TitoM and Yuppe’s “Tshwala Bam” is the Latest Huge Amapiano Song

Amapiano has its first inescapable hit song of 2024. In recent weeks, TitoM and Yuppe’s “Tshwala Bam” rocketed into undeniable popularity, soundtracking an infectious dance challenge, perhaps the hallmark of a hit song in amapiano.

Depending on who you ask, there seems to be several observers who believe African music hasn’t fully picked up as the first quarter of the year comes to an end, with a sparse number of new local hit songs and albums by big stars in major countries and very few cross-continental sensations. However, for the optimists who believe things are only just revving up ahead of the next few months, “Tshwala Bam” is proof that the sonic landscape is far from dreary.

TitoM & Yuppe - Tshwala Bam [Feat. S.N.E & EeQue] (Official Audio)www.youtube.com

Within 28 days of its release, it has surpassed eight million global streams on Spotify, making it the fastest amapiano song released in 2024 to achieve this milestone. “Tshwala Bam” has the runway to become even much bigger, similar to amapiano super-hits like Tyler ICU’s “Mnike,” Daliwonga’s “Abo Mvelo” and many more.

The catchy tune sits atop the South African Spotify daily chart, for the twenty-sixth consecutive day, with over 100,000 streams. It also maintains its highest peak at No. 3 on the Nigerian Spotify daily chart, boasting an impressive 70,000 daily streams.

With over 100 thousand daily streams recorded on 14 occasions since its release, the song has also become the fastest song by a South African artist in history to secure a top 20 entry, signaling its universal acclaim and cross-cultural resonance.

It’s also fitting that amapiano delivered the biggest early moment for African music this year. For a genre that has been extensively co-opted on a pan-African scale, and on a fringe global level too, South African ‘piano producers and artists are finding new ways to keep the exciting feel. “Tshwala Bam” is an ecstatic banger in the way most, if not all, great amapiano hits are. The bass and percussive rhythm are imposing, its central melodic riff is breezy, and the vocals are memorable.

“Tshwala Bam” is perfect to scream your lungs out to and it also compels listeners to dance. Even if the challenge, with its herky-jerky movement, is too difficult for you, not moving is not an option. The #TshwalaBam challenge has also taken social media by storm, attracting entries from Tyla, Jason Derulo and Beyonce’s dancers Les Twins, Jayda Wada, Kai Cenat, and Lamiez Holworthy.

TitoM and Yuppe, alongside collaborators EeQue and S.N.E, have created more than a song. “Tshwala Bam” is a cultural phenomenon.