What is Amapiano?
Amapiano is a South African dance style that emerged in the mid-2010s, built on deep, jazzy chords, airy synth pads, and the signature log-drum bassline that drives its bouncing, mid-tempo groove. Less frantic than house and more spacious than gqom, it foregrounds rhythm and atmosphere over melody, soundtracking township parties before going global.
In a video
Drybabe | Boiler Room London: Ayra Starr pres. STARRGIRL
Frequently asked questions
Where did amapiano originate?+
Amapiano originated in South Africa, particularly the townships of Gauteng, in the mid-2010s, before spreading nationally and then worldwide through clubs, social media, and crossover Afrobeats collaborations.