Music streaming service Deezer this week revealed that its amapiano playlist was the most streamed on its platform in South Africa, according to figures from January to September.
Amapiano is a relatively new electronic genre that emerged in different parts of the Gauteng province of the country. It fuses elements of deep house, jazz and kwaito, which are undercut by heavy piano and synth lines.
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The playlist, which was launched in June last year, was mostly streamed by young residents of Johannesburg, with 44% of its streamers aged between 26 and 35 years, followed by 35% of listeners who were between 18 and 25 years of age.
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Deezer says the genre has also gained significant traction across the continent. “We’ve seen our playlist gain momentum in Namibia, Zambia, Mozambique and Malawi. As a result of its mass appeal, artists spanning the continent are embracing this new style of house music from fresh new productions to remixes of popular tracks,” it said.
Deezer’s Africa music editor, Sotiris Moldovanos, said: “It’s not surprising to see amapiano’s growing appeal locally and in neighbouring countries. It’s a unique sound that’s inspired a movement and dance culture. Our playlist celebrates the artists leading the movement as it reaches more people around the world.”
Deezer also caught up with amapiano duo MFR Souls, who feature on the playlist, for insight on the genre’s growth.
DEEZER: How would you describe amapiano’s early ‘underground’ days?
MFR SOULS: It was hard because when we started no one understood the sound, there were a lot of critics.
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How would you guys describe the genre?
Amapiano has early influences from kwaito. At first, it was just instrumental with kwaito basslines and chords. But now it’s evolved into a pure South African sound.
How far and wide are we seeing amapiano influence local and even African music?
The genre is not only going to have an impact in Africa but around the whole world.
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What inspires MFR Souls’ sound?
Our sound is inspired by good old-school music.
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Which artists, apart from you guys, do you believe have been influential in making the genre so popular?
There’s quite a lot: Kabza De Small, Gaba Cannal, Josiah De Disciple and Loxion Deep.
If you could collaborate with one global icon for an amapiano remix who would it be and what song?
Burna Boy – ‘Pull Up’.
What are your top three amapiano songs of the moment?
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- ‘Bathandwa’ – MFR Souls ft. Bassie
- ‘Umfazi we Phepha’ – De Mthuda
- ‘Amanikiniki’ – MFR Souls ft. Major league DJs, Kamo Mphela and Bontle Smith
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