MUSIC
The Best Amapiano Songs Right Now
Amapiano is still setting the pace in 2026. From breakout anthems to ambitious albums and unforgettable collaborations, these are the songs leading the genre through the year’s first six months.
July is the biggest month in amapiano, as far as albums are concerned. Tycoon released the third installment in his Art of Love series at the end of June, a work of passion featuring the best in the scene right now. He was making way for the heavyweights: De Mthuda follows up last year’s Mthuthuzeli with Noise, which is set to signal a new sonic direction for the producer when it arrives in August; while Kabza De Small’s Tutu shall be helping groovists end July on an unusually high note.
This month, we’ve got a song from the two trendsetters, alongside works from Stixx, Nobuhle, Daliwonga, Lesego M and more. These are the best songs in amapiano right now.
De Mthuda, Kabza De Small - “Sasingenjena”
This feels like levitating, like transportation to another dimension, guided by two of the most forward-thinking producers in amapiano over the years. Both need little introduction: De Mthuda, an originator of a certain kind of approach to production that has been replicated and imitated many times over; and Kabza De Small, the self-proclaimed king of amapiano whose impressive versatility has given us gems across the board — from kwaito to hip-hop, to Afro-pop, house, and beyond. Together, they unlock a sweet spot, built on elements of Afro-tech that feel like a vibration emerging from deep within. Mnqobi Yazo’s chant is the equivalent of a million suns raining parade on those watching from the sidelines. There’s also a mean trumpet that explodes at the 1:27-minute mark, almost to clear the path for total takeover.
Stixx, Hugh Masekela – "Market Place 2.0" (feat. The Bless)
Stixx knows how to package joy, access peace, and surrender to the music. "Market Place 2.0" is his take on Hugh Masekela's "Market Place," which first appeared on the trumpeter's 1972 album Still Grazing. In Stixx's hands, the Afro-jazz elements — the nimble guitar work, the lethal trumpet-and-flute combination — are intricately woven into amapiano. Chest-rattling kicks, warm jazz chords, and, of course, the log drum all work together to remind you exactly what time it is.
Tycoon - Art of Love III [LP]
Soweto-born deejay and producer Tycoon has released the third installment of his Art of Love series, which began with two EPs in 2023 and 2024. This is the first full-length project in the run. Featured collaborators Nia Pearl, Mashudu, MDU aka TRP, Nvcho and Babalwa M add depth and color to the producer's already layered beats, making for an unstoppable listen that, at twelve songs, feels too short.
Nobuhle, Murumba Pitch, Lenza musiq - "Ngibulawa Nguwe"
Nobuhle views the songs that emerge from her as drawing from the spirit of her grandmother, a healer and a great ancestor. In this, she recognizes the importance of lineage, of acknowledging our forebears in all we do. "Ngibulawa Nguwe" is her duet with Murumba Pitch, set atop production by Lenza musiq that is more dancefloor than spiritual home, yet grounding all the same. Granular electronic blips mix with organic melodies and elemental percussion, while the bassline carries the weighty message.
Lesego M, Deep6, Budescar, Mdakzin - "Usile Wena" (feat. SLCK WAV and Rory Diamondz)
Lesego M is only two years deep in the game, but she has already given us bangers alongside artists like Khalil Harrison and Leandra.Vert. "Usile Wena" is a textbook case of being denied; "askies bhuti, ngeke ulunga lakimi/ uthi ufuna i-phone number, awuhlehle lakimi," (sorry brother, you don’t stand a chance with me/ you say you want my number, please get away from me) she sings. It is her second single this year, a banger designed for letting loose, for drawing boundaries and having them respected. Soulful chords and a deep bassline anchor the song in a realm that is life-giving.
Daliwonga, Focalistic, Mas Musiq - "Simi Kanje"
We are guaranteed an unending feast whenever Daliwonga and Mas Musiq link up. Their collaborative 2025 album, Bas’tholile, is still inflicting wounds on the spirit, demanding that we keep moving and grooving. "Simi Kanje" is a declaration of where they are right now: posted up, looking hip like a pantsula. Focalistic strengthens the statement and offers his own standpoint. "Imali eningi njengo Big Zulu" ([I need] a lot of money like Big Zulu) Daliwonga spits, before dishing out more references, name-dropping the likes of Brickz and Tupac in the same breath. It is deep, with flows that excite and the type of replay value that cannot be paid for.
Vulela Maweekend, Mluusician, Zeze Kingston, DJ Maphorisa - "HEY YOU SI-BU-SI-SO" (feat. Myztro, Debow Taliana, Mr Pilato)
Chants are what keep the South African dance floor a rare and life-changing experience. Here, the chant is the central theme, the whole reason seven artists huddled up in the studio. And it works; the energy gets the party going.
