The Best Amapiano Songs Right Now

January started early, taking over from a December that delivered heavy amapiano hits for days. As of writing, “Shela” by Sam Deep is still setting the dance floor alight, dominating radio charts, and showing no signs of slowing down.

Both DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small have shared snippets of Afro-house productions they’ve been working on, sparking discussion about the direction they might be heading next. The former is no stranger to the scene: his work with the group Uhuru over a decade ago laid much of the groundwork for the spotlight the genre is currently enjoying, while the latter is renowned for his wide-ranging taste.

The Piano Pulse podcast added yet another unhinged moment to its growing archive of off-handed, distasteful commentary. This time, Thatohatsi, who has been enjoying a steady and impressive come-up, came under scrutiny, with the hosts making dismissive, body-shaming remarks about her. The public reaction was swift, with many commenters feeling a line had been crossed. Thatohatsi herself responded, captioning her reaction video with the words: “not suicidal, but I wouldn’t mind at this point. I don’t think I wanna continue living like this.”

In a country marked by pervasive violence against women and children, platforms like Piano Pulse need to recognise that women’s bodies are not punchlines, and that this kind of mindless banter contributes to real and lasting harm.

Read on for the best amapiano songs right now.

Tyler ICU, XDuppy, AL Xapo, Benzoo, Optimist Music ZA - “Fada Xmas Akekho”

The pulse of amapiano is eternal, revolving and shifting with each passing year. “Fada Xmas Akekho” is the perfect song for January, a wake-up call for anyone still stuck in festive-season mode. Initially released on YouTube just over a month ago, the track has already amassed more than a million streams and a legion of fans who have advocated for it to hit streaming services. Tyler ICU, renowned for bangers like “Ebasini” and “Mnike,” assembles an army of talented collaborators, each bringing a distinct vibe that makes the party feel genuinely inclusive. Snokonoko leaves yet another mark, extending the momentum of his breakout run on "Snokonoko," while Xduppy, Al Xapo, and Optimist Music ZA all step in and play their parts like the experts they are. The result is pristine amapiano — the kind that puts the entire dance floor in a chokehold. Fire.

Officixl RSA, Benzoo, Sizwe Alakine - Mabalabala (feat. Bob Mabena, Mellow & Sleazy, Mid9t)

Amapiano continues to change, adapting to its influences while never losing its instinct to innovate. On “Mabalala,” as with several recent releases, the log drum is almost muted in its design, yet it retains its central pull as the percussion rages around it. Officixl RSA is joined by man-of-the-moment Benzoo, alongside Sizwe Alakine, while undisputed champions of the sound Mellow & Sleazy carry the flag, joined by Mid9t and Bob Mabena. The result is a sense of endless motion, a wave so forward-facing it feels permanently in flux.

Justin99 - "Ke Wave" (feat. Djy Vino and Xduppy)

Justin99 is one of amapiano’s quiet threats, renowned on the scene for his work with PCee. With the duo seemingly on a hiatus of sorts, “Ke Wave” exhales like a long breath after a particularly tough stretch. Without traditional vocals, the track gives Justin99 and his collaborators space to dive in and flex their sound-design muscles. Layered and fluid, the music evolves, takes unexpected turns, and ultimately introduces vocals that function more as texture than narrative.

Thuli P - "Kube Kuya Ngam'" (feat. Pronic DaMuziq, Tman Xpress)

On “Kube Kuya Ngam',” from her debut five-track EP, Avana, Thuli P steps out of her shell, crafting heavy, layered instrumentals for Tman Xpress to effortlessly ride. She understands the assignment: the mood is relaxed and unhurried, with beats perfect for long drives or simply sinking into the sonics. Put your headphones on and let the music take control. 

TNK MusiQ - "Koko" (feat. TXV MusiQ and Cori.012)

TNK MusiQ’s Ask & Receive 3 arrived at the tail end of last year, a shimmering example of amapiano that honors tradition while highlighting the textures that have made the sound resonate worldwide. On “Koko,” the duo expands upon some of the ideas introduced on that collection and proves that they excel at letting the music speak for itself, diving deep into the electronics and ensuring every element hits hard. This is serious business, music with purpose, direction, and undeniable impact.

Warren Justin, Tonic Blue, Kelvin Momo - "Imizamo" (feat. Noklunga Vilakazi, Mr Maker and Shane907)

Kelvin Momo’s Nwana Wa Mutsonga dropped last December, but the tireless master of the private-school strain of amapiano is already onto the next chapter. On the inspirational “Imizamo,” he joins Warren Justin and Tonic Blue to deliver a reminder that things will get better and tough times don’t last forever. It's a mantra in song form, a prayer for the ages.