Best Amapiano Songs and Tracks to Know in 2026

2026-10-27

The best amapiano songs to know include "Ke Star" by Focalistic and Vigro Deep, "Mnike" by Tyler ICU and Tumelo_za, "Tshwala Bam" by TitoM and Yuppe, and "Tanzania" by Uncle Waffles. Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa sit behind many more. This guide covers the amapiano songs worth knowing right now.

If you're hunting for the best amapiano songs to start your collection, you're in the right place. Every track below has been checked for the correct title and artist credits, so you can search for them with confidence.

I'm a house and afro house DJ, not an amapiano DJ, and I want to be upfront about that. But I've been a fan of this sound for years, and the log drums have found their way into my sets more than once. Think of this as an informed fan sharing the tracks that made me fall for amapiano, not an insider's chart.

How We Picked These Amapiano Songs

This is not an official ranking. It's a fan's guide built around three kinds of tracks: the records that defined the sound, the breakout hits that carried it across borders, and newer songs that show where it's heading.

Every title and artist credit was verified against music press, official releases and chart coverage before it made the list. Where I couldn't confirm a track's credits cleanly, I left it out. A shorter accurate list beats a longer one with mistakes.

You'll notice the list is grouped by era rather than numbered. Amapiano moves fast, and pretending one song is objectively "number 7" would be dishonest. Instead, you get the context for why each track matters.

Classics and Defining Tracks

These are the records from roughly 2018 to 2021 that built the genre's reputation and still fill dance floors. If you only listen to one section, make it this one.

"Umshove" - Kabza De Small

This is the track that first put Kabza De Small on the map in 2018. Before he became the most influential producer in the genre, this was the record people discovered him through. It's a good reminder of how stripped back and hypnotic early amapiano could be.

"eMcimbini" - Kabza De Small & DJ Maphorisa (Scorpion Kings) ft. Aymos, Samthing Soweto, Mas Musiq & Myztro

A lockdown-era favorite from the Scorpion Kings Live album. It won Best Amapiano Collaboration at the South African Amapiano Music Awards in 2021. The vocal lineup alone tells you how much weight the Scorpion Kings carried at the time.

"Ke Star" - Focalistic ft. Vigro Deep

Released in April 2020 and produced by Vigro Deep, this is one of the essential amapiano hits. Focalistic's Pretoria slang rides a bouncing log drum groove that's almost impossible to stand still to. If one amapiano song defines the early wave, this is a strong contender.

"John Vuli Gate" - Mapara A Jazz ft. Ntosh Gazi & Colano

The hook borrows a line from the South African film Tsotsi, and a dance challenge did the rest. In 2020 it became the highest new entry on Shazam's global chart, landing at number 46. It's a fast, playful amapiano song that shows how much social media fuels this genre.

"Amamanikiniki" - MFR Souls ft. Major League Djz, Kamo Mphela & Bontle Smith

A 2020 dance-floor staple with a stacked lineup. MFR Souls were among the producers who shaped the early sound, and Major League Djz later became some of amapiano's biggest global ambassadors. This one is pure party energy.

"Sponono" - Kabza De Small ft. Wizkid, Burna Boy, Cassper Nyovest & Madumane

Two Nigerian superstars on a Kabza De Small record says plenty about how far amapiano had traveled by early 2021. Usher even posted a video dancing to it. It's a great bridge track if you already know Afrobeats.

"Woza" - Mr JazziQ, Kabza De Small & Lady Du ft. Boohle

One of the standout amapiano songs of 2021. Lady Du's vocals and Boohle's feature give it a warmth that balances the heavy percussion. It's a track you'll hear in plenty of amapiano mixes.

"Catalia" - Junior De Rocka & Lady Du ft. Mr JazziQ, Mellow & Sleazy

Another 2021 favorite with Lady Du front and center. Mellow & Sleazy's involvement is worth noting, since they went on to become two of the most in-demand producers in the scene. It's upbeat, bouncy and built for the groove.

"Adiwele" - Young Stunna ft. Kabza De Small & DJ Maphorisa

Young Stunna made this as a tribute to his mentor Kabza De Small, who signed him to the Piano Hub label. It took off further when a clip of Uncle Waffles dancing to it behind the decks went viral. This is one of the best amapiano tracks for hearing how vocals and log drums can lift each other.

"Bopha" - Mellow & Sleazy ft. DJ Maphorisa, Madumane & Young Stunna

The track that made Young Stunna a household name before his solo breakout. It's a heavyweight production team on one beat, and it sounds like it. If you want to hear Mellow & Sleazy's punchy style, start here.

"Abalele" - Kabza De Small & DJ Maphorisa ft. Ami Faku

Ami Faku's pleading vocals make this one of the more emotional records on the list. It finished at number 4 on Spotify's list of most streamed songs in South Africa for 2021. A beautiful example of amapiano's soulful side.

Breakout Hits (2022 to 2024)

This is when amapiano went from a South African movement to a global one. These popular amapiano songs crossed borders through DJ clips, dance challenges and festival stages.

"Tanzania" - Uncle Waffles ft. Tony Duardo, Sino Msolo & Boibizza

Uncle Waffles' debut single, released in March 2022, went to number 1 in South Africa and earned 7x Platinum certification. She produced it with Tony Duardo, and the haunting vocals from Sino Msolo and Boibizza give it real atmosphere. It's one of the most important amapiano songs of the decade.

"Yahyuppiyah" - Uncle Waffles, Tony Duardo & Justin99 ft. Pcee, EeQue & Chley

Uncle Waffles proved "Tanzania" was no fluke with this 2023 posse cut. It's rougher and more playful, with Pcee's energy all over it. A great follow-up if Tanzania hooked you.

"Mnike" - Tyler ICU & Tumelo_za ft. DJ Maphorisa, Nandipha808, Ceeka RSA & Tyron Dee

Released in April 2023, this became one of the biggest top amapiano songs ever. It won Song of the Year in Sub-Saharan Africa at TikTok's 2023 Top Creator Awards, and Rihanna named it among her songs of the year. Its dance challenge spread from Johannesburg to football teams in Europe.

"Imithandazo" - Mthunzi & Kabza De Small ft. Young Stunna, DJ Maphorisa, Sizwe Alakine & Umthakathi Kush

A deeper, more spiritual record whose title translates to "prayers." It sat near the top of South African charts and showed that amapiano's biggest songs don't all need to be pure party tracks. The vocal blend here is gorgeous.

"Tshwala Bam" - TitoM & Yuppe ft. S.N.E & EeQue

Released in February 2024, "Tshwala Bam" became the amapiano hit of the year. It broke into the top 10 of Billboard's US Afrobeats chart, and a remix with Burna Boy followed in May 2024. If you've seen a TikTok dance challenge with a slow, rolling groove, it was probably this.

"Manzi Nte" - Tyler ICU ft. Masterpiece YVK, Ceeka RSA, M.J, Silas Afrika & Al Xapo

Tyler ICU's 2024 follow-up to Mnike sparked its own dance challenge. It shows his knack for writing grooves that get under your skin. A strong pick for anyone who loved Mnike.

"Kwelanga 2.0" - Bassie, M-Touch, Ranger & Amaza ft. LeeMcKrazy & Tman Xpress

A soulful 2024 record built by a whole crew of producers and vocalists. Amapiano is often a group effort, and this track is a great example of that spirit. It's warm, patient and made for late-night listening.

Newer Amapiano Songs (Late 2025 Into 2026)

These tracks are carrying the sound forward right now. Expect more names like these to appear on future lists.

"Shela" - Sam Deep, Nia Pearl, Boohle & Mano

Released in early December 2025, "Shela" stayed among the most in-demand amapiano songs into 2026. Sam Deep has become one of the most reliable producers in the scene. Boohle's appearance links it back to the "Woza" era too.

"Bengicela" - MaWhoo, GL Ceejay & Thukuthela ft. JAZZWRLD

A big record that kept pulling heavy listening numbers into 2026. MaWhoo's vocals lead the way over smooth, rolling production. A strong example of where amapiano's vocal side is heading.

"Thandaza" - Sam Deep & Thatohatsi

Thatohatsi sings, Sam Deep produces, and the result is one of the most soothing amapiano songs of 2026. It's perfect for a drive or a sunset. If you prefer the mellow side of the genre, start here.

"Abantwana Bakho" - DJ Maphorisa, Xduppy & Kabza De Small ft. Nkosazana Daughter

The Scorpion Kings are still delivering. This one is a heartfelt prayer, with Xduppy and Nkosazana Daughter asking God to shine His light on His children. It proves the genre's founders haven't lost their touch.

Essential Amapiano Artists Behind These Tracks

If you want to keep discovering new music, follow the people behind these records. Here are the names that keep showing up.

Kabza De Small: The most influential producer in amapiano. He runs the Piano Hub label and appears on a huge share of the genre's biggest songs. DJ Maphorisa: Kabza's partner in Scorpion Kings and a serial collaborator across Africa and beyond. Their 2019 Scorpion Kings album is widely credited with popularizing the genre. Vigro Deep: The producer behind "Ke Star." As a house DJ, I love that his father, Victor Ngcongwana, was a founding member of The Godfathers of Deep House South Africa. You can hear that deep house lineage in amapiano. Uncle Waffles: A DJ and producer who went from viral clip to global headliner, including a world tour. Tyler ICU: The hitmaker behind "Mnike" and "Manzi Nte." Young Stunna: One of the genre's defining voices. Kelvin Momo: The pioneer of "private school amapiano," a smoother blend of jazz, deep house and lounge. His 2020 debut album Momo's Private School is a must-hear for house heads. Sam Deep, Mellow & Sleazy, Mr JazziQ and Lady Du: Names you'll see again and again in credits.

For a deeper rundown, check out my guide to the [amapiano artists and DJs worth knowing](/blog/best-amapiano-artists-and-djs).

Amapiano Songs That Crossed Over Globally

Amapiano is now heard far beyond South Africa. Some of these are pure amapiano, while others are Afrobeats or pop records that borrow its sound. I've labeled them clearly so you know what you're getting.

"Ke Star (Remix)" - Focalistic & Davido ft. Vigro Deep (amapiano)

The 2021 remix added Nigerian star Davido and became the first South African song to reach Billboard's Global Triller chart. TIME named it one of 2021's biggest singles at the time. It was many listeners' first amapiano song outside Africa.

"Mnike" and "Tshwala Bam" (amapiano)

Both songs went global through dance challenges. Mnike reached international ears through TikTok, while Tshwala Bam cracked Billboard's US Afrobeats top 10 and caught the attention of stars like Chris Brown.

"Water" - Tyla (amapiano-influenced pop)

Tyla calls her sound "popiano," a blend of pop, R&B and amapiano. "Water" broke into the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 and won the first-ever Grammy for Best African Music Performance in 2024. It isn't a traditional amapiano song, but it introduced millions of Americans to the log drum.

"Ameno Amapiano Remix (You Wanna Bamba)" - Goya Menor & Nektunez (amapiano-style remix)

Ghanaian producer Nektunez and Nigerian artist Goya Menor turned a 1996 song by Era into an amapiano-style hit in 2021. It went massively viral on TikTok in December 2021. It shows how amapiano's rhythm spread across the continent.

"Amapiano" - Asake & Olamide, and "Unavailable" - Davido ft. Musa Keys (Afrobeats with amapiano influence)

Both were nominated alongside "Water" for that first Grammy in Best African Music Performance. "Unavailable" features South African amapiano producer Musa Keys, while Asake's track literally names the genre. Together they show how deeply amapiano has shaped West African pop.

Where to Listen to More Amapiano

All the major platforms carry these amapiano songs. Here's how to get the most out of each one.

Spotify: Search for Spotify's editorial amapiano playlists, such as Amapiano Grooves. Follow the artists above so their releases show up in your Release Radar. Apple Music: Look for artist "Essentials" playlists, like Kabza De Small Essentials, for a quick tour of a producer's best work. YouTube: Watch the official music videos. With amapiano, the dance moves are part of the culture, so the videos add a lot. DJ mixes: Long mixes are where amapiano really breathes. Start with my roundup of the best amapiano mixes.

If you're new to the genre and want the backstory first, read my guide to [what amapiano is and where it came from](/blog/what-is-amapiano).

New to Amapiano? Start With These

Don't try to absorb everything at once. Start with these five accessible tracks from the list above.

1. "Ke Star" - Focalistic ft. Vigro Deep, for the classic bounce

2. "Tanzania" - Uncle Waffles ft. Tony Duardo, Sino Msolo & Boibizza, for the atmospheric side

3. "Mnike" - Tyler ICU & Tumelo_za, for pure dance-floor energy

4. "Tshwala Bam" - TitoM & Yuppe ft. S.N.E & EeQue, for the rolling, viral groove

5. "Thandaza" - Sam Deep & Thatohatsi, for something smooth

If you already love house or afro house, these will feel familiar and fresh at the same time. The tempo is relaxed, the bass is deep, and [the log drum](/blog/amapiano-bpm) adds a groove that's all its own.

FAQ

What is the most famous amapiano song?

There's no single official answer. "Ke Star (Remix)," "Mnike" and "Tshwala Bam" are among the most widely known amapiano songs worldwide. Tyla's "Water" is the most famous amapiano-influenced song, thanks to its Grammy win. One common mix-up: "Jerusalema" by Master KG is usually described as gospel house or afro house, not amapiano.

Who makes the best amapiano music?

Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa, who record together as Scorpion Kings, are behind a huge share of the genre's biggest records. Vigro Deep, Kelvin Momo, Uncle Waffles, Tyler ICU, Young Stunna and Sam Deep are also essential listening.

What amapiano songs went viral?

"John Vuli Gate," "Mnike" and "Tshwala Bam" all spread through dance challenges on TikTok and other social media platforms. "Ameno Amapiano Remix" by Goya Menor and Nektunez also went viral on TikTok in late 2021.

Where can I listen to amapiano songs?

Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube all carry the major tracks. Use editorial amapiano playlists, follow the key artists, and watch official videos on YouTube to catch the dances.

What is a good amapiano song to start with?

Try "Ke Star," "Tanzania," "Mnike" or "Tshwala Bam" for the classic sound. For something mellow, "Thandaza" by Sam Deep and Thatohatsi is a great entry point.

Keep the Groove Going

Amapiano and house music share the same DNA, from deep basslines to long, patient grooves. If these amapiano songs got you moving, you'll feel right at home with my sets. Check out my [afro house and house mixes on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@DJRikstar), and if you want to understand the sound I play, read my guide on [what afro house is](/blog/what-is-afro-house).