Amapiano is, without a doubt, one of the fastest-growing genres in the world today. Originating in South Africa, the sound gained global prominence thanks to pioneering artists such as Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa, and Tyler ICU. Known for its fusion of house, jazz elements, and the signature log drum, Amapiano has transcended borders—and East Africa’s Tanzania has not been left out of the wave.

In the Tanzanian music industry, Amapiano has taken full shape. Local artists and music listening behaviors show they have embraced the genre, fusing it with homegrown styles like Bongo Flava to create a distinctly Tanzanian Amapiano flavor.

If one listens to the track Komasava (Comment Ça Va) by Diamond Platnumz—a smooth, laid-back, and flirtatious song—and then compares it with the hard-hitting sound of Yebo Lapho (Gogo) by Felo Le Tee, the difference in energy and approach becomes very clear.

Despite the genre’s popularity, not everyone involved in Tanzania’s music scene is enjoying its dominance. Veteran figures like Mwana FA, Shetta, Foby, and the legendary producer Masta Jay have expressed concerns over what they see as an over-saturation of South African Amapiano on the country’s music airwaves.

For them, it’s not about rejecting new sounds but about protecting the cultural footprint and influence of Bongo flava, which has long been at the center of Tanzanian music.

Still, there’s no denying that Amapiano is one of the top two mainstream genres currently dominating the Tanzanian industry. It’s everywhere—on the radio, on TV, and in nightclubs across Dar es Salaam and beyond. Established stars like Diamond Platnumz, Harmonize, Rayvanny, Marioo, Nandy, Ali Kiba, and Zuchu haven’t just embraced the trend—they’ve helped drive it forward by creating their own Amapiano-infused hits.

The genre’s influence has even birthed a sub-style often called Swahili Amapiano, giving Tanzanian artists a new canvas to explore and express their artistry over unmistakably South African beats, in a way that does not clone the foreign genre in its entirety. Harmonize and Diamond Platnumz were among the earliest to jump on this wave, both finding major success along the way.

Interestingly, Marioo has publicly claimed that he was the first Tanzanian artist to pioneer this blend. In an Instagram post, he stated that he was the one who introduced Bongo Flava to Amapiano rhythms. His track Mama Amina, featuring South Africa’s Sho Madjozi and Bontle Smith, supports his case—amassing over 6.8 million views on YouTube and becoming a regional hit.

The numbers back up Amapiano’s takeover. A glance at this week’s Audiomack Top 10 from Tanzania shows that five out of ten songs are pure Amapiano—or near enough—with minimal local fusion. Standout tracks like Aviola by Mbosso, Down and Babu by Diamond Platnumz, Salama by Barnaba, and My Darling by Nigerian artist Chella all have Amapiano boldly written all over them.

In 2023, Single Again by Harmonize, an Amapiano track, became the most-streamed Tanzanian song of the year, clocking over 5 million streams. That same year, Diamond Platnumz dropped Shu!, another Amapiano hit, with its dance move, further cementing the genre’s overall appeal.

Yet, the rise of Amapiano hasn’t come without cultural debate. Purists argue that its overwhelming presence is sidelining Bongo Flava, but that’s not the case. Bongoflava has defined Tanzanian identity for decades, and no genre can take its place on the table in the Tanzanian music scene. The conversation continues, but for now, Amapiano’s rhythm flows through the nation, influencing sounds and sparking new waves of creativity in Tanzania’s music landscape.

Amapiano is one of the fastest-growing genres in the world today, and in the Tanzanian music scene, the genre is exerting its dominance.

GENRE SPOTLIGHT : Amapiano in Tanzania

Amapiano is one of the fastest-growing genres in the world today, and in the Tanzanian music scene, the genre is exerting its dominance.

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