{"id":89716,"date":"2021-10-14T17:40:57","date_gmt":"2021-10-14T15:40:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pan-african-music.com\/?p=89716"},"modified":"2021-10-15T18:47:29","modified_gmt":"2021-10-15T16:47:29","slug":"the-women-of-amapiano","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pan-african-music.com\/en\/the-women-of-amapiano\/","title":{"rendered":"The women of amapiano"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

by Shiba Melissa Mazaza
October 15, 2021<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Introducing the South African women, from private school icons to new school trailblazers, shaping amapiano\u2019s meteoric rise on the global electronic music scene.<\/strong> Follow the “Women of amapiano” playlist on Spotify<\/a>!<\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

With the rise of amapiano comes a renaissance for South African music, as the \u201cvoice of the people\u201d known as kwaito finds itself evolved to create new means of expression in the global pop-culture conversation. House music has always been a male-dominated genre, and South Africa, a constant battleground for women who are changing the narratives around their contributions to the country\u2019s progress. Since before amapiano became what it is today, icons such as Brenda Fassie, Lebo Mathosa, Thembi Seete, Miriam Makeba<\/a> and many more brought their own flavours to a burgeoning scene that allowed women to be revered for their attention to detail, unshakable poise and perseverance behind the mic. Thanks to them, the following women have DJed, produced, rapped and sang their way into unabashed prominence, and now the rest of the world can finally enjoy them in both live and digital spaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dubbed \u201cPrivate School Amapiano\u201d for its sophisticated attention to jazz, deep house and vibrant instrumentals, artists such as Babalwa M are responsible for continuing to keep so-called underground roots of amapiano simultaneously pristine and crispy fresh, while the new school voices upheld by the likes of Banaba Des hold the door ajar for boundary defying acts to take the stage alongside them. Well known powerhouses Sha Sha, Lady Du, DBN GOGO and Kamo Mphela<\/a> have made their global debuts and shown the world exactly why the women of this country are deserving of the reputations they uphold, with the women from decades before walking so that the following vocalists could run — and today, the torch they collectively bear is one that has the globe hanging on their every word.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Get Schooled<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

These women are unparalleled in their ability to craft hit after hit in amapiano\u2019s rise to prominence.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Babalwa M<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

The unanimously named \u201cqueen of private school amapiano,\u201d Babalwa M is best known for her gleaming vocals on pioneer Kelvin Momo<\/a>\u2019s productions, such as \u201ciMali,\u201d on the 2020 smash EP Bayeke<\/em>. Often described as \u201cahead of her time\u201d, she welcomes Kelvin back on her long-awaited debut album titled Aluta Continua, <\/em>to remind us why she\u2019s more than earned her place as one of the most prized vocalists to blaze a trail for the other women on this list. First played over a year ago during Momo\u2019s Lockdown sessions, fans across the country were happy to wait for this iconic singer-songwriter\u2019s moment in the sun, and every note has been worth it for those who value more jazz, soul and pure piano perfection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get to know her on: Suka<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Boohle<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Vosloorus-hailing Buhle Manyati, known fondly as Boohle, is responsible for writing some of the biggest songs amapiano has had on offer, from the Cassper Nyovest and Abidoza accented \u201cSiyathandana<\/a>\u201d (which has just surpassed 6 million views on Youtube), to the Josiah De Disciple-produced \u201cMama<\/a>\u201d, which recently got a powerful remix<\/a> by Afro-house master Da Capo. In 2017 the founder of the Tshwane Gospel Choir fell under her spell, and shortly thereafter she claimed number one spots on South Africa\u2019s local radio stations left and right. Her latest project, the Sfikile <\/em>EP, is a sparkling testament to her vocal prowess anchored by amapiano legend Gaba Cannal and the late Mpura, as well as her abilities with the pen — which came as no surprise after 2020\u2019s earth-shaking albums in Umbuso Wabam’nyama and Izibongo, which<\/em> showed us the nimble nature of her musical mind, particularly on the Afro-soulistic \u201cGive It All\u201d. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get to know her on: Sfikile <\/a><\/em>EP<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Bassie<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Basetsana Maluleka (or Bassie) is one of the most well loved singer-songwriters to enter the game in previous years. Finding her feet from Windmill Park, Boksburg, going on to conduct a local choir at 18, to co-creating smash hits with amapiano pioneers MFR Souls in \u201cBathandwa<\/a>\u201d along with the Boohle-featured \u201cSizani\u201d produced immaculately by T-Man SA, Bassie has enjoyed many highlights on her path to greatness including a stellar appearance on the impactful Channel O Lockdown House Party in Season 1. With her debut album titled Msholokazi<\/em><\/a> set for release on November 12th and featuring heavyweights Tyler ICU <\/a>and Mgiftoz<\/a>, Bassie is set to bring her full arsenal to the dancefloor this SA festival season, thus far unmatched in her passion, her killer sense of humor on social media<\/a> and graceful stage presence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get To Know Her On: Sizani<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Nicole Elocin<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Raised between the Eastern Cape and Kempton Park, Nicole Elocin started her music career at the age of 11 in a church choir. She started pursuing her musical career by attending studio sessions with local producers Tammy T and Phlexx Roku, and by 20, Nicole had her amapiano debut on the Money Heist<\/em> EP with the Tyler ICU, decimating on her rendition of the Italian anti-fascist anthem “Bella Ciao<\/a>” in a way that only amapinao can carry a pop culture reference. Evident that the Money Heist<\/em> staple is not just hype, she brought the energy back home on the dynamic “Sofa Si Lahlane<\/a>“. Making it onto Apple Music\u2019s Top 100: South Africa playlist, for the same EP, Nicole has left her mark with DJ Maphorisa, Kabza De Small, Mas Musiq, Shasha, Nia Pearl and Mlindo The Vocalist, and hopefully many more artists who can match her unfaltering attitude in the years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get to know her on: Hold On<\/a> (feat. Theology HD, Muziqalstesh and Josiah De Disciple)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Mawhoo<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

MaWhoo, born Thandeka Ngema, has been pursuing a career in music since she brought her first track to a radio station in Eshowe Kwazulu Natal, at 11 years old. Turned away because she was too young, she decided to model until she could find a way toward a breakthrough. Reaching out to the iconic, yet controversial South African label Mabala Noise in 2018, she was put in touch with super-producer Heavy K and went on to record \u201cUmshado\u201d with him, and two songs alongside Scorpion Kings on their groundbreaking Once Upon a Time in Lockdown,<\/em> each step of the way championing the belief that women should be able to express themselves however they chose — and be appreciated for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get To Know Her On: Ngipholise<\/a> (feat. DJ Obza) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Bontle Smith<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Since Tembisa-born Bontle Smith joined a vocal group called \u201cCurrent of Blackness\u201d in varsity, she hasn\u2019t looked back. Meeting with DJ Giggs Superstar from the legendary house label Soul Candi led to a feature on Deep House Chronicles 4<\/em> igniting a love for house music which would eventually bring her toward amapiano. After meeting with DJ Maphorisa, he agreed to sign her to his independent label New Money Gang, leading to features on Scorpion Kings\u2019 \u201cLerato,\u201d \u201cAlalahi\u201d on PianoHub<\/em> and \u201cSandton\u201d off The Return of the Scorpion Kings<\/em>, the pandemic has no effect on her upward trajectory in 2020 when she established herself on MFR Soul\u2019s \u201cAmanikiniki\u201d which reached 11 million views on Youtube in just five months. Standing strong alongside Soulful G and TDK Macassette on the powerful \u201ciFilimu,\u201d her latest solo single \u201cLevel Up\u201d featuring DJ Hectic and Siya is aptly named, as she heads toward her own success as a solo vocalist in her own right. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get To Know Her On: Level Up<\/a> (feat. DJ Hectic & Siya)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Soulful G<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

South African National School of Arts alumnus Gugu Bikani, also known as Soulful G, shook South Africa with her immaculately layered vocal delivery on \u201cuThando ” alongside skilled super producers Shaun 101 and Soa Mattrix. At just 21 years old, the song was an instant staple, describing the transcendent love only the ancestors could conjure, evident in the responses she received every time she took to the stage. Returning to trusted territory with Soa Mattrix, she followed the single up with \u201cBuyisa,\u201d evenly matched with Sir Trill, in her delivery of gut-wrenching vocals to rival any powerhouse on the amapiano scene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get To Know Her On: Ungowam<\/a> (feat. Pleasure Adams)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Nia Pearl<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

\u201cQueen of Gems\u201d Nia Pearl grew up in Umtata in the Eastern Cape, singing in her school choir. After high school, Nia went on to study contemporary music at university, going on to record with Mobi Dixon, then toward amapiano with Kabza De Small, Tyler ICU, Major League and Mas Musiq. Equally skilled as a stylist, she\u2019s established her own company called Threads By Nia, where her contemporary style can be shared with her fans. Her standout performance on \u201ciPiano eSoweto<\/a>\u201d with the legendary DJ Stokie and vocalist Dalwionga echoes the impact kwaito has on her life. She chooses her producers well, working with amapiano stalwarts LuuDaDeejay, Howard and Soa Mattrix, as well as her latest offering alongside Mas Musiq with a goose-pimple inducing vocal on \u201cI\u2019m Real,\u201d standing as an irresistible sing-along on the Auti Sharp<\/em> album.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get To Know Her On: I\u2019m Real<\/a> (feat. Soa Mattrix, Mas Musiq)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Find them all in one playlist on Spotify!<\/a><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The New School<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

As amapiano continues to evolve thanks to the tireless efforts of the women above, ever newer iterations of the genre and the people who create it are pushing the movement forward<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Banaba’Des<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Representing as one of the only openly LGBTQ amapiano acts, Banaba\u2019Des\u2019 name was inspired by Destiny\u2019s Child (Banaba = children; Des short for Destiny), carrying the belief that their fate lies in the music they create and the space they\u2019ve opened up for others inspired by them. Comprised of Miss Pammie <\/a>and Unkle Blue<\/a>, the two are spirited, bright and unapologetic in their occupation of a space designed for men and the expectations put on straight women to pander to them. Introduced by producer Alfa Kat<\/a>, they went on to join forces on “Phone Yam<\/a>“, racking up millions of impressions on TikTok. With bars delivered in a combination of Setswana and SePedi called \u201cSepitori\u201d spoken largely in Pretoria, the pair are just beginning to stake their claim in the new school of amapiano. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get To Know Them On: Ke Dese<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Makhanj<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Mbali Makhanya is a vocalist and songwriter (and possibly a comedian<\/a>), with sights set as high as her cheekbones. She\u2019s collaborated and performed with Musa Keys, Phil Keys and Kizz Daniels on various stages in her come-up after setting the proverbial bar high at sport-and-entertainment law school and becoming a certified attorney in 2019. Best known for her contributions to DBN Gogo’s Thokoza Caf\u00e9 EP<\/em><\/a>, she shines on vocals for \u201cNawe,\u201d and wields her pen proudly on Sunde\u2019s and Al Xapo\u2019s \u201cAwazi\u201d and Stagz Jazz\u2019s Daydream<\/em> album where she hints at a promising career on \u201cprivate school\u201d productions. She is presently working on collaborative projects as well as her own debut EP in order to establish her solo career path in amapiano, RnB and hip hop, by venturing out as not just a vocalist but a certified songwriter who can, and will, stand on her own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get To Know Her On: Nawe<\/a> (feat. Makhanj, Felo Le Tee, Dinho, DBN Gogo)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Snenaah<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Sinethemba Mashiane is a composer, singer and songwriter  born in Mpumalanga, raised on indigenous music in a small rural township called Silobela. Now based in Centurion and adopting the moniker Snenaah, she\u2019s stepped up to meet amapiano with a host of audible life experiences. Snenaah has been sharing a slew of breathtaking acapellas and cover versions on social media, breathing new life into familiar favourites with her smoky tones and layered melodies. Traveling to Tanzania and Bulgaria before being locked down in 2020 gave her a new perspective, along with the chance to broaden her worldview in order to hone her vocal skill which she shows us on \u201cParadise<\/a>\u201d featuring Sinny Man\u2019Que, and Mas Musiq\u2019s \u201cGqwinya Lam\u201d featuring Sino Msolo. Keep an eye out for her on another smooth production with Theology HD.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get To Know Her On: Gwinya Lam<\/a> (feat. Mas Musiq and Sino Msolo)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Khanyisa<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Khanyisa is a vocalist and social media star with over a million views on TikTok from Embalenhle, Mpumalanga. Entertaining is nothing new to her, as she was raised in a very musical family where performances were encouraged at every turn. Making a lasting impression  in 2021 on \u201cBheka Mina Ngedwa\u201d alongside the exemplary Lady Du, Marcus MC and Tsiki XII in an ingenious remake of UPZ Dkp\u2019s house classic \u201cPure Surprise\u201d, we can\u2019t wait to see what else she has planned. If her content is anything to go by, it won\u2019t be long before the globe gets to bask in her creative and fun presence in the amapiano scene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get To Know Her On: Bheka Mina Ngedwa<\/a> (feat. Lady Du, Marcus MC and Tsiki XII)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Pabi Cooper<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Pabi Cooper entered the music industry as a dancer on Major League DJz Balcony Mixes, and shot to fame after releasing her first single \u201cIsiphithiphithi\u201d featuring Reece Madlisa, Busta 929 and Joocy, which garnered a million views in its first two weeks online, recently going gold. Labelled \u201ca rose amongst thorns,\u201d she makes light work of any performance, bringing a physicality to the stage  that is thus far unmatched.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get To Know Her On: Uyangi’Jabulisa<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Mashudu<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

A smash hit across South Africa produced by another amapiano pioneer in Djy Jaivane, along with Kappie and Amu Classic comes in \u201cQhude,\u201d complete with the amazing vocal range of an immensely talented vocalist known as Mashudu. She makes her presence known across their One For The World<\/em> EP on tracks such as \u201cuThando,\u201d \u201cIndoda Enemali\u201d and \u201cMashimane\u201d reaching for eye-watering notes that sit incredibly well on the gents\u2019 well-sculpted grooves.  Keep an eye out for the \u201cQhude\u201d music video coming soon, which promises to be the gateway to her own full length debut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get To Know Her On: Amu Classic and Kappie\u2019s One For The World<\/em><\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Nkosazana Daughter<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Nolwazi Kimberly Mzama, taking the moniker Nkosazana Daughter, is a self-taught guitarist and vocalist, who made her musical debut on \u201cMirror\u201d and \u201cBekezela” in 2019 after gracing stages as a poet. Nkosazana brings an ethereal tone to amapiano that is steadily gaining traction, today holding her own alongside amapiano vocal heavyweights Sir Trill, Mpura and Zaba on \u201cIzitha,\u201d – and we can\u2019t wait to see what else she has to offer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get On Know Her On: Izitha<\/a> (feat. Sir Trill, Zaba, Josiah De Disciple, Mpura, TeeJay)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Revered for their attention to detail, unshakable poise and perseverance behind the mic, we introduce a full slate of amapiano\u2019s private school icons and new school torch bearers who have DJed, produced, rapped and sang their way into unabashed prominence. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":103,"featured_media":90047,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7833,9400],"tags":[34102,4096],"location":[7844],"yst_prominent_words":[8996,30065,8414,8447,8402,8435,8501,10453,8438,8449,8848],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pan-african-music.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/89716"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pan-african-music.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pan-african-music.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pan-african-music.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/103"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pan-african-music.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=89716"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/pan-african-music.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/89716\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pan-african-music.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/90047"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pan-african-music.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=89716"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pan-african-music.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=89716"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pan-african-music.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=89716"},{"taxonomy":"location","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pan-african-music.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/location?post=89716"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pan-african-music.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=89716"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}