Amapiano, a genre that originated in South Africa, blends deep house, jazz, and lounge music with distinctive log drum basslines, high-pitched piano melodies, and smooth synths. If you’re looking for music similar to Amapiano, here are some genres and styles that share its vibes:
1. Afro House music similar to Amapiano.
Afro House vs. Amapiano:
Amapiano and Afro House are two of Africa’s most influential electronic music genres, blending deep rhythms with rich cultural elements. Both originate from South Africa and share similarities in their use of percussive beats, deep basslines, and melodic progressions. While Afro House is rooted in deep house and tribal rhythms, Amapiano incorporates log drum basslines, jazzy elements, and soulful chords.
Similarities Between Afro House and Amapiano
African Influence – Both genres embrace African percussion and deep-rooted cultural sounds.
Melodic & Soulful Elements – They feature hypnotic beats, soothing vocals, and deep synths.
Dancefloor Appeal – Popular in clubs and festivals worldwide, they are dance-heavy styles.
Top Afro House & Amapiano Artists and Songs
Afro House: Black Coffee (SBCNCSLY), Da Capo (Thin Cali Cloud), Caiiro (The Akan).
Amapiano: Kabza De Small (Asibe Happy), DJ Maphorisa (Ba Straata), Focalistic (Ke Star).
Both genres continue to dominate global music charts, with Afro House influencing Amapiano’s rise. DJs frequently blend these styles, making them a favorite among African house music lovers.
2. Gqom music similar to Amapiano.
Gqom vs. Amapiano:
Amapiano and Gqom are two powerful South African music genres that have taken the global stage by storm. While Gqom originated in Durban and features hard-hitting beats, repetitive synths, and heavy bass and Amapiano in Pretoria, both share African percussion, deep basslines, and an infectious dancefloor energy.
Similarities Between Gqom and Amapiano
South African Roots – Both genres are deeply rooted in township culture and dance movements.
Heavy Bass & Percussion – Gqom is darker with a raw, hypnotic beat, while Amapiano adds melodic piano chords and log drums.
Club & Festival Appeal – DJs and producers mix both styles to create high-energy party anthems.
Top Gqom & Amapiano Artists and Songs (2025)
Gqom: DJ Lag (Hade Boss), Babes Wodumo (Umngan’wami), Distruction Boyz (Madness).
Amapiano: Kabza De Small (Isimo), DJ Maphorisa (Ba Straata), Mellow & Sleazy (Imnandi Lento).
Both genres continue to shape South Africa’s music scene, with Gqom’s hard-hitting beats blending seamlessly with Amapiano’s soulful melodies.
3. Afrobeats & Afro-Fusion music similar to Amapiano.
Afrobeats & Afro-Fusion vs. Amapiano:
Afro-Fusion, Afrobeats and Amapiano are some of the most influential African music genres, shaping the global soundscape. While Afrobeats and Afro-Fusion originated in West Africa (Nigeria & Ghana), Amapiano hails from South Africa. Despite their different origins, they share groovy rhythms, deep basslines, and high-energy beats. A mix of West African pop, dancehall, and hip-hop, often blending with Amapiano sounds.
Similarities Between Afrobeats, Afro-Fusion & Amapiano
African Influence – All three genres incorporate Afro-inspired percussion, soulful melodies, and danceable grooves.
Fusion of Sounds – Amapiano blends deep house and jazz, while Afro-Fusion mixes Afrobeats, reggae, and R&B for a dynamic sound.
Global Popularity – Artists frequently collaborate across genres, creating chart-topping club anthems.
Top Afrobeats, Afro-Fusion & Amapiano Artists and Songs (2025)
Afrobeats/Afro-Fusion: Burna Boy (Tested, Approved & Trusted), Wizkid (Energy), Davido (Na Money).
Amapiano: Kabza De Small (Isimo), DJ Maphorisa (Ba Straata), Focalistic (Honda).
Afrobeats and Amapiano often merge, as seen in Davido & Focalistic’s collaborations. As these genres continue evolving, they remain at the heart of African music’s global takeover.
4. Kwaito music similar to Amapiano.
Kwaito vs. Amapiano:
Amapiano and Kwaito are two of South Africa’s most influential music genres, shaping the country’s urban soundscape. Kwaito emerged in the 1990s, blending house music, hip-hop, and township slang, while Amapiano rose in the 2010s, incorporating deep house, jazz, and log drum basslines. A slower tempo, groove-heavy South African house music that influenced Amapiano. Despite their differences, both genres share a rich South African identity and dancefloor appeal.
Similarities Between Kwaito & Amapiano
Slow, Groove-Heavy Beats – Both genres have mid-tempo beats with deep bass and rhythmic flow.
Township Influence – Lyrics in both styles often reflect everyday township life and culture.
Dance & Street Culture – Kwaito and Amapiano drive fashion trends, dance styles, and youth movements.
Top Kwaito & Amapiano Artists and Songs (2025)
Kwaito: Mandoza (Nkalakatha), TKZee (Shibobo), Oskido (Tsa Ma Ndebele).
Amapiano: Kabza De Small (Isimo), DJ Maphorisa (Ba Straata), Young Stunna (uNonkosi).
Amapiano is often seen as an evolution of Kwaito, modernizing its deep house influence with jazzier elements. As Amapiano takes over global charts, Kwaito’s legacy remains strong in shaping South Africa’s music identity.
5. Deep House (South African Style) music similar to Amapiano.
Deep House vs. Amapiano:
Amapiano and Deep House are two closely related music genres that have shaped South Africa’s electronic music scene. Deep House, which gained popularity in the 2000s, is known for its smooth, soulful house music with jazzy and Afro elements as well as deep basslines, while Amapiano, emerging in the 2010s, incorporates jazzy piano chords, log drums, and percussive rhythms. Despite their differences, both genres share a rich, atmospheric sound and dancefloor appeal.
Similarities Between Deep House & Amapiano
Melodic & Soulful Elements – Both genres feature deep, emotional progressions with hypnotic beats.
Groovy Basslines & Rhythms – They emphasize a steady tempo with layered percussions.
Club & Radio Popularity – Deep House and Amapiano dominate clubs, lounges, and global streaming charts.
Top Deep House & Amapiano Artists and Songs (2025)
Deep House: Black Coffee (Superman), Da Capo (Thin Cali Cloud), Jullian Gomes (Love Song 28).
Amapiano: Kabza De Small (Isimo), DJ Maphorisa (Ba Straata), Kelvin Momo (Umoya).
Amapiano often incorporates elements of Deep House, making it a natural evolution of the genre. As both styles continue to thrive.
6. Bacardi House music similar to Amapiano.
Bacardi House vs. Amapiano:
Amapiano and Bacardi House are two South African-born music genres that share deep roots in township dance culture. Bacardi House, which emerged in the early 2000s in Pretoria, is known for its fast-paced beats, heavy percussion, and repetitive vocal chops. Amapiano, which gained prominence in the 2010s, evolved by incorporating Bacardi House’s percussive rhythm along with deep house, jazz, and log drum basslines.
Similarities Between Bacardi House & Amapiano
Hard-Hitting Percussion – Both styles rely on energetic drum patterns and rhythmic groove.
South African Origins – These genres originated in Pretoria’s townships, shaping modern dance music.
Dancefloor Appeal – Bacardi House and Amapiano fuel South Africa’s club scene, inspiring viral dance moves.
Top Bacardi House & Amapiano Artists and Songs (2025)
Bacardi House: DJ Mujava (Township Funk), Spoko (Spelete), DJ Buckz (Move Your Body).
Amapiano: Kabza De Small (Isimo), DJ Maphorisa (Ba Straata), Mellow & Sleazy (Imnandi Lento).
Bacardi House played a major role in shaping Amapiano’s signature beats and log drum sound. Today, Amapiano artists continue to blend elements of Bacardi House, keeping its legacy alive in South African music.
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