MUSIC
The Best Amapiano Songs Right Now
Amapiano is still setting the pace in 2026. New albums from Baby S.O.N and Djy Vino have made for a particularly exciting end to September drops.
These are the new amapiano hits you need to know.
by SOLVNT/OkayAfrica
It’s September, and Kabza De Small’s next album, Tutu, has been pushed back once again. The streets are not happy, as can be expected, but the masses should never question the process. And, as this month’s list demonstrates, Kabza stays being featured on other people’s songs, proof that his staying power extends beyond how many albums he gives us. There’s also a new mix of his online that you should check out.
The Scorpion Kings’ annual extravaganza took place at FNB Stadium this year, and people showed up in droves to witness amapiano royalty in action. The line-up included Zawadi Yamungu, Daliwonga, Nasty C, and A-Reece, who all gave their best to a 70,000-plus audience.
This month has brought us new albums from Djy Vino, Baby S.O.N, and Seeyah, who bring immense heat to the amapiano canon.
These are the best amapiano songs right now.
Djy Vino – I AM [EP]
On his new 12-track EP, I AM, Djy Vino invites us into his world, colors the walls of our desperation with perfect harmonic progressions, and declares his presence in amapiano with undeniable reverence. Maline Aura, Kabza De Small, Scotts Maphuma, and Makhanj make this a communal affair, proving once again that collaboration yields the best results. Very smooth.
Pudi Ya Straata, Cardinal X25, Mfan.ak Thupa, Grootman Maleles, German twins – "Amajuba"
"Amajuba" is rough around the edges, the product of an underground sensibility that remains untouched and unpolished. And we like it that way: the chaos, the unpredictability, the sheer daring of it all. Pudi Ya Straata recruits an army of generals and delivers an outstanding, minimalist joint with basslines that shake you to the core.
Mr JazziQ & Thesiix - “Katalia” (feat. Shazz RSA, Don Deeya & Magwe ZA)
Mr JazziQ gave us one of the year's most outstanding albums when he released 0303 back in March. Now he's just cruising, clearly aware that he has nothing to prove. "Katalia" repurposes the melody of the '90s megahit "Macarena," upgrading it with swagger so location-specific it slips under the radar. The title also recalls the late Killer Kau's song of the same name.
Focalistic, Benzoo, Optimist Music ZA, Mellow & Sleazy – "Gumba Fire" (feat. Mr JazziQ)
Focalistic is relentless. Whether he's spitting over amapiano, hip-hop, bacardi house, or lekompo beats, he maintains a supreme level of artistry, moving seamlessly between them and proving that musical boundaries mean nothing to him. On "Gumba Fire," he's joined by some of the scene's leading forces, including Benzoo and Mr JazziQ, as well as regular collaborators Mellow & Sleazy.
Mordecai, JayJayy, NTK101 – "Cabanga Nje"
Mordecai and JayJayy share a special musical relationship, one showcased on smash hits like "Mngani Wami" and "Phesheya." "Cabanga Nje" continues that streak of romantic espionage, with executive wordsmithing for longing hearts. It's a song about imagining a future with one's partner, a tune about the possibility of everything turning out great.
Baby S.O.N – Heartbreak & Logdrums [LP]
On his new album, Heartbreak & Logdrums, Baby S.O.N dedicates his heart and soul to exploring amapiano traditions. The chords he selects, the progressions he follows, the sounds he embraces: everything points to a desire to find a way forward, to chart new directions. Guest spots range from DJ Maphorisa, who gives a standout performance on "Ngixolele," referencing Blackstreet while doing cartwheels on the beat, to Kabza De Small, whose touch resonates on "Siza Wena." Elsewhere, Thuto The Human, Luvvstacy, Ch'cco, and Yumbs also make appearances.
Masterpiece YVK, Focalistic, Mellow & Sleazy, Optimist Music ZA, Fake'Well – "Skang Sokodisa"
On "Skang Sokodisa," Masterpiece YVK establishes a lane, follows a thread, and sticks to his guns. The bassline sounds like swimming in deep water and locks you into groove mode from the very first note. Optimist Music ZA delivers his usual mix of freestyle sermon and well-placed punchlines, while Focalistic eases you in with his smooth flow. This one's going to be big this summer.
Seeyah – 18teen [EP]
Seeyah is part of the new wave of amapiano artists making noise in recent years. On his latest EP, 18teen, he favors the jagged, the rough, the untimely, crafting seamless bangers built for the dancefloor. The collection will send you looking for the nearest groove spot, ready to give it all and hold nothing back.
