Best South African Amapiano Artist and their Trending Songs

South African Amapiano Artist and their Trending Songs

Best South African Amapiano Artist and their Trending Songs
Best South African Amapiano Artist and their Trending Songs

Unranked and in no specific order, Six9ja compiled a list of some of the top amapiano artists in South Africa along with a summary of their social media following.

More information on the best South African Amapiano musicians and their popular songs may be found in this article.

1. Kabza De Small

  • Spotify:  2.7 million users each month
  • The Highest YouTube viewership:

The video that Kabza De Small collaborated on with DJ Maphorisa, “Emcimbini,” has received the highest views on YouTube, with over 50 million views as of 2024. This song demonstrates his enormous influence on South African music and is well known as a mainstay of the Amapiano genre.

  • Followers of Kabza De Small on Social Media

  • 2.8 million followers on Instagram
  • 2m followers on Facebook
  • 1.2 followers on Twitter
  • 405.7k followers on TikTok
  • Total: 6, 000,406 million followers
  • Breakout song: Amabele Shaya

Born in Mpumalanga, South Africa on November 27, 1992, Kabelo Petrus Motha better known by his stage name Kabza De Small, eventually relocated to Pretoria. He grew up with a deep affinity for music, influenced by South Africa’s wide variety of sounds. Despite the difficulties in his early life, such as a lack of resources, his love of music inspired him to try out different beats and melodies when he was a teenager.

Kabza De Small

Kabza De Small Career

Before switching to amapiano, a South African house subgenre that combines jazz, deep house, and lounge music, Kabza began his career as a DJ in 2009. At first, he concentrated on other genres like deep house and Afro-house. Although his debut album, Avenue Sounds (2016), demonstrated his developing skill, the popular track “Umshove” featuring Leehleza in 2018 marked his big break.

His ascent to fame began with this song, which also made his distinctive amapiano sound more well known.

Kabza De Small became well-known by 2019 and was dubbed the “King of Amapiano” due to his steady production of hits that reached the top of the charts. Together with DJ Maphorisa, the two created Scorpion Kings, a producing collaboration.

Kabza’s impact on the genre was cemented with his 2020 album, I Am the King of Amapiano: Sweet & Dust. The initiative bridged the gap between Amapiano and international audiences with collaborations with a variety of singers, including Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Cassper Nyovest.

Among his most well-known songs are:

1. “Sponono” (with Madumane, Wizkid, and Burna Boy)

2. “Asibe Happy” (with DJ Maphorisa and Ami Faku)

3.“Nana Thula” with Njelic.

Kabza De Small is still a prominent figure in Amapiano in 2024. Through his live performances and collaboration EPs, he continues to make music that pushes the genre’s boundaries. His most recent endeavors include a highly anticipated CD and a string of prosperous international tours that have taken Amapiano to the United States, the United Kingdom, and many parts of Asia. Songs like “Kabza Chant” from 2023–2024 further highlight Kabza’s inventiveness and supremacy in the genre.

Honors and Acknowledgment

Kabza has received many honors over the years, such as:

Best Collaboration and Best Album at the South African Music Awards (SAMAs).

His contributions to amapiano were acknowledged at the 2024 Metro FM Music Awards.

Awards from throughout the world for his efforts to promote Amapiano on a worldwide scope.

Kabza De Small has had on South African music is incalculable. His music has changed how people around the world view African house music, earning him the title of “King of Amapiano.” In addition to inspiring a new generation of DJs and producers, he has solidified his place among the most significant African musicians of his day.

2. Focialistic

  • Spotify:  1.2+ million users each month
  • The Highest YouTube viewership:

Focalistic’s biggest YouTube audience comes from his global smash “Ke Star (Remix)” with Davido, which has millions of views since its debut. The song’s cross-continental appeal, as well as its Amapiano and Afrobeats fusion, propelled it to international popularity. As of 2024, it is still one of his most iconic and appreciated  music on YouTube.

Other notable references include “Gupta” and collaborations like “Wang Compromisa“, which also attract large attention.

  • Followers of Focalistic on Social Media

  • 3 million followers on Instagram
  • 3.6 million followers on Facebook
  • 600k followers on Twitter
  • 1.1m+ followers on TikTok
  • Total: 8.3 million followers
  • Breakout song: Ke Star

Focalistic whose real name is Lethabo Sebetso, was born in Pretoria, South Africa on May 28, 1996. Focalistic was greatly impacted by the hip-hop and kwaito cultures that characterized the youth scene while growing up in the bustling township of Ga-Rankuwa. Known as “Pitori Maradona” for his soccer prowess, his initial goal was to play professional football. His love of music and storytelling, however, ultimately triumphed.

Focalistic studied at the University of Pretoria, where he graduated with a Political Science degree. He decided to pursue his musical aspirations despite his academic success because he felt that art may have a greater influence.

Focalistic Career

Focalistic started out as an independent musician, fusing his passion for hip-hop with distinctively South African sounds like kwaito and amapiano.

“Pina Tsa Ko Kasi” (songs of the ghetto), a name he coined himself, sums up his goal of making music that speaks to South Africans’ everyday lives. His 2019 breakthrough single “Clap” laid the groundwork for his avant-garde style.

In 2020, “Ke Star” featuring Vigro Deep helped Focalistic achieve widespread success. The song went viral, received praise from all around the world, and even attracted the attention of Davido, a Nigerian celebrity, who worked with him on a remix.

Focalistic rose to prominence in South Africa’s music industry thanks to his ability to combine hip-hop lyrics with Amapiano beats. Chart-topping songs like “Blecke” and “Ke Star” from his debut album, Sghubu Ses‘ Excellent (2020), cemented his status as a prominent amapiano performer.

In the years that followed, Focalistic worked with a number of industry titans, including Nigerian musicians Burna Boy, Major League DJz, Kabza De Small, and DJ Maphorisa. His dexterity and storytelling skills were further demonstrated in his 2021 project, President Ya Straata.

Focalistic’s highly regarded album Ghetto Gospel, which included kwaito, Afrobeat, and Amapiano influences, was released in 2023. Songs like “Boshego” and “Tabela Hape” with Kabza De Small showed his development as a worldwide performer.

Focialistic

Focalistic is still in charge of the world music scene as of 2024. His most recent endeavor, 13POS (2024), is a reflection of his artistic development and his goal to broaden the appeal of amapiano. Collaborations with musicians from a variety of genres are featured on the album, solidifying his reputation as a global superstar.

Highlights of Focalistic’s 2024 include:

A nomination for Best International Act at the BET Awards.

Amapiano was successfully presented to a worldwide audience through tours throughout Europe, North America, and the Middle East.

He made history by introducing thousands of new listeners to his distinctively South African sound at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.

Although Focalistic maintains a lot of his personal life secret, he has used social media and interviews to give tidbits of his path. He is still committed to improving his community and inspiring the upcoming generation of artists in 2024.

Focalistic’s ascent from Pretoria to the international scene is evidence of his skill and tenacity. He is still dedicated to expanding the possibilities of Amapiano in 2024.

3. Lady Du

  • Spotify:  383,644 users each month
  • The Highest YouTube viewership:

Lady Du and Megadrumz’s collaboration “Tjina” has received over 2.2 million views on YouTube, making it the most viewed music video. This song’s lively Amapiano sound and captivating images helped it become extremely popular.

Her song “Malunde” with Djy Ma’Ten, Mellow, and Sleazy is another noteworthy example; it received a lot of attention on YouTube as well.

  • Followers of Lady Du on Social Media

  • 2.1m+ followers on Instagram
  • 2.4m+ followers on Facebook
  • 47.2k followers on Twitter
  • 680k followers on TikTok
  • Total: 8.3 million followers
  • Breakout song: Woza

Lady Du Career

Lady Du, whose real name is Duduzile Ngwenya, was born on May 16, 1991, in the Gauteng suburb of Vosloorus. Her father, DJ Choc is well-known in the South African music scene, and her uncle, DJ Zan D, is also quite active in the business, thus she hails from a musical family. From an early age, Lady Du’s love of music was fostered by these early influences.

Lady Du

Lady Du showed her innate musical ability when she started DJing at the age of nine and won her first competition. She first sought alternative career routes, such as working as a beauty therapist in the UK and on cruise ships, despite her passion for music.

But in the end, her love of music pulled her back to South Africa so she could pursue her creative goals.

When Lady Du completely embraced the amapiano genre in 2020, it marked a turning point in her career. She became well-known thanks to partnerships with well-known musicians like Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa, and Mr. JazziQ. Her charismatic personality and vocal prowess were essential elements of songs like “Dakiwe” (with DBN Gogo) and “Catalia” (with Junior De Rocka). She became well-known in South Africa as a result of these songs, which also reached the top of the charts.

She was dubbed the “Queen of Amapiano Vocals” for her ability to merge soulful voice with the lively amapiano sound. Lady Du’s music strikes a deep chord with her listeners since it frequently expresses themes of love, resiliency, and empowerment.

Many of Lady Du’s collaborations and songs have reached the top of the charts as a result of her work.

Among her well-known songs are:

It became a cultural anthem, “Umsebenzi Wethu” (featuring Busta 929, Mpura, and others).

Woza” (with Mr. JazziQ), which demonstrates her vocal range.

She demonstrated her capacity to innovate within the amapiano genre with “Tchukutsha” (featuring Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa).

Her 2023 debut album, which included songs that quickly became popular on streaming services, cemented her position in the Amapiano scene.

Lady Du Progress so far

Lady Du is still a major player in the music business in 2024. Through foreign tours and appearances at music festivals across the world, she has broadened her audience and strengthened her standing as an advocate for Amapiano. She released her second album this year, which includes collaborations with musicians from throughout the world, demonstrating her increasing impact on the worldwide music landscape.

She is also very active in charitable endeavors, using her position to support marginalized populations and raise awareness of mental health issues. Lady Du is an inspiration to many, especially young women in South Africa, because of her openness about her battles with anxiety and depression.

The narrative of Lady Du’s ascent to fame is one of tenacity and sincerity. She has broken preconceptions and encouraged a new generation of women to follow their aspirations in male-dominated fields as one of the most prominent female personalities in Amapiano. Her influence will last for years to come because her music and advocacy activities continue to strike a deep chord with her admirers.

4. Major league Djz

  • Spotify:  856,367 users each month
  • The Highest YouTube viewership:

Major League DJz’s internationally acclaimed “Amapiano Balcony Mix Africa” series has the most YouTube audience. Millions of people have regularly viewed these mixes, and some have even surpassed 10 million views. The series is a prominent fixture on their channel because of their distinctive live performance concept, which combines top Amapiano artists with picturesque outdoor surroundings.

  • Followers of Major League DJZ on Social Media

  • 2m+ followers on Instagram
  • 3.6m+ followers on Facebook
  • 524.3k followers on Twitter
  • 667.7k followers on TikTok
  • Total: 6.8+ million followers
  • Breakout song: Bakwa Lah

Major league Djz

Pioneers in the international amapiano and house music scene are Major League DJz, a South African DJ and production team made up of twin brothers Banele and Bandile Mbere. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, on January 3, 1991, the pair relocated to South Africa at a young age. Their father, a jazz musician, and their Johannesburg environment, which was a hotbed of house and kwaito music, both shaped their love of music.

Major League DJz are now renowned for their thrilling live performances, avant-garde music production, and contributions to the development of amapiano, which combines international sounds with traditional South African characteristics.

The Mbere twins’ artistic journey was influenced by the culturally diverse milieu in which they were raised.

Their upbringing as ardent followers of jazz, hip-hop, and kwaito has influenced their music. Despite their initial interest in cricket, their passion for music won out, and they went on to become producers and DJs.

After completing their schooling in Johannesburg, the brothers started to establish themselves in the South African music scene. They were inspired to create a distinctive sound that would eventually revolutionize South African dance music by their profound understanding of both local and international music genres.

What makes Major League DJz trend?

As hip-hop DJs, Major League DJz first became well-known in the early 2010s while playing at clubs and festivals all around South Africa. They gained recognition for their skill at fusing many genres together to create a sound that appealed to a wide range of listeners.

Their ascent to stardom began in 2015 when their first track, “Slyza Tsotsi” (with Cassper Nyovest, OkMalumKoolkat, and Riky Rick), became an enormous hit.

An important turning point in their career came in 2019, when they switched from hip-hop to amapiano. Motivated by the genre’s increasing popularity, they embraced the soulful melodies and funky basslines of amapiano and combined them with their knowledge of house music to produce a novel and inventive sound.

Major League DJz Album Publishment

When Major League DJz started posting their wildly popular “Amapiano Balcony Mixes” on YouTube, it signaled their shift to amapiano. The series showcased their ability to create immersive musical experiences with live DJ sets in scenic outdoor settings. With millions of views, these mixes brought amapiano to a worldwide audience.

They published the album Pianochella in 2020, which included collaborations with well-known musicians like Kabza De Small and Focalistic, as well as songs like “Le Plane E’Landile.” Their position as prominent figures in Amapiano, both domestically and globally, was solidified by the initiative.

Major League DJz had become international representatives of Amapiano by 2023. They shared stages with globally recognized performers at major festivals like Coachella, Afro Nation, and Tomorrowland. Their music was accessible to a wide range of listeners due to their ability to blend Amapiano with jazz, house, and Afrobeat components.

Major League DJz 2023 song “All Night Long” which included Nigerian musician Joeboy was a prime example of their dedication to extending the bounds of Amapiano. Them status as genre pioneers was further cemented when the song received a lot of radio.

With new endeavors and partnerships, Major League DJz will still be at the forefront of the world music industry in 2024.

Among the highlights of their most recent endeavors are:

the release of Amapiano Kings, their much awaited album, which includes worldwide collaborations with Drake, Burna Boy, and Wizkid.

The Mbere twins have a strong relationship and frequently discuss how their collaboration has been essential to their success. They maintain their groundedness in spite of their hectic schedules, often praising their family for helping to mold their path.

Their social media accounts provide a window into their trips, studio sessions, and charitable endeavors, despite the fact that they keep a large portion of their personal lives private.

Honors and Acknowledgment

Major League DJz have won various awards over the years, such as:

Best Group at the South African Music Awards (SAMAs) and the Best Album in Amapiano.

international nominations for their work to Amapiano at the BET Awards and MTV Africa Music Awards.

Appreciation from websites such as Spotify and Apple Music for their influence on the world’s streaming charts.

Prospects for the Future

Major League DJz are still pushing the limits of South African and Amapiano music as of 2024. In order to stay relevant and advance in the rapidly changing music market, they are collaborating with international superstars and experimenting with new sounds.

They are positioned as timeless icons, motivating upcoming generations of musicians and artists with their dedication to boosting Amapiano and advancing South African culture.

5. Mellow and Sleazy

  • Spotify:  1,919,666 users each month
  • The Highest YouTube viewership:

Popular collaborations and songs like “Kokotela” with Scotts Maphuma, Gipa and”Wang Compromisa” with Focalistic and Makhekhe have garnered the most views on YouTube, accounting for Mellow & Sleazy’s largest following. Their dynamic sound, which combines Amapiano with other sounds, has helped them become more and more well-known throughout the world.

Another well-known song is “Wa Jaiva,” which has drawn a lot of attention as well. These songs have received millions of views on multiple platforms, solidifying Mellow & Sleazy’s position as major figures in the Amapiano scene.

  • Mellow and Sleazy Social Media Followers

  • 711k followers on Instagram
  • 87.6k followers on Facebook
  • 36.3k followers on Twitter
  • 304.9k followers on TikTok
  • Total: 6.8+ million followers
  • Breakout song: Kokotela

Mellow and Sleazy

Since the early 2020s, Mellow & Sleazy, a dynamic South African music duo made up of Olebogeng Kwanaite and Phemelo Sefanyetse, have quickly become well-known in the music industry. The Pretoria-based pair is well-known for their contributions to the emerging Bacardi sound, a cutting-edge style that blends electronic beats with elements of traditional African music. They have a devoted fan base thanks to their upbeat approach, which has made them significant players in South African music.

Early in the 2020s, Mellow & Sleazy started their adventure by becoming well-known figures in the Bacardi and Amapiano music communities. Their music appeals to a wide spectrum of fans in South Africa and abroad because it combines many different genres with a strong emphasis on rhythm and rhythms.

Throughout their musical career, the duo has released a number of hit singles and albums, such as “Bacardi Levol” and “Mapara,” which have greatly aided in their ascent to fame.

Mellow and Sleazy Album

The 2021 album “Kwa Kwa” and its follow-ups, such as Boroko Keng (2023) and Midnight In Sunnyside (2022), have cemented Mellow & Sleazy’s place in the music business. They draw from their own experiences as well as the spirit of Pretoria, their hometown, to create their style, which is frequently characterized as inventive and contagious. Collaborations with other well-known South African musicians, such as Ch’cco and Mr JazziQ, are common in the duo’s music, which increases their impact and audience.

Mellow and Sleazy prioritize their musical careers over their personal life. Despite the fact that their financial information is not made public, it is estimated that their success in the music business has contributed to their net worth, which ranges from $1 million to $5 million.

As of 2024, Mellow & Sleazy are still releasing albums and songs that reach the top of the charts, solidifying their reputation as Amapiano and Bacardi music pioneers. Their most recent album, Midnight in Sunnyside 3, further solidifies their legacy.

6. Kelvin Momo

  • Spotify:  1,445,535 users each month
  • The Highest YouTube viewership:

Several of Kelvin Momo’s well-known songs may be found in his most-viewed YouTube videos. “Amukelani” which has become quite popular, and “Izono” which Mawhoo, Babalwa M, and Chley are among the leading competitors. With millions of views on YouTube, his collaborations, like “Funa” with TBO and JaySax and “Ixesha” with TBO, JaySax and Sipho Magudulela have also helped him gain recognition.

  • Kelvin Momo Social Media Followers

  • 921.2k followers on Instagram
  • 279.8k followers on Facebook
  • 55.8k followers on Twitter
  • 98.6k followers on TikTok
  • Total: 2.7+ million followers
  • Breakout song: Izono

Born Thato Kelvin Ledwaba in Diepkloof, Soweto, in 1994, Kelvin Momo is a well-known South African songwriter, producer, and DJ who is credited with helping to create the Amapiano genre. Momo has established a sound that is highly popular both in South Africa and beyond. She is frequently recognized as a pioneer of the “private school” style of Amapiano, which combines soulful, deep house influences with the genre’s distinctive piano-driven beats.

Growing up immersed by the sounds of gospel and traditional South African music, Momo’s musical career started early. He began by singing in the choir at his church before deciding to pursue a career in music production after relocating to Johannesburg. He refined his abilities in a course on music production, which influenced the route of his career.

Kelvin Momo

Kelvin Momo Career

His first song, “Nanini,” was published in 2018, and it was a significant turning point in his career.

A pivotal album in Momo’s career, Momo’s Private School, was published in 2020. Later that year, Bayeke was released. His status in the music industry was cemented by his albums Amukelani (2022) and Ivy League (2021). Momo has regularly worked with well-known musicians in the field, such as Babalwa M and Luu Nineleven, creating songs like “Linga” and “Sukakude.”

The smooth, jazz-influenced rhythms that distinguish Kelvin Momo’s technique within the Amapiano genre are what make his sound unique. His compositions have not only influenced South Africa’s musical scene but have also greatly contributed to the globalization of Amapiano.

He has a devoted fan base and has been acknowledged at important music festivals and award presentations because to his distinctive style.

Regarding his personal life, Momo was once romantically involved with fellow DJ Precious DJ. He currently has a partnership with Babalwa M, with whom he still works professionally. His estimated net worth ranges from R3.4 million to R5 million, with the majority of his wealth coming from album sales, partnerships, live appearances, and streaming income.

With a potential new album called Sewe, Momo is still putting out music and is still a major player in the Amapiano industry as of 2024. His legacy as a genre trailblazer is indisputable, and his career is still developing.

7. Mas Musiq

  • Spotify:  1,030,968 users each month
  • The Highest YouTube viewership:

Mas Musiq’s collaboration with Aymos, DJ Maphorisa, and Kabza De Small on the song “Uzozisola” has garnered the most views on YouTube and is responsible for his biggest audience. The song’s prominent presence in the Amapiano scene and its seamless fusion of deep bass and melodic parts have earned it widespread recognition. “Auti’ eSharp” and other noteworthy songs by Mas Musiq have also gained popularity, which has helped his fan base expand.

  • Mas Musiq Social Media Followers

  • 591.8k followers on Instagram
  • 1.1m+ followers on Facebook
  • 121.3k followers on Twitter
  • 117.4k followers on TikTok
  • Total: 1.9+ million followers
  • Breakout song: Uzozisola

Mas Musiq

Born Thabo Ngubane in Tembisa, South Africa, on August 14, 1997, Mas Musiq has become a prominent character in the Amapiano music scene. After joining DJ Maphorisa’s Blaq Boy Music in 2019, the gifted DJ and record producer rose to fame. He had a strong love for music at an early age, which led him to enroll at The Academy of Sound Engineering to hone his abilities and get ready for a career in the industry.

Mas Musiq Blow Music

Mas Musiq initially became well-known after releasing hits like “Sengizwile” and “Uzozisola,” the latter of which was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA).

His debut album, Mambisa, includes songs like “Zaka” (with Aymos, Kabza De Small, and DJ Maphorisa), which are becoming enormous hits in South Africa.

Mas Muriq rise has been boosted significantly by collaborations with prominent Amapiano artists such as Shasha, DJ Maphorisa, and Kabza De Small. His influence in the genre was further cemented with songs like “Mthande” (featuring Riky Rick and Shasha), which earned millions of views on YouTube.

Mas Musiq is known for his contributions to the Amapiano subgenre, which combines jazz and deep house influences, in addition to his songs. He has received a great deal of praise and recognition in the South African music scene for his distinctive style, which is characterized by infectious rhythms and melodic basslines. His career continues to thrive thanks to a string of successful projects, such as Mambisa and Mambisa 2, which has increased his estimated net worth around $800k.

8. Kamo Mphela

  • Spotify:  583,999 users each month
  • The Highest YouTube viewership:

With millions of views, Kamo Mphela’s “SBWL” video, which she co-produced with Busiswa, is the most viewed YouTube video. Their powerful vocals, upbeat dance motions, and catchy rhythms all came together to make this song a huge smash. Her music video for “Dalie” featuring Tyler ICU and Khalil Harrison has also drawn a lot of notice. “Amanikiniki” with MFR Souls, Major League DJz, and Bontle Smith is another well-  known joint effort.

These songs demonstrate both her popularity on streaming services and her increasing impact in the Amapiano scene.

  • Kamo Mphela Social Media Followers

  • 2.8m+ followers on Instagram
  • 58.4k followers on Facebook
  • 540.6k followers on Twitter
  • 2.1m+ followers on TikTok
  • Total: 5.4+ million followers
  • Breakout song: Vanity

A well-known dancer, singer, and social media star from South Africa, Kamo Mphela is renowned for her energetic Amapiano performances. She is from Mndeni, Soweto, was born in November 1998, and has grown to be one of the most important people in South Africa’s entertainment industry.

Because of her father’s work in the media, Kamo developed a love for dancing at an early age. She developed her craft and got early exposure by going to shows with him. When she began sharing dancing videos on social media sites like Instagram, her extraordinary talent immediately went viral, marking her big break. As a result, she gained popular acclaim and was soon dubbed the “Queen of Amapiano” for her vivacious and distinctive dancing routines, which came to represent the genre..

Kamo Mphela

Kamo initially attempted acting before turning to music, even landing a part on the television soap opera Isibaya. She quickly discovered, though, that dancing and music were her genuine calling. Kamo reached a wider audience in 2019 after signing with Major League Music and releasing her debut EP, Twentee. With hits like “Suka Emabozen” and “Menemene,” the EP solidified her reputation in the Amapiano music industry.

Kamo’s reputation was further enhanced by her collaboration on the song “Sbwl” with South African musician Busiswa. She has also worked with well-known musicians like Nadia Nakai, Killer Kau, and Focalistic. She has demonstrated her ability to adapt to a variety of musical styles by working in genres such as gqom, kwaito, and pantsula in addition to Amapiano.

Kamo’s Career

A significant turning point in Kamo’s career was reached in 2023 with her hit track “Dalie,” which featured Tyler ICU and Khalil Harrison. The song gained remarkable digital streaming, reached the top of several nations’ charts, including Malawi, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, and was certified Gold in South Africa. Kamo’s career is still booming, and her name is now widely associated with success in both dance and music.

A cultural icon in addition to her singing career, Kamo Mphela is renowned for her engaging stage presence and audience-connecting skills. She has performed on international platforms like the AmaFest Tour in the UK and at important events like the DStv Mzansi Viewers’ Choice Awards. Her influence extends beyond South Africa. But also internationally, as she keeps becoming one of the most important people in the entertainment sector.

9. Nkosazana Daughter

  • Spotify:  1.3million users each month
  • The Highest YouTube viewership:

Thula, a song that Nkosazana Daughter collaborated on with Master KG and Lowsheen, has had over 6 million views on YouTube, making it her most popular song. Furthermore, songs like Mfazi We Phepha and Dali Nguwe have also done remarkably well. Her growing popularity in the Amapiano genre is reflected in her impressive YouTube presence; she just celebrated reaching 200,000 subscribers.

  • Nkosazana Daughter Social Media Followers

  • 2.4m+ followers on Instagram
  • 3m+followers on Facebook
  • 143.4k followers on Twitter
  • 3m+ followers on TikTok
  • Total: 5. million followers
  • Breakout song:Dali Nguwe

Born Nkosazana Nolwazi Kimberly Nzama on January 6, 2001, Nkosazana Daughter is a well-known South African singer and songwriter who specializes in Amapiano music. She is 23 years old as of 2024, and her unique voice has made her a prominent player in South Africa’s thriving music industry.

Nkosazana, who was born in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, then relocated to Rockville, Soweto, where she finished her education. Her mother is a vocalist, and her father is a guitarist, therefore her early life was impacted by her musical family. Even though her family has a musical heritage, Nkosazana first studied fashion at the Durban University of Technology before deciding to pursue music full-time.

Nkosazana Daughter

Her breakout single, “Emazwen,” which she co-wrote with DJ Skillz and TNS, was released in 2021. She shot to fame after this song received a lot of attention. After this achievement, Nkosazana collaborated with well-known artists like Master KG, Lowsheen, and Wanitwa Mos, releasing a number of successful songs, such as “Sofa Silahlane” and “Dali Nguwe.”

Nkosazana First Studio Album

Her first studio album, Uthingo Le Nkosazana, was published in 2023. It peaked at number 3 in South Africa and number 34 on Spotify’s Top Albums. Popular songs like “Amaphutha” and “Ring Ring Ring” are featured on the CD. Nkosazana has performed both domestically in South Africa and abroad, including in Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. Her contributions to the Amapiano genre have received high appreciation.

Nkosazana has received praise for her live performances in addition to her songs, and she has been nominated for and won numerous prizes, including the 2023 South African Dance songs prizes for Best Female Vocalist. She keeps her personal life very quiet despite her growing notoriety, with few public details about her relationships and family.

With her increasing popularity, Nkosazana Daughter is set to become an even more significant figure in South African music and beyond. Her music continues to strike a chord with listeners.

10. Young Stunna

  • Spotify:  922,536 users each month
  • The Highest YouTube viewership:

The music video for Young Stunna’s popular song “Adiwele” which features Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa, has the most views on YouTube. His ascent to prominence in the Amapiano scene was greatly aided by the song, which has received millions of views. With a lot of interaction on songs like “Bopha” and his collaborations with other musicians, his channel has grown to be a well-liked gathering place for Amapiano fans.

  • Young Stunna Social Media Followers

  • 1.5m+ followers on Instagram
  • 951.1k followers on Facebook
  • 24.4k followers on Twitter
  • 196.3k followers on TikTok
  • Total: 2.6+ million followers
  • Breakout song: Adiwele

Young Stunna is a rising star in the Amapiano music industry, known for his distinctive style and mesmerizing voice. He was born Sandile Msimango in Daveyton, South Africa. Although he started his musical career in hip-hop, his move to Amapiano cemented his status as one of the major players in the genre.

His work with Piano Hub, where he co-wrote the smash song “Bopha,” with Felo Le Tee and Mellow & Sleazy, helped Stunna gain notoriety. In order to increase his visibility in the South African music industry, this song was essential.

young stunna

Young Stunna’s Debut album

Stunna’s first album, Notumato, was published in 2021 and featured collaborations with some of South Africa’s biggest artists, like DJ Maphorisa, Kabza De Small, and Blxckie.

. The album was a commercial triumph, reaching platinum certification after starting at number one. The standout tracks, “Adiwele,” became a massive hit, topping the South African radio charts and garnering over 23 million impressions.

Stunna’s unique style distinguishes him from his peers by fusing his expressive, silky vocals with deep Amapiano beats. His writing often focuses on topics more important than the genre’s party or money-focused themes, reflecting his own life.

His listeners connect with this genuineness, particularly as he negotiates the challenges of celebrity. Despite his fame, Stunna remains grounded, keeping his personal life private while maintaining a tight relationship with his followers.

Stunna had an appearance on Spotify’s  From Kwaito to Amapiano in 2022, cementing his status in the world music industry. His concerts in China revealed the extensive influence of Amapiano music, and he continues to receive international praise.

Young Stunna is now working on his next studio album, Busisiwe, which he hopes to release shortly as a performer.

His success story exemplifies how music can transform people’s lives, and he continues to encourage fans and aspiring musicians.

 

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