Adeayo Adebiyi

<h2>Since 2020, Amapiano has been the most popular genre in Afrobeats with the South African export helping Nigerian superstars to churn out hit records that will expand Afrobeats' global reach.&nbsp;</h2>

<p>First of all, it's important to note that Nigerian artists mostly don't make Amapiano. Instead, Afrobeats acts, make a variant of the genre through the adoption of the Log drum which is applied to mirror Nigerian local drums.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Amapiano is just not a genre. It's a culture. Aside from its speaker rattling baseline, syncopated breakbeats, and underlying melodies are the language, dance, energy, and spirit that channels it. These elements reside primarily and almost exclusively with the South Africans who merged House Music and Kwaito elements to create Amapiano which boasts of a party-starting variant and the soulful and stimulating variant. This is similar to how the <em>lamba</em> (slang and colloquial), technique, and bubbling spirit that drives Afrobeats resides primarily with Nigerians.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Amapiano seems to just be scratching the surface internationally, especially in the West, it has spent 3 years defining the Afrobeats soundscape. Thus spent to an extent that might promise no inventions beyond what's currently obtainable. Therefore, this writer is convinced it's not presumptuous to examine the biggest beneficiaries of Afrobeats' interaction with the imported genre.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This article aims to examine the impact of Amapiano on the Afrobeats soundscape. To achieve this, this writer elected to examine the biggest beneficiaries of the Log drum-driven sound as their success presents a robust picture of Amapiano's far-reaching impact on Afrobeats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Now, in ranking the biggest beneficiaries, the primary factor would be the effect of Amapiano on the success of an artist and the level of such success. That such an artist was able to build on the Amapiano-inspired success and go on to enjoy an extended time in the limelight is a plus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To get a better grasp of this ranking, readers are advised to ask themself:<em> </em><strong><em>"Without Amapiano, would this artist have had the moment that translated into the success they enjoy(ed)?"</em></strong></p>

<p><strong>Having gotten the fine details out of the way, it's time to get to the list.&nbsp;In descending order, here are the top 10 biggest beneficiaries of Amapiano in Afrobeats.&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Before Rexxie produced the smash hit single<em> 'Ko Por Ke' </em>in 2020, several listeners were familiar with the works of the producer whose effort was shaping Street Pop. However, after tapping <strong>Mohbad</strong> for the Log drum-driven<em> 'Ko Por Ke',</em> Rexxie's fame would soar higher so much that he got South African superstar <strong>Sho Madjozi </strong>on the remix.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Three years down the line, Rexxie has proven himself deserving of a chapter in the book of Street music evolution in Afrobeats. In the early days of Amapiano in Afrobeats, Rexxie scored a mega-hit with <em>'Ko Por Ke'</em> and in its commercial peak he repeated this feat with<em> 'Abracadabra'</em>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In June 2021, <strong>Lojay </strong>released the mesmeric<strong> <em>'LV N ATTN' EP</em></strong> in collaboration with ace producer <strong>Sarz</strong>. The EP delivered the smash hit<em> 'Monalisa'</em> and for Lojay, nothing was the same.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The fantastically talented artist crooned a classic Amapiano-inspired Afrobeats record with <em>'Monalisa' </em>and the song instantly arrested the attention of listeners locally before crossing abroad and earning a<strong> Chris Brown</strong> remix.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With <em>'Monalisa' </em>Lojay made his mark as a hitmaker ready to shape the mainstream. With his feet firmly planted on the scene, he hasn't looked back as his pen and vocals continue to offer mind-blowing music.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When South African superstar <strong>Focalistic </strong>desired to cross over into the Afrobeats scene with his hit record<em> 'Ke Star'</em>, he reached out to Africa's most prolific hitmaker <strong>Davido</strong> aka <strong>OO1</strong>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Davido's impact was instant and cataclysmic. Not only did <em>'Ke Star'</em> become a continental hit, but Davido’s verse also ushered in Amapiano's dominance in Afrobeats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two would combine again for<em> 'Champion Sound'</em> for an Afrobeats and Amapiano classic. And when Davido made his comeback with his fourth record-breaking album <strong><em>'Timeless'</em></strong>, Amapiano made a decisive contribution.&nbsp;</p>

<h3><strong>7. Goya Menor&nbsp;</strong></h3>

<p>In 2021, there was nowhere one could turn to escape the fever that was <em>'Ameno Amapiano'</em>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Night clubs and Hypemen played a part in making the <strong>Nektunez </strong>&amp;<strong> Goya Meno </strong>collaboration popular locally, it was TikTok in a show of influence that blew up the song to global status.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>&nbsp;'Ameno Amapiano' </em>took Goya Menor from obscurity to stardom. In an interview with Pulse Nigeria, Goya Menor told this writer that he has lost count of the countries he has performed the song he watched become a hit from his house in Benin City.&nbsp;</p>

<p>And while Goya Menor might not have capitalized on this moment to become one of Afrobeats' heavy hitters, he can rest assured that the gains of<em> 'Ameno Amapiano' </em>will endure for a lifetime.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>6. The South African Music Industry&nbsp;</h3>

<p>While Afrobeats' adoption of Amapiano has assisted Nigerian superstars to extend their international domination even to the displeasure of some South Africans, it would be insincere and unfair to say that the originators haven't benefited from this adoption.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As "Afrobeats to the World" continues to receive a major boost, Nigerians are taking Amapiano with them and giving the South African genre and the originators a chance to share the global stage.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This writer believes that Afrobeats and Nigerians cannot be accused of taking without giving back. For example, <strong>Afronation</strong>, which is Afrobeats' foremost international festival, has an Amapiano side attraction that's headlined by major players in the South African ecosystem. With Afrobeats lift, Amapiano is set to global dominance and the originators can go on to offer the cultural side of the music that Afrobeats stars can't and doesn't attempt to replicate.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>5. <strong>Magicsticks</strong>&nbsp;</h3>

<p>Magicsticks has been in the corridors of fame before eventually getting mainstream attention. In 2020, Magicsticks produced <strong>DJ</strong> <strong>Neptune</strong>'s<em> 'Nobody'</em> which won the Headies Song of the Year and finished top of TurnTable Charts End of the Year list. However, it was not until he struck a stirring partnership with Asake that the world would know his name.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><em>"Tune in to the king of songs &amp; blues"</em></strong> was a common denominator in Asake's 2022 unprecedented run of Log drum-propelled hits. And as Asake reached superstar status he took along with him his producer whose drum pattern, deployment of rattle, and violin altered the soundscape.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Zinoeleesky's rise to the top was soundtracked by his brilliant deployment of Amapiano to score smash hits.</p>

<p>Through Amapiano, smooth melodies, and brilliant songwriting in which he enjoys sharing the many lessons of his mother, Zinoleesky delivered party-starting hits that greatly increased Amapiano's popularity in Afrobeats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While some might describe Zinoleesky's fascination with Amapiano as a chink in his armor, the Street Pop maestro has achieved career-defining success that can shoot down such criticisms.&nbsp;</p>

<p>And although some may think he ought to be playing at a higher level than he currently does, Amapiano has brought Zinoleesky this far and the <strong>Marlian Record </strong>signee has shown that he has enough talent to forge ahead.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Seyi Vibez was looking at the mainstream from a close distance until he made<em> 'Chance'</em>, an Amapiano-driven record that mirrored the style of the most commercial artist of the time, and the rest, as they say, is history.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Having tasted the mainstream success that has for long evaded him, Seyi Vibez didn't look back. The Ikorodu-born Street Pop star feverishly released projects that were equally consumed by listeners and speedily rocketed him to the top.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Through a Street variant of Amapiano that combines Apala, his Islamic roots, and White Garment Christian elements, Seyi Vibez would go from up-and-coming to a Pop star.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The huge impact of Amapiano on his success and the impact of his success on the Afrobeats soundscape makes Seyi Vibez one of the foremost beneficiaries of the South African export.&nbsp;</p>

<p>No Afrobeats act has managed to deploy Amapiano so brilliantly as the compelling superstar Asake. Hence it's only befitting that his success from the exploration stands heads and shoulders above the rest.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In January 2022, Asake emerged from relative obscurity with the <strong>Olamide</strong>-assisted Amapiano leaning hit single<em> 'Omo Epe', </em>at that point nothing could have prepared Asake or the music industry for the events ahead.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Through the assistance of <strong>Magicsticks </strong>with whom he embarked on a consistent exploration of Amapiano and a brilliant deployment of his Fuji, Hip Hop, and Gospel music influences, Asake delivered consecutive chart-topping hits in unprecedented fashion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If other stars like <strong>KCee</strong> (2013), <strong>Davido</strong> (2017), and <strong>Naira</strong> <strong>Marley </strong>(2019) can boast of sensational one-year runs, they didn't cap it with a brilliant album as Asake did with<strong><em> 'Mr. Money With The Vibez'</em></strong>.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>"Why would I change a working formula? After all it's my style and it's working so why should I change it?"</em> Asake tells <strong>TurnTable Charts</strong> in 2022 when he covered their End of the Year Magazine.</p>

<p>And why should he when he has listeners eating out of his palm? Why should he alter the style that has seen him make a habit of topping charts so much that he was christened <strong>"Landlord"</strong>?&nbsp;</p>

<p>Why should he be expected to stop midway when his deployment of Amapiano is taking Street Pop to an international audience at a level his predecessors hoped for?&nbsp;</p>

<p>The sheer range he has shown with Amapiano, the pictures he paints with the music, the impact it has on the soundscape, and the impressive success he has recorded means Asake has drawn from Amapiano at a level his peers can't manage.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><em>"</em> <em>I'm Happy I Know</em> (<em>Amapiano</em>)<em>," </em></strong>he said on his hit single <em>'Amapiano'.&nbsp;</em></p>

<p>A sentiment undoubtedly shared by everyone who has listened to his era-defining music.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>1. Afrobeats Consumers and the Nigerian Music Industry</h3>

<p>Since 2020, Afrobeats' consumers have been treated to stupendous hybrids of Amapiano and Afrobeats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The exploration of Amapiano and the success of the stars that drive it has further propelled Afrobeats to a global audience.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There's nothing more to add. As the Latin maxim says - <em>Res ipsa loquitur</em>.</p>

This article examines the chief beneficiaries of Afrobeats' adoption of the South Africa's Amapiano.

Top 10 beneficiaries of Amapiano in Afrobeats

An examination of the top 10 beneficiaries of Amapiano in Afrobeats

Amos Robi

<p>Genge sensation Paul Julius Nunda, famously known as Jua Cali, is over the moon with joy following the thrilling news that the Genge genre of Kenyan music will be recognized by the Grammy Awards in 2024.</p>

<p>As one of the pioneers of this music genre, alongside luminaries like Nonini and music producer Clemmo, Jua Cali expressed his elation at the long-awaited recognition, which has been almost 24 years in the making.</p>

<p>Reflecting on their humble beginnings, Jua Cali nostalgically recounted the days when they <a href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/entertainment/jua-cali-opens-up-on-how-he-got-his-first-song-to-play-on-radio/ygvbd34">didn't even have the means to record their music. </a></p>

<p><em>"I am beyond ecstatic! I haven't even had a moment to catch my breath. This news has reminded me of the times when we didn't have microphones, keyboards, computers, or any recording tools. It takes me back to the days when we performed for free, and now look how far we've come,"</em> shared Jua Cali enthusiastically.</p>

<p>Jua Cali also recounted instances when they were dismissed by other music stakeholders who believed that the genre had no place in the Kenyan music scene and would soon disappear.</p>

<p><strong>READ:</strong><a href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/entertainment/celebrities/jua-cali-says-his-parents-supported-him-since-he-was-21-when-he-started-doing-music/js81kpr"><strong> How Jua Cali’s parents went against the grain to help him succeed </strong></a></p>

<p>The 43-year-old artist acknowledged the unwavering patience and hard work it took to achieve this milestone for Genge music. He attributed the genre's recognition to its authenticity, which they have relentlessly fought for all along. </p>

<p><em>"I've always maintained that the true Kenyan sound is Genge. Our sheng culture and the unique lingo we use, it's all embedded within Genge,"</em> he emphasized.</p>

<p>When asked about the songs that catapulted the genre onto the global stage, Jua Cali pointed out the collaboration track <strong><em>'Kwaheri'</em></strong> with Sanaa and his solo hit <strong><em>'Ngeli ya Genge'</em></strong>. These tracks played a significant role in showcasing the essence and <a href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/entertainment/gengetone-is-our-own-sound-and-should-be-celebrated-says-juacali/2tmwjpv">energy of Genge music to the world.</a></p>

<p>Jua Cali also expressed gratitude towards other industry stakeholders and artists who have played a vital role in the genre's growth. He acknowledged their relentless effort and stated that their labour is finally paying off.</p>

<p><strong>READ: </strong><a href="https://www.pulselive.co.ke/entertainment/celebrities/why-mejja-is-one-of-the-greatest-to-ever-do-it-in-our-generation-pulse-contributors/lz3ntdm"><strong>Why Mejja is one of the greatest to ever do it in our generation [Pulse Contributor's Opinion] </strong></a></p>

<p>The Recording Academy has expanded its categories for the upcoming 66th Annual Grammy Awards, introducing three new exciting additions: Best African Music Performance, Best Alternative Jazz Album, and Best Pop Dance Recording.</p>

<p>Genge music has been included in this lineup, alongside other prominent African music genres such as Afrobeats, Amapiano, and Ndombolo.</p>

<p>In their official statement, the Grammy's described the newly introduced track and singles category as a celebration of unique musical expressions from all corners of the African continent. </p>

The Recording Academy has expanded its categories for the upcoming 66th Annual Grammy Awards, introducing three new exciting additions: Best African Music Performance, Best Alternative Jazz Album, and Best Pop Dance Recording.

Jua Cali reflects on Genge's rise to Grammy recognition after 24 years

Amapiano

Politics

Local

World

News

Celebrities

Music

Movies

Entertainment

Sports 

Fashion

Beauty & Health

Relationships & Weddings

Food & Travel

Lifestyle

Domestic

International 

Business

Explore categories

Kenyan gospel artist Zoe makes a powerful return with 'Nimesaidiwa' , a soul-stirring anthem of faith, healing, and divine restorat

Pulse Interview: Zoe returns to reclaim her place in Kenya's gospel music scene

Traditional weddings in Kenya have turned into an expensive and luxurious affair in which culture, religion and modernity come together, leaving a lasting impression and Kenyans are breaking the bank with weddings that make news

Kenyan weddings that broke the internet: Fashion, glamour, guests & people behind them

Here is all you need to know about Fred Matiang'i, the man whose entry into 2027 politics is causing political shockwaves

Fred Matiang’i’s Biography: Family, reputation, early life & quest to send Ruto home

Bishop Calisto Odede, a former high school teacher turned theologian, now leads Citam

Citam’s Bishop Calisto Odede Biography: Early life, education, ministry & family

Checkout our authors for the latest content across entertainment, sports, business and more. Be first to receive exclusive updates with your free subscription straight to your phone | Pulselive Kenya

Authors | Pulselive Kenya

| Pulselive Kenya

Read the latest news across entertainment, sports, business and more. Be first to receive exclusive updates with your free subscription straight to your phone | Pulselive Kenya

Breaking News & Top Stories | Pulselive Kenya

Pulse Kenya is the most followed news and entertainment platform in Kenya. It informs and engages young Kenyans around the clock and provides updates by the hour.

Pulselive Kenya

Search for the latest content across entertainment, sports, business and more. Be first to receive exclusive updates with your free subscription straight to your phone | Pulselive Kenya

Search Results | Pulselive Kenya

Watch the latest videos across entertainment, sports, business and more. Be first to receive exclusive updates with your free subscription straight to your phone| Pulselive Kenya

Videos| Pulselive Kenya

Latest News Updates & Newspaper Headlines

Latest Kenyan Entertainment News & Updates

Latest Kenyan Local Business News & Headlines