With Amapiano’s continued dominance on the mainstream music scene, let’s take a closer look at some Ugandan artists who have adeptly embraced this vibrant South African sound import.
Amapiano has maintained its stronghold in the industry for nearly four years now, and its influence remains pervasive. As is, artists find themselves compelled to align with mainstream trends until the next big thing emerges, often following consumer preferences.
Leading producers and music creators such as Uncle Waffles, Kamo Mphella, Kabza De Small, and DJ Maphorisa have been instrumental in popularizing Amapiano in and out of South Africa.
A quick glance at last year’s African music statistics reveals that Amapiano accounted for over 50% of the most charting songs on streaming platforms, not only in Nigeria but also in Uganda.
This further underscores the genre’s widespread appeal and enduring popularity. Radios and DJs across the continent regularly feature ‘piano,’ as it’s commonly referred to. Its infectious sound, characterized by feel-good rhythms and vibrant energy, effortlessly captivates music fans.
Nigerian stars like Davido, Asake, Shallipopi, and Kcee have also explored Amapiano since its emergence. Ugandan musicians have likewise ventured into the realm of this Pretoria-born hybrid sound. Let’s delve into some of these Ugandan artists who have embraced it.
Driven by mainstream ambition, sensational singer Spice Diana settled for the log drum when she paired up with DJ Seven to share party starting anthem ‘Tujooge’.
Among the first Ugandan artists to experiment the log drum-propelled genre was Eddy Kenzo’s ‘Uganda Oye’. The upbeat song was lifted off his fifth studio album ‘Made in Africa’ and in it the BET Award winner calls upon each Ugandan to be patriotic, and while at it remember to dance, be happy and merry.
Forming a perfect Uganda-Tanzania connection, Fik Fameica and Bongo Flava star Harmonize joined forces on ‘Champion,’ a well-paced Amapiano track celebrating resilience and triumph over adversity.
Azawi, one of the most soughtafter female artists is one who’s offered excitement to the genre, infusing elements of the traditional Ugandan sound into Amapiano. She’s done this a couple of times. She first gave it a go on ‘ACHE FOR YOU’, a single on her debut studio album ‘AFRICAN MUSIC’. It had an added spice of a flute on it, making it an instant danceable song. Azawi would go on to further explore this sound on her heritage pivoted sophomore body of work ‘SANKOFA’ on ‘CHAMPION FROM AFRICA’.
Having basked onto the scene thanks to lockdown breakout single ‘RATATA’, Zex Blangilangi would later go on to release his maiden studio album ‘HERCULES 10 TIMES’. On it was Nessim produced amapiano heavy track titled ‘NUMBER EMU’.
Navio found a new angle to explore the sound by adding a touch to it on ‘RAHA’ at the time he dropped his largely acclaimed and starstudded LP ‘Strength in Numbers”.
Fast-rising Ugandan star Joshua Baraka showcased his artistry by infusing Amapiano elements into ‘NINDA,’ blending it seamlessly with local sounds. The track is off his 3rd EP ‘Growing Pains’, and was produced by long time collaborator Axon.
Other records that have embraced the Amapiano sound include ‘KUCHAKALA’ by Ugaboys, ‘BAGANIKE’ by Nofia and Tanner, and ‘It’s OKAY’ by B2C & Mc Africa.
