Africa Rocks the New Amapiano Sound

Tilt your upper body back and forth, with your fingers moving in almost the same or opposing motion, and your eyes rolled over hysterically, that’s the Amapiano dance! Amapiano is the now popular South African genre of music that has got Africa rocking! Like Afrobeats, it is spreading through the African continent and beyond. Originally, Amapiano is an Nguni word which translates as ‘the pianos’. The Nguni cultural group is of the Bantu ethnic extraction of southern Africa. The Amapiano sound is a sleek fusion of deep house, jazz, and lounge music, characterized by synths and wide percussive basslines that blares melodiously. The sound is neatly distinguished by high-pitched piano melodies and the prevalent use of ‘log drums’. Amapiano is fast looking to achieve what Afrobeats achieved for Africa – global recognition and acceptance. AfriHertage Magazine takes a look at some of the highflyers of Amapiano. Kabza De Small, Musa keys, The Scorpion Kings, Lady Du, Major League Djz, late Costa Keys and many other South African artists are delivering hot Amapiano tunes. Turn over to read short bios of leading Amapiano icons;>>

Major League DJz are a South African music duo made up of twin brothers, Bandile and Banele Mbere. They are well-known for their distinct blend of hip hop, house, and kwaito music, and are widely regarded as one of South Africa’s most successful music artists. Bandile and Banele Mbere who were born in Boston in the United States, moved to South Africa when they were five years old. When they were 16, they threw the ‘Robot Party,’ which changed their lives. Professionally, the duo began as promoters, hosting some of the country’s biggest parties. They have numerous hit songs to their credit, including “We’Mama,” “Amantombazane,” “Koko,” “Vula Vala,” “Ur Sheetee,” and “Jikeleza.”