7 Amapiano Albums & EPs to Stream Right Now
Featuring Kabza De Small, Major League Djz, Vigro Deep, MFR Souls and more
Amapiano artists and producers release so much music it's almost impossible to keep up. This list includes amapiano releases that came out in the last couple months and caught our attention.
Note: This list is in no particular order.
Vigro Deep 'Rise of a Baby Boy'
Vigro Deep's various beat styles get laced by vocalists such as Bucie, Khumz, Sax, Mhawkeys, DJ Bucks and many others in this 19-song offering. With songs on the album averaging six to seven minutes, the listener is guaranteed an extensive showcase of the producer's versatility and chemistry between him and his guests.
Stream Rise of a Baby Boy on Apple Music and Spotify.
Mr JazziQ 'For The Babies'
Mr JazziQ's history in conventional "tribal" Afro house always shows itself in his production. In this case, it's on the EP's opening song "I Need You" featuring Londie London. "Dabula" is hardcore amapiano which consists mostly of kwaito elements. Kamo Mphela and Lady Du dance with kwaito-reminiscent vocals. Lady Du goes on to decorate the synth and pad-laden "Superstar" as she daydreams about having her favorite personalities' defining traits. The project closes with the soulful "Undenzile". On For The Babies, Mr JazziQ adds his personal touches to amapiano and makes sure each song is distinct from the next.
Stream For The Babies on Apple Music and Spotify.
Killer Kau 'Game Changer'
If Mavusana from the 90s' kwaito group O'da Meesta was of this generation, he would sound something along the lines of Killer Kau. Killer Kau's baritone delivers chants and loose raps over a variance of amapiano beats with the assistance of such guests as Kammu Dee, G-Snap, Mark Khoza, Focalistic and a few others.
Stream Game Changer on Apple Music and Spotify.
MFR Souls 'Musical Kings'
Originally released as Music is King, MFR Souls' latest offering Musical Kings lives up to its title. The duo maintains the standard set by their 2019 debut album The Beginning. Only this time around, they are sharper and have a wider pool of collaborators. Musical Kings consists of classic amapiano tunes that meander between soulful Afro house and kwaito.
Stream Musical Kings on Apple Music and Spotify.
Major League Djz 'Pianochella!'
Pianochella! features amapiano staples, Tall Arse Tee, Bontle Smith, Abidoza and others alongside hip-hop artists Cassoer Nyovest and Riky Rick. Soul singer Amanda Black also makes an appearance. Pianochella! contains a healthy balance between smooth soulful amapiano and hard-hitting drum-laden instrumentals.
Stream Pianochella! on Apple Music and Spotify.
Kabza De Small 'I Am The King of Amapiano: Sweet & Dust'
With I Am The King of Amapiano: Sweet & Dust, Kabza De Small makes a compelling case for being the genre's main man. The album is split into two sections: one showcasing his soulful production, while the other section consists of street-centric amapiano beats and vocals. With a wide range of features including Focalistic, Mlindo The Vocalist, Burna Boy, Cassper Nyovest, and Wizkid, I Am The King of Amapiano: Sweet & Dust is worth the 3-hour duration.
Stream I Am The King of Amapiano: Sweet & Dust on Apple Music and Spotify.
Tyler ICU & Nicole Elocin 'Money Heist'
Money Heist combines Nicole Elocin's soulful vocals with Tyler ICU's versatile production. With one voice dominating the project, you are guaranteed a coherent listen. With appearances from Nia Pearl, Scorpion Kings and Myztro, among others, the duo's EP sounds like a well-thought out album as opposed to a compilation of random songs.
Stream Money Heist on Apple Music.
