When considering the standout Amapiano’s Finest Artists and Songs in 2023 amidst the global spotlight on African music, it’s crucial to identify the exceptionally talented musicians making waves. Amapiano, alongside Afrobeats, has firmly entrenched itself in the global music landscape, and these artists are leading the charge in this vibrant genre.
In South Africa, Amapiano has swiftly gained immense popularity, earning recognition as a cultural gem that not only attracts tourists but also symbolizes joy and national pride, largely steered by DJs. Amapiano’s Finest Artists and Songs in 2023
This captivating sub-genre has birthed some of the continent’s most prominent acts, with legends like Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa (known as the Scorpion Kings) flying its banner.
Continuously setting the pace, the Amapiano sound drives cultural shifts and introduces fresh talents into the scene, evolving with each passing day.
Nevertheless, certain artists have emerged as frontrunners, demonstrating their potential to become the next big names in Amapiano and beyond.
1. Uncle Waffles
Lunghelile Zwane, a 23-year-old artist widely recognized as Uncle Waffles in South Africa’s music scene, thrives as both a record producer and DJ. Renowned for infusing her DJ sets with an electrifying vibe, she captivates numerous young Amapiano enthusiasts. Uncle Waffles has gained momentum with hits like ‘Tanzania’ and her latest project, ‘Asylum,’ is a potential game-changer in the industry.
Using social media to her advantage, Uncle Waffles rose swiftly to stardom in Amapiano, a rapidly expanding African music genre blending deep house, kwaito, jazz, and rhythmic basslines. Dubbed the “Princess of Amapiano,” she appreciates the title but doesn’t quite feel it’s entirely hers, considering herself more of a “girl’s girl.
After going viral, Uncle Waffles incorporated dance as a key element in her performances. Recognizing language as a major hurdle in spreading Amapiano worldwide, she realized the power of dance in overcoming this barrier.
“Even if you’re hearing the song for the first time from afar, there’s an irresistible urge to dance,” explained Uncle Waffles. “I’ve seen people mention that Amapiano gives them a sense of ancestral connection.”
Amapiano Songs by Uncle Waffles
Uncle Waffles, Tony Duardo & Justin99 “Yahyuppiyah” feat. Pcee, EeQue & Chley
Before its official release, the teaser and dance routine for Uncle Waffles’ track “Yahyuppiyah” captivated social media. In March, the superstar DJ launched the song as the primary single for her second EP, “Asylum.” Throughout the year, Waffles’ influence surged, marked by the release of her third project, a BET award nomination, performances at Coachella, and headline shows curated by herself across the globe.
Listen to this wonderful song by clicking this link
Uncle Waffles and Tony Duardo – Tanzania [Feat. Sino Msolo & Boibizza] (Official Music Video)
A viral video emerged showing ‘Beyoncé using Uncle Waffles’ multi-platinum hit, ‘Tanzania,’ into her performance on the opening night of her Renaissance World Tour in Sweden. This tour marks the American superstar’s ninth concert series for her seventh studio album, ‘Renaissance,’ released in 2022. Watch the Beyonce clip here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8uVXldiaEA
Tanzania‘ is the primary track of Uncle Waffles’ first EP, ‘Red Dragon,’ released in 2022. The track has over 12 million streams on spotify, making it a milestone achievement for her.
Listen to the song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvxADzZMkEI
2. Lady Du (Duduzile Ngwenya)
Facts about Lady Du
- Spotify followers: 241,000 listeners per month
- Top YouTube View Count: Lady Du-Dakiwe: 3 million views
- Social Media Stats:
- Instagram: 500,000 followers
- Facebook: 879,000 followers
- Twitter: 26,000 followers
- TikTok: 237,000 followers Total Followers: 1.5 million Signature Song: Dakiwe
Duduzile Ngwenya, also recognized as Lady Du, comes from Vosloorus, a lively town east of Johannesburg. Despite her relatively brief presence in the Amapiano scene, she has swiftly risen to dominance within the genre.
Renowned for her unique vocal style and high-energy performances, Lady Du has earned praise for seamlessly blending traditional South African sounds into her music. Collaborating with prominent figures in Amapiano like Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa, and Focalistic has further cemented her position.
Beyond music, Lady Du’s distinctive fashion sense has garnered attention and has been showcased in various fashion publications, including Moziak Magazine.
Lady Du’s career traces back to the early 2000s, and she achieved international acclaim by evolving her style to become a prominent figure in the explosion of Amapiano, a global phenomenon in the early 2020s. Growing up in a musical family—her father, DJ Choc, and uncle, DJ Zan D—Lady Du naturally leaned into DJing from a young age, even winning national competitions.
Initially recognized for her work in house music, Lady Du has transitioned to collaborating with major names in Amapiano, such as DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small. Her notable hits like “Umsebenzi Wethu,” featuring Busta 929, Mpura, Reece Madlisa, Mr JazziQ, and Zuma, demonstrate her powerful vocals that perfectly complement Amapiano’s mellow, synth-infused rhythms.
Amapiano Songs by Lady DU
a. “Umsebenzi Wethu,”
Her notable hits like “Umsebenzi Wethu,” featuring Busta 929, Mpura, Reece Madlisa, Mr JazziQ, and Zuma, demonstrate her powerful vocals that perfectly complement Amapiano’s mellow, synth-infused rhythms.
Listen it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqS8SFLXF9I
b. Megadrumz & Lady Du “Tjina”
Every year, a fresh talent emerges, propelled into the bustling Amapiano mainstream by a breakout track. In the latter half of 2023, the duo Megadrumz embodied this trend. With the support of accomplished vocalist and entrepreneur Lady Du, signed under Open Mic Productions, they struck gold with “Tjina.” The track gained traction due to its catchy beat and a popular TikTok challenge inspired by the Macarena dance.
Listen it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbNllYON_Mo
3. Major League DJz
Facts about Major League DJz
- Spotify: 245,000 monthly listeners
- Top YouTube View Count: Major League Djz & Abidoza (Ft. Cassper Nyovest, Kammu Dee & Ma Lemon) – Le Plane E’Landile: 4 million views
- Social Media Stats:
- Instagram: 1.3 million followers
- Facebook: 2.4 million followers
- Twitter: 292,000 followers
- TikTok: 78,000 followers
- Total Followers: 3.9 million
- Signature Song: Slyza Tsotsi
At the age of five, twins Bandile and Banele Mbere relocated from their birthplace in Boston, USA, to South Africa. Their lives took a turn at 16 when they organized the ‘Robot Party,’ a pivotal moment that altered their trajectory. Initially, the duo ventured into event promotion, hosting some of the nation’s most significant parties.
“Initially, we were promoters, throwing our own parties when artists or DJs failed to show up on time,” Mbere shared with FORBES AFRICA, currently speaking from the United Kingdom, where they are performing.
“We pioneered the ‘new age Kwaito’ movement with our peers, aiming to modernize Kwaito music, making it vibrant and youthful. Eventually, we transitioned into Amapiano. Amapiano shares roots with Kwaito but leans more towards dance and house elements.”
His major hit watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pg7D9khl_4c
4. Focalistic
The 25-year-old musician originates from Ga-Rankuwa, a substantial settlement in Pretoria, South Africa’s capital.
“Here we go, FORBES AFRICA interview, take one,” jests Lethabo Sebetso, known as Focalistic, during his conversation with FORBES AFRICA.
“Like many South Africans, my childhood had its ups and downs,” Sebetso reflects.
While his breakout track might have been “Ke Star,” Focalistic believes that, from his catalog, the EP that truly defined his career was the one he crafted alongside Major League DJz, titled “Ase Trap Tse ke Pina Tsa Ko Kasi (It’s Not Trap It’s Music From the Hood).
a. Focalistic “Khekheleza (Dlala Dlala)” feat. EeQue & Thama Tee
The widely acclaimed artist Focalistic collaborated with emerging talents EeQue and Thama Tee on his latest smash hit, “Khekheleza (Dlala Dlala).” From international shows to collaborations with upcoming artists like Nigeria’s Seyi Vibez, Shallipopi, and Spyro, Focalistic remains dedicated to sharing the Amapiano vibes worldwide. “Khekheleza (Dlala Dlala)” showcases that the ‘president ya straata’ hasn’t forgotten his roots, and his fans haven’t abandoned him either.
b. Focalistic “Khekheleza (Dlala Dlala)” feat. EeQue & Thama Tee
Renowned worldwide, Focalistic collaborated with emerging talents EeQue and Thama Tee on his latest hit, “Khekheleza (Dlala Dlala).” His global performances and collaborations with rising artists such as Nigeria’s Seyi Vibez, Shallipopi, and Spyro showcase his dedication to spreading the Amapiano vibe worldwide. “Khekheleza (Dlala Dlala)” stands as proof that the ‘president ya straata’ hasn’t forgotten his roots, and his fans remain steadfastly loyal.
Listen to the song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UIIFkicYUo
5. The Scorpion Kings (DJ Maphorisa & Kabza De Small) among the Amapiano’s Finest Artists and Songs in 2023
Facts about The Scorpion Kings
Spotify: Over 3 million views
Top YouTube View Count: DJ Maphorisa x Kabza De Small ft Mhaw Keys – Koko: 5.6 million views
Social Media Stats: Instagram:
Kabza De Small: 1.1 million followers
DJ Maphorisa: 1.8 million followers Facebook: Kabza De Small: 795,000 followers
Twitter: Kabza De Small: 688,900 followers
DJ Maphorisa: 4,172 followers TikTok:
Kabza De Small: 165,600 followers
DJ Maphorisa: 379,300 followers
Total Followers:
Kabza De Small: 2.65 million followers
DJ Maphorisa: 4.3 million followers
a. Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa & Njelic “Nana Thula” feat. Young Stunna, Nkosazana Daughter & Xolani Guitars
Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa, renowned for their brilliance and generational talent, made a bold move by revitalizing their 2019 cult classic, “Nana Thula.” This revamp includes fresh instrumentation and added verses from Young Stunna and Nkosazana Daughter. The song has been rejuvenated to align with the current vibes of Amapiano, giving it a renewed presence in today’s music scene.
Amapiano’s Finest Artists and Songs in 2023 has made South Africa a household name and will continue to do so in future.