When it comes to the best Amapiano artists, with the world’s attention now focused on African music, it would be remiss not to highlight some of the most talented musicians worth keeping an eye on. Amapiano, along with Afrobeats, has captured the global music scene, and these artists are at the forefront of this dynamic genre.
In South Africa, Amapiano has quickly become the people’s choice. The DJ- ridden sub-genre can be labeled a national treasure as it constantly drives tourist attention to the country whilst being an emblem of joy and pride.
The Beautiful sub-genre has produced some of the biggest acts in the continent- with the likes of pioneers like Kabza De Small, and DJ Maphorisa (scorpion kings) as some of its flag bearers.
The Amapiano sound keeps setting the tone with each thriving day- fostering cultural trends and introducing fresher voices into the scene.
Certain artists have however distinguished themselves from the teeming pack by proving to be the next big thing in Amapiano and beyond.
These are some of the best Amapiano artists to watch out for in 2023.
Nkosazana Daughter
Nkosazanah Nolwazi Kimberly is one of the brightest stars to come out of the Amapiano sound recently. The Twenty-two-year-old fast-rising star is an amazing vocalist who first gained prominence in 2021 with the release of ‘Dali Nguwe’, an Amapiano song by Wanitwa Mos and Master Kg, in which she guest featured. The song brought her acclaim, as listeners were astounded by the quality of her vocals.
Since then, she has gone on to build a loyal following of over a million online, and has amassed a plethora of music streams in the process- she has done all this even without releasing a full-length project.
This is enough proof that Nkosazana is one Amapiano talent to watch out for.
Dbn Gogo
Mandisa Radebe or Dbn Gogo as she is more known, is a South African musician and all-round entertainer. The Pretoria-raised artiste is one of the most gifted Amapiano disk jockeys. She was recently among the carefully selected list of artists who appeared on the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack. Dbn Gogo’s style is unique and refreshing- which makes her a global prospect.
Young Stunna
One of the most interesting acts from South Africa in recent times is Young Stunna. The Amapiano singer is revered for hit singles like ‘Adiwele’, and ‘Bopha’– which has seen him work with industry-respected artists like DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small. The energetic talent is amongst a younger generation looking to take the dance subgenre to new heights.
Boohle
Buhlebevangeli Hlengiwe Manyati better known as Boohle is a South African singer-songwriter and performer. The star singer is known for hits such as ‘Hamba Wena’, ‘Ngixolele’ and ‘Yini Na’. Her Mezzo Soprano vocal type has made her loved by a growing number of Amapiano supporters in South Africa.
Deep London
Deep London is one Amapiano Disk Jockey that knows how to use his log drums and cymbals. The fast-rising musician is known for his collaborations with fellow South African, Boohle- in particular, the summer hit ‘Hamba Wena’ (2022). The Amapiano number has struck a chord with music fans in the country. Without a doubt, The disk jockey is worth keeping an eye on.
Uncle Waffles
Twenty-three-year-old Lunghelile Zwane better known in the South African music industry as Uncle Waffles is a Record producer, and Disk Jockey from South Africa. Uncle Waffles brings a certain pizazz to her Disk jockeying gigs which resonate with a lot of young Amapiano fans. The fast-rising act is known for club bangers like ‘Tanzania’. Her recent body of work, ‘Asylum’ is a potential industry reset.
Pabi Cooper
Paballo Mothappo better known as Pabi Cooper is a South African dancer, singer-songwriter, and performer. The Amapiano artist is signed under her label imprint, ‘Cooper Entertainment’. Pabi’s snatch at fame first came in 2021 when she released the catchy hit ‘Isipithipithi’. Since Isipithipithi, she has gone on to drop an Extended play titled ‘CooperVille’ (2022). Frankly, there is no telling what this exciting Amapiano artist has up her sleeves for 2023- but we bet she is coming in hot.
Musa Keys
Musa Makamu otherwise known as Musa Keys is a gifted vocalist and an Amapiano artist that is quickly gaining momentum in the music scene. The South African Dj, Music producer, and songwriter’s alias is no joke, his constant use of piano synths in Amapiano records tells all. Musa Keys has been making some power collabs of recent with the likes of the late South African singer, A.K.A, and Nigerian superstar, Davido. Definitely, Musa Keys is on the verge of a big outbreak.
