Within the last few years, there has been a tremendous shift in the kind of music African artists create, and quite obviously, the level of acceptance these sounds (such as Amapiano and Afrobeat) enjoy from the global music audience. The sudden surge in the number of artists, musicians, and other creatives in the African entertainment scene is another remarkable change that is perceived to be of immense impact. One might thus wonder: should this be considered a positive development, or is it rather an issue to ponder upon and probably hasten up in finding a lasting solution?
While the critical thinkers do what they know how to do best, let us smile, but not sheepishly, because with the surge in eclectic music genres and styles churning out of Africa in recent times, the continent is experiencing a gradual transition from where it used to be at the base to the top of the global entertainment industry. This is evident in the level of success both the Amapiano and Afrobeat genres of music have attained within the past few years.
Would you doubt it? The amapiano sound seems to be taking over Africa! Of course, we can say that since its inception, a rhythmic revolution has been sweeping the African continent in the world of music, captivating listeners’ hearts and lighting up dance floors with its contagious beats, which originated in the colorful streets of South Africa and are expanding beyond their origins to become a global phenomenon that unites people from all walks of life.
Its’ catchy rhythm is described as a seemingly unbeatable fusion of deep house, jazz, and lounge music characterized by synths and wide percussive basslines that mesmerize music listeners with a touch of soulful piano melodies that draw people in. It is a subgenre of house and kwaito music, and according to sources, it is distinguished by high-pitched piano melodies, kwaito from South Africa basslines, low-tempo 1990s South African house rhythms, and percussions from another local subgenre of house known as tribal house.
We can say for free again that the contemporary music style is not only influencing the music taste of Africans but is also refining the focus of other music-related creatives and what they create. In more concise terms, Amapiano has taken the African continent’s music space by storm, dominating the nooks and crannies as Afro-big birds such as Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy, South African music giant Nasty C, and highly talented Ghanian artist Black Sherif, amongst several others, including upcomers, are increasingly adopting the tune.
It is impossible to talk about Amapiano without mentioning its enormous influence on dance culture. Beyond just the music, the genre has given rise to a dance movement. A vibrant and engaged community that crosses geographic borders is created by the contagious beats and rhythmic patterns, which also serve as inspiration for dance competitions and social media trends, especially on TikTok. No doubt, Amapiano is a cultural movement that captures the vitality and diversity of the African music scene, not just a genre in Africa. By doing so, we discover a unifying force that crosses boundaries and honors the rich composition of African music in the rhythmic heartbeat of the amapiano sound. Its ascent from the streets of its hometown to international recognition is evidence of the genre’s ability to enthrall and unify while taking center stage and not only influencing music but also serving as a cultural force and ushering in a new chapter in the dynamic history of African music.
