Top amapiano songs of 2019

While some are still dancing to gqom, a new genre called amapiano seems to be the fastest growing electronic genre in the country. It has been described as a fusion of gqom, deep house and jazz, all underlined by piano/synth lines. The genre is said to have originated in the city of Pretoria and its townships, although fans living in Johannesburg are claiming the genre for themselves.

Below are some of the hottest amapiano tracks making their rounds in South Africa today:

'Sing It' by Sha Sha feat. DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small

Sha Sha's melodious vocals are out of this world. The song, whose powerful beats are courtesy of DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small, is something amapiano fanatics should not lack in their library.

'Tender Love' by Sha Sha feat. DJ Maphorisa, Kabza De Small

'Tender Love' is another powerful song by the above artists whose names are dominating the amapiano music scene toward the end of 2019.

'Akulaleki' by Samething Soweto feat. DJ Maphorisa, Kabza De Small & Sha Sha

The song is off the Isphithiphithi album and has topped the local chats. The album had concurrent No 1 releases on Apple Music's Singles and Album charts in South Africa with a pre-add release.

'Labantwana Ama Uber' by Semi Tee feat. Miano & Kammu Dee

'Labantwana Ama Uber' is among the reasons amapiano is dominating the music scene in South Africa. The powerful vocals of Semi Tee, Miano and Kammu Dee synch well the song's slow tempo.

'Suk'endleleni' by Jobe London and Mphow69 feat. Kamo Manje

In 'Suk'endleleni', house and amapiano artist Jobe London makes use of repeated verses to emphasise his impact in the music industry. The song features popular dancer and amapiano artist Kamo Manje as well as singer Mphow69.

'Khethile Khethile' by De Mthuda, Semi-Tee, Kammu Dee and Miano 

'Khethile khethile' was released in early October and will no doubt make it in the clubs. Songs featured by Semi-Tee, Kammu Dee and Miano seem to be well and that says a lot about their career.  

'Shesha' by De Mthuda and Njelic

'Shesha' (make it fast) urges party lovers to rush to the next party. Listen!

‘Bum Bum’ by El Maestro feat. TP

Written and produced by TP and El Maestro respectively, the song has elements of Afrobeat, gqom and ragga. With its persistent groove, trippy vibe, piercing whistles and nods to East Africa and singalong quality, ‘Bum Bum’ is destined to be a big hit.

‘iGama’ by Gaba Cannal feat. Dladla Mshunqisi

The song is a collaboration between the Soweto-born Gaba Cannal and the Durban-based Dladla Mshunqisi. The track features slow-paced and steady synth stabs and disembodied vocals. It borrows gqom hues to create a unique and catchy hybrid.

'Kokota' by KayGee Daking feat. Bizizi and Killer Kau

This track has the makings of a classic and is one of the biggest bangers in 2019. It really harks back to '90s kwaito and bears a nostalgic feel that would appeal to those who were partying it up before Y2K.

‘Yey Wena’ by Cyburmusiq

In the song, piano elements make up the majority of the track as the lead instrument. Featuring Jozlna, ‘Yey Wena’ was released in May and is among the songs that is playing at most South African clubs and parties.

‘Yebo-Pa’ by Kabza De Small

The track is an instrumental and lets the listener delve into its melody.

‘Mduva’ by Kay Invictus

Kay Invictus (born Kabelo Pooe) joined the music industry in 2015, with his songs are being played on radio and in cars. A producer by profession, Kay Invictus started off producing Afro deep house and later shifted to amapiano.

‘Blissful Day’ by De Mthuda

The song is off De Mthuda’s seven-track Forever album. The sound of giggling children in the background gives the song a joyful mood. ‘Blissful Day’ is the kind of song you can play during an outdoor day party.

‘Freak Like Me’ by Thackzin

The slow tempo in ‘Freak Like Me’ makes the bass and rhythmic piano sounds really audible. The fusion can also be heard in Thackzin’s other tracks such as ‘Ayikho La’ and ‘Paradise’.

‘Iskhathi’ by KWiiSH SA

This song is off the March 2019 AmaPiano Volume 4 album. In ‘Iskhathi’ KWiiSH SA wants his listeners to 'jump' amid repeated chants to do so.

‘Paradise 1475’ by Thackzin

‘Paradise 1475’ is another soft club track by the talented Thackzin. The semi-instrumental song confirms Thackzin as a top amapiano artist in South Africa.

‘Vula Vala’ by DJ Maphorisa, Kabza De Small, Vigro Deep feat. Nokwazi

‘Vula Vala’ was taken off DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small's 'Scorpion Kings' EP. The song features the powerful vocals of house queen Nokwazi.