Amapiano Continues to Make Waves Globally
Originating in South Africa, Amapiano has quickly become one of the country’s biggest musical exports, gaining popularity worldwide due to its infectious beats and viral dance challenges. With over 14 million playlists featuring Amapiano tracks, the genre has seen a remarkable 566% growth from 2018 to 2023.
However, there have been instances where the genre’s roots have been misconstrued. US rapper Swae Lee once mistakenly credited Nigeria for the Amapiano sound, sparking a backlash from South Africans who quickly corrected him. Despite these misunderstandings, Amapiano’s influence continues to spread far and wide.
International Artists Embrace Amapiano
Nigerian artist Joeboy expressed his love for Amapiano, describing it as a heavenly sound that has become ingrained in Nigerian culture. He has collaborated with South African artists, showcasing the genre’s global appeal. Cameroonian singer Sabrina also praised Amapiano for its ability to blend different influences while maintaining its authenticity.
During a recent visit to South Africa, Sabrina explored the local music scene and expressed interest in collaborating with Amapiano artists. She highlighted the unique vibes that South African artists bring to the table, emphasizing the richness and diversity of the country’s music culture.
Both Joeboy and Sabrina cited Amapiano’s global sound as a factor in its widespread appeal, with Joeboy mentioning his current favorite Amapiano tracks and expressing a desire to see more recognition for the artists behind the music.
New Music Releases
Joeboy recently released his third studio album, “Viva Lavida,” with one of the tracks, “Osadebe,” gaining popularity on South African radio. The song features an Igbo phrase paying homage to a Nigerian highlife classic, showcasing Joeboy’s musical influences and creativity.
Sabrina, on the other hand, released her album “Unstoppable” and collaborated with US rapper D Smoke on the Amapiano-influenced track “Pullover.” Both artists continue to push boundaries and experiment with different sounds, further solidifying Amapiano’s place in the global music scene.
As Amapiano continues to evolve and captivate audiences worldwide, its impact on the music industry remains undeniable. With artists from different countries embracing the genre and incorporating it into their work, Amapiano’s influence shows no signs of slowing down.
