It’s quite unbelievable how amapiano came from nowhere and become the trend and talk of the moment. Even though there’s no specific and adequate information on how it started and who started it per say, the prestigious grammy awards have recognized the efforts and contribution of Kabza De Small and Nkosazana Daughter for the huge success of the genre.
Amapiano music according to many online sources was carved out from the then Afro House music genre which involves the use of mainly drum and other instruments to create beats that would no doubt take you to the dance floor and display some dancing skills. According to my own little research, amapiano was created from the then-popular existing House music so as to create a new, different, and unique sound that would pierce the soul more than other genres and still make people dance.
The urge for newness and creativity brings about the genre which is mainly done using the Piano/Keyboard to create a sound that would appeal to all listeners better than the other genres.
Of course, Amapiano Music started in South Africa, but now thanks to the efforts of all the notable and talented South African amapiano sound producers and vocalists who have invested their time, talent, and sweat into making this a global trend.
Nevertheless, genre is coined from the word piano, which is the fusion of piano tunes and other tunes together to create a sound that people can vibe to.
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However, in the year 2018 one of South African most popular artists, Dj Maphorisa partnered with Kabza who was an underground amapiano producer then and this partnership according to many music lovers cemented the sound as a genre to look forward to. And many people in the country have even many times ascribed the pioneering of the Amapiano songs to Dj Mpahorisa and Kabza De Small because they both worked together to put the genre on the global map.
The movement became a trend in the year 2019 thanks to the scorpion king; Dj Maphorisa and Kabza De Small who also partnered with some talented vocalists such as Sha Sha, Samthing Soweto, De Mthuda, and others whose talents made 2019 a remarkable year in the history of South African Music as a whole.
The influence of the scorpion kings also brought some other talented amapiano artists into the limelight such as Virgo Deep, Sha Sha, Samthing Soweto, Young Stunna, and others. We also enjoy some hit songs like “Love You Tonight” (Mfr Souls featuring Dj Maphorisa, Kabza De Small & Sha Sha), “Tender Love” (Sha Sha featuring Dj Maphorisa and Kabza De Small), “Akulaleki” (Samthing Soweto featuring Sha Sha, Dj Maphoris & Kabza De Small).
Furthermore, the unique bond and partnership of Dj Maphorisa and Kabza De Small birthed the name Scorpion Kings which has now become a movement in the country. Dj Maphorisa and Kabza De Small, however, from then began to push the amapiano music through their consistency and hard work to the global scene. The duo is also the first artists to feature Nigerian Afro beats music giants; Burna Boy and Wizkid on a song titled Sponono which in turn helped push the amapaino music to the global stage. Dj Maphorisa even stated earlier in a tweet that the influence of Nigerian afro beats superstars; Burna Boy and Wizkid made the amapiano music a huge success. And he also affirmed that heim and Kabza are the first to put the two on a song together.
The Grammy however on their official website recognized the South African amapiano as well as the afro house music genre as a global success now, acknowledging the likes of Kabza De Small, Muzi, and Nkosazana Daughter as the force in the success of the movement. Grammy also, however, recognized other notable African genres such as:
Nigerian Afro beats is arguably the most recognized African genre in the world due to its influence on the international market.
1. Afro Beats
It’s a mesmeric blend of West African music that quickly become a global pop phenomenon. Established acts like Burna Boy, Wizkid, Mr Easi, Yemi Alade have contributed immensely to the global success of the sound resulting in international recognition and multiple GRAMMY wins.
It also noted that the global explosion of Afrobeats has in turn helped build an important bridge connecting African music genres with American audiences, specifically Black Americans.
2. Ndombolo
It’s a music genre and a dance from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It’s also popular in other African countries such as Madagascar, Tanzania, and Kenya. Due to its domination in African countries, no party would be complete without its inclusion.
3. Afroswing
It’s a derivative of dancehall and Afrobeats which was developed in the United Kingdom during the mid-2010s. Afroswing also known as Afrobashemnt is similar to the consistently popular British drill and grime genres.
4. Soukous
It’s a piece of dance music from the Congo-Kinshasha and Congo-Brazzaville which descends from the French word secousse meaning shock, jolt, or jerk.
5. Alté
This is the fusion of Afrobeats, hip hop, dance hall, reggae, and alt-R&B. The DRB LasGidi coined term has however become a unique way of offering a relaxed, laid-back, and stylish offering that differs from the faster-paced grooves coming out from Africa.
6. Amapiano
It’s a style of house music that emerged from South Africa which in isiZulu and isiXhosa translates to “the pianos”. It’s also a combination of deep house, jazz, R&B, and lounge music. However, Amapiano synths, airy pads, and percussive bass lines have increased in popularity thanks to work by Muzi, Nkosazana Daughter, and Kabza De Small.
In conclusion, it’s however unbelievable that the African Gospel genre isn’t included among the leading and trending African genres. I personally urge the prestigious Grammy Awards to know into it and give Africa, especially the Nigerian gospel music genre recognition so the efforts of the highly talented, committed and popular gospel music artists like Mercy Chinwo, Sinach, Benjamin Dube, and others would go for nothing.
