Explore Amapiano on Josplay Music The central organizing rhythm is led by the Log drum and Shakers. A piano chord compliments the percussions with a soft and high valence rhythm.
A variant of South African house music with sophisticated percussion rhythm and high-pitched piano melodies.
Some of the South African artists who helped shape the Amapiano sound into what it became before its global spread include Kabza De Small, Sha Sha, Samthing Soweto, MFR Souls, JazziDisciples, Virgo Deep, Semi Tee.
In 2020, Amapiano left the borders of the Southern part of Africa, as artists and producers from other parts of Africa began to lay their creative hands on the genre. Nods from Mayorkun (Of Lagos), Niniola (Addicted, Oh Sharp, Look Like Me), Patoranking (Nobody), Rema (Woman), Rexxie (KPK), Juls (Soweto Blues) amongst many others are sufficient enough to convey the popularity of Amapiano. Although deeply rooted in South Africa, Amapiano is not just a South African culture, it is an African culture now.
The lead vocals in Amapiano music can be murmured, yelled, chanted, sang, or spoken. The lead vocals are sometimes harmonized in the chorus and at other times within the verses.
Some of the common themes in Amapiano music include: Freedom Happiness Dance Celebration of Youth
Amapiano is mostly feel-good music. It is always present at parties and clubs. South African Producers began the genre as a means of expressing their musical thoughts.
Amapiano music is mostly polyphonic in nature with at least a couple of different rhythms going at the same time.
The shaker establishes the foundational rhythm with an alternating strong and weak beat - usually built on a 4/4 time signature. The log drum is overlayed on the shaker. Log drum rhythm comes in various forms depending on the artist. Piano chords are added to accentuate the melody with a soft high valence feel.