In 2023, the South African dance genre Amapiano hit over 1.4 billion streams on Spotify. This genre’s influence on music culture in South Africa and beyond has sparked a global frenzy, inspiring dance challenges, collaborations, and fusions. In Kenya, Amapiano listenership increased by 74% between 2023 and 2024.
This critical influence led to the launch of “A Decade of Amapiano,” a site exploring the genre’s past decade and key influences. It also features an on-platform Amapiano destination with pivotal playlists and podcasts for those interested in the genre’s origins, sounds, and future.
The COVID-19 pandemic was a game-changer for Amapiano’s growth. In 2020, the genre achieved its first 100 million streams, followed by an impressive 300 million streams in 2021, further solidifying its rising popularity.
“A Decade of Amapiano” launches today, 14 June, in the lead-up to South Africa’s Youth Day on 16 June. This day marks a historical turning point for the country’s youth and their quest for freedom and justice. Today, they use Amapiano to amplify their voices, express their aspirations, and showcase their resilience and creativity.
Supporting Homegrown Genres
In June 2023, Spotify launched “Afrobeats: Journey of a Billion Streams,” a website dedicated to celebrating the Afrobeats genre. Through “A Decade of Amapiano,” Spotify reinforces its commitment to supporting the growth of homegrown music genres in Africa.
Originating from South African townships and rising to global stages, “A Decade of Amapiano” traces the genre’s ascent to music prominence, highlighting some key artists. Here are some key Amapiano data points on Spotify over the last ten years:
- 345k%+ growth in 2023 versus 2014
- Over 855 million streams so far in 2024
- 153k%+ growth in export in 2023 versus 2014
- 87% growth of female artists in 2023 versus 2022
- 40% of listeners are between 18-24 years old
“One of the most affirming parts of watching Amapiano explode over the past decade is seeing how people use it for self-expression,” says Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Amplifying “A Decade of Amapiano”
Spotify will host influencers and media from various countries, including South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Japan, Brazil, Egypt, France, the United States, and the United Kingdom, for a week-long tour. This tour will trace Amapiano’s history and origins, exploring how the genre traveled beyond South Africa. The tour debuted last year in June with influencers and media from the African continent and is expanding to include other countries where Amapiano is popular.
Top Amapiano Tracks Streamed in Kenya Over the Last 10 Years
- Mnike – Tyler ICU, Tumelo_za, DJ Maphorisa, Nandipha808, Ceeka RSA, Tyron Dee
- Abalele – Ami Faku, DJ Maphorisa, Kabza De Small
- Dalie – Kamo Mphela, Tyler ICU, Khalil Harrison, Baby S.O.N
- Abo Mvelo – Daliwonga, Mellow & Sleazy, M.J
- Yahyuppiyah – Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa, Ami Faku
- Selema (Po Po) – Musa Keys, Loui
- Asibe Happy – Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa, Ami Faku
- Bhebha – ShaunMusiq & Ftears, Xduppy, Myztro, Mellow & Sleazy, QuayR Musiq, Matute Boy
- Hamba Wena – Deep London, Boohle
- Mina Nawe – Soa Mattrix, Mashudu, Happy Jazzman, Emotionz DJ
Top Amapiano Artists Streamed in Kenya Over the Last 10 Years
- DJ Maphorisa
- Kabza De Small
- Tyler ICU
- Focalistic
- Mellow & Sleazy
- Young Stunna
- Tumelo_za
- Uncle Waffles
- Daliwonga
- Tony Duardo
Top Countries Streaming Amapiano Over the Last 10 Years
- South Africa
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Nigeria
- Germany
- Netherlands
- France
- Canada
- Kenya
- Zambia
Top Amapiano Playlists in 2024
- AMAPIANO grooves
- SoulPiano
- Beast Mode Amapiano
- Amapiano 101
- Amapiano Rising
“A Decade of Amapiano” is now live on Spotify’s For The Record and the Amapiano destination on-platform.
