat. Mawhoo, Bassie, T MAN SA & Shane907

Amapiano heavyweights MFR Souls link up with Kabza De Small for a House-leaning Amapiano rendezvous of the year. The vocal talents of Mawhoo and Bassie make this a memorable jam fit to bump at any point during the day.

Mid9t x Officixl RSA - “Banyana”

“Banyana” leans into Amapiano’s knack to create a vibe and sustain it for a long time. A song about girls, that is infectious, and offers an enjoyable listening experience, shouldn’t have to bang so hard.

Asake - “Wave” feat. Central Cee

U.K. rap wonderkid Central Cee lends his talent to “Wave,” a quintessential Asake joint that further cements the artist’s standing as one of the most innovative musicians in amapiano by far.

Aymos - “Es’gela” feat. Kabza de Small & Eemoh

Aymos’ ode to childhood dreams that became a reality is presented against the backdrop of a thriving amapiano arrangement perfected by Kabza De Small’s signature touch. It’s as relatable as anything that the bonafide hit-making vocalist directs his pen, a nod to kasi dreamers worldwide to keep going, and a praise song to the ancestors who keep clearing the path for our prayers to receive a home.

Babalwa M & Kelvin Momo - “Pholisa” feat. Stixx & Baby S.O.N

Babalwa M adds her lush vocals to this Kelvin Momo-produced banger. “Pholisa” is lifted from her album Pisces, released in April this year. It’s yet another victory for the private school piano sound that gets masses riled up everytime on the dancefloor.