Amapiano music craze sweeps Uganda’s youth off their feet

If you are one of those who like hanging out in clubs and discothèques in Uganda, you should surely have noticed the Amapiano music craze which has cast a spell on the youth.

From club to club from night spot to night spot, Amapiano must be on the menu for the DJ lest you might struggle to get customers if you are a bar owner.

Amapiano music originated in South Africa but it has taken the globe by storm. It’s key point of difference from other music styles is the high-pitched piano melodies and permeate through the beat.

DJ Chicco, 34, a Ugandan says he has had to acquaint himself with this new style to remain relevant in the industry.

“Many young people like this kind of music and that is what they request me to play for them. So I have had to listen to it and select what is trending,” he says.

South Africans still dominate the Amapiano scene. Indeed at the recently concluded Nyege Nyege festival, DJ Vigro Deep from South Africa was one of the biggest attractions thanks to Amapiano.

In February this year South African diva Kamo Mphela’s electrifying performance at Lugogo Hockey Grounds left many in the crowd animated and moving their limbs to her Amapiano beats.

Some of the most popular Amapiano hits this year include: Mellow & Sleazy’s Midnight in Sunnyside 2; Stakev and Kabza De Small’s Rekere; DJ Stokie’s My Journey Continues; Josiah De Disciple’s Sounds of Gomorra Volume 2 and Kwiish SA’s Back to Black.

Even some local music artistes have had to tweak their style to appeal to Amapiano lovers.

In 2021, Aziz Azion revived his music career with a song, Meketa, which had Amapiano beats

Spice Diana’s Tujooge is one of her most popular hits thanks to its Amapiano beats. Music producer Daddy Andre also released an Amapiano hit “Omwana Wabandi”.

So what makes Amapiano so unique and attractive to young people?

“I like the fast rhythm of the beats because it keeps you on the dance floor,” said Sharon Arinda, 26, a businesswoman.

Daniel Musisi, 21, a university student says the Amapiano music styles brings out all the energy in you.

“It is electric because of the beats. It is like electronic or garage music,” he says.

Music trends in Uganda and elsewhere come and go. There was a time when Lingala music from Dr Congo was the bomb, then Ragga happened!

So we can’t tell how long the Amapiano music craze will last but young people are not complaining.