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Amapiano
South Africa's log-drum house
Amapiano is a South African dance genre built on deep basslines, jazzy piano chords and the rolling log drum. It grew out of the townships of Gauteng in the 2010s and has since become one of Africa's most exported sounds.
Origin & history
Amapiano emerged in Gauteng province — Johannesburg, Pretoria and the surrounding townships — in the early 2010s, drawing on kwaito, deep house and jazz.
It spread first through taxi ranks, WhatsApp and SoundCloud rather than radio, and the log-drum bass that defines it became recognisable far beyond South Africa within a decade.
Notable artists
Kabza De Small
Producer widely described as a central figure in Amapiano's rise.
DJ Maphorisa
South African producer whose collaborations helped carry Amapiano abroad.
Where it lives
Questions & Answers
What is Amapiano?+
Amapiano is a South African dance genre built on deep bass, jazzy piano chords and the log drum — a percussive bass sound that gives the style its signature roll.
Where did Amapiano start?+
In the townships of Gauteng province, South Africa — around Johannesburg and Pretoria — in the early 2010s.
What does amapiano mean?+
It means “the pianos” in isiZulu, after the piano chords at the centre of the sound.
