“Amapiano, South Africa’s signature sound, has made significant strides globally in 2024. The genre’s international recognition is evident in the impressive performances of its artists. Uncle Waffles made history as the first Amapiano DJ to grace the Coachella main stage, while Tyla’s Grammy win for the song “Water” further cemented the genre’s global appeal.
Amapiano’s digital footprint is substantial, with over 55% of its music being streamed from outside South Africa, totaling over 1.4 billion streams on Spotify in 2023 alone. The genre’s influence on popular culture is also noteworthy, with features in TV shows like “Youngins” and “Kokota” in South Africa and “The Jennifer Hudson Show” in the USA.
The genre’s global popularity is further solidified by its presence at international music festivals like AmaFest and Afro Nation’s Piano People stage, which have become go-to destinations for Amapiano enthusiasts in the UK and Portugal. The top countries streaming Amapiano over the past decade include the USA, UK, Germany, Netherlands, and France, a testament to the genre’s widespread appeal.”