If you haven’t jumped on the Amapiano wave, this new and rising genre might just convince you otherwise. When the soundwave first traveled, many influential musicians in Nigeria experimented with the mesh of Amapiano and Afrobeats, thus creating; Afropiano. I am excited to see what this genre has in store for us.
This Nigerian House movement has grown massively around the world, to the point where UK artists have adopted this Afropiano sound. Everyone is loving and demanding for more of this Afrofusion, causing it to rise as more artists are dabbling in it. Afropiano is just finding its place in the world, but we are starting to see more collaborations and incorporations from global artists, as well as our local South African Songs artists, embracing their culture through this new genre and allowing it to grow exceptionally.
Nigerian born producer and music artist, Kiddominant sampled this fusion of Afrobeats and Amapiano in his 2020 single, eWallet, alongside Cassper Nyovest. eWallet expresses his musing on the South Afrobeat sound. It is a feel-good bop that blends the burgeoning Amapiano template from South Africa and embellished with some good old Afrobeats flavour. Something he affectionately calls SouthBeats.
If you don’t believe me, viral Tiktok Don’t Rush challenge was based off an Afropiano song by Young T, Bugsey’s featuring Headie One and was created by a Nigerian woman. This song was played repeatedly on radio stations globally thanks to the Tiktok platform and was more popular among people of colour.
People were interested in this fusion of sound and embraced not only the trend that came with it, but the culture associated with it. If you don’t usually listen to this type of music; here are a few songs that might just get you hooked:
It would be a sin if I didn’t lead with this, The Lion King: The Gift [Deluxe Edition] by Beyoncé, aka, Queen Bey (if that doesn’t already convince you, the songs surely will). A whole album that is bound to get you up and on your feet, moving to the sound of the Afrobeats. The songs are so joyful, uplifting and fun, you can really feel the culture and sense of pride within each one.
Wamuhle by Boohle featuring De Mthude, Ntokzin and Njelic was just released in February 2021, and how this song isn’t trending has me certainly surprised. This song will have you missing the partying and socialising days with your friends. When I listen to this song, I instantly get taken back to good and fun memories with them, those crazy late nights out, enjoying each other’s company. It’s a song that you would wish to be experiencing with your friends in the middle of the dance floor in the club, lights beaming around you, taking in all the good vibes, letting go of your worries (especially during these isolating times).
Aymos also recently release Risasekile, a clear Afropiano or Afroyanos which sees him experiment with this sound. And if you are still not convinced to join this soundwave, South African artist, Manu Worldstar’s upcoming project might just do the job. For those who are already loving afropiano, his ShortStory album featuring Gemini Major is full of Afrobeats that we are sure to enjoy, this sneak peek will have you waiting on the edge of your seat for the releasing date, July 16 ,2021.