Amapiano or hip-hop? South Africa decides 2019’s best music genre

#HipHopVsAmapiano Amapiano twitter

Is hip-hop better than Amapiano, a local genre featuring elements of house music and piano instrumentals? Well, South Africans have taken to Twitter to decide.

The debate broke out after Twitter user Mr Romantic posed the question to his followers on Friday morning.

“Each genre gave us hits after hits this entire year. Whether you’re a fan or not, you can’t deny the power each one holds on the dance floors,” his tweet read.

The question sparked a small online war between South African music lovers, who were quick to defend their favourite genre.

While many stood by their preferences, some claimed that the two genres were “incomparable”.

What is Amapiano?

Amapiano has become one of the fastest growing genres in South Africa in 2019, and streaming services have recognised its potential.

The likes of Spotify and Apple Music have created curated playlists documenting the genre’s Soundcloud Rap-like beginnings.

“Developed by bedroom producers with limited resources, the music spread from phone to phone faster than anyone expected,” Spotify wrote on a blog post in October.

The Scandinavian streaming service also noted that Kabza Da Small, a prominent Amapiano artist, was the most streamed local act in South Africa in 2019, eclipsing the likes of DJ Maphorisa, and hip-hop artist Nasty C.

It’s not clear if Amapiano will continue its rise in 2020, but at least we can all enjoy it while it’s here.

Feature image: screenshot, Twitter

Shereesa Moodley
More

News

Sign up to our newsletter to get the latest in digital insights. sign up

Welcome to Memeburn

Sign up to our newsletter to get the latest in digital insights.