Amapiano is a South African-born genre blending deep house, jazz, and kwaito elements that has evolved into a worldwide dance music movement. In 2024, the genre grew significantly influencing global music trends and reshaping nightlife scenes from Johannesburg to London, New York, and beyond.

The Evolution of Amapiano

What started as an underground movement in the townships of South Africa has taken over global dance floors. With its signature log drum, soulful melodies, and groove-driven basslines, Amapiano has made people move—whether they were at a rooftop party in Miami, a festival in Berlin, or a lounge in Lagos. By 2024, Amapiano has diversified further, incorporating elements of Afrobeat, Latin rhythms, and electronic dance music (EDM), making it a staple across various music festivals and club circuits globally.

Regional Influence & ExpansionSouth Africa: The Birthplace & Innovation Hub

South Africa has remained the heart and soul of Amapiano, with artists like Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa, and Young Stunna pushing creative boundaries. The energy has been contagious, and if people have ever danced to an Amapiano set, they know exactly what we mean. Local dance styles like pouncing cat have continued to dominate TikTok and Instagram, keeping the culture alive and evolving.

West Africa: The Afrobeat Fusion

In Nigeria and Ghana, Amapiano has seamlessly merged with Afrobeat, creating a unique sub-genre often referred to as “Afro-Amapiano” or “AfroPiano” Artists like Davido, Asake, and Burna Boy have incorporated Amapiano beats into their music, making it an essential part of the region’s club and radio scenes. You can listen to DJ MnM’s 2024 AfroPiano mix here. 

Europe: The Festival Boom

In the UK, Amapiano has carved out a space in underground club culture and mainstream festivals like Wireless and Glastonbury. European DJs and producers have fused Amapiano with house and garage sounds, creating new, vibrant hybrids that have kept dance floors packed.

United States: Amapiano Meets Hip-Hop & RnB

From New York to Los Angeles, Amapiano has made waves in the U.S. club scene. The genre’s deep grooves have caught the attention of major artists like Chris Brown and Eric Bellinger, leading to exciting collaborations that have blended R&B, hip-hop, and Amapiano into something fresh and electric.

The Future of Amapiano

Amapiano continues to grow. As more artists and DJs push creative boundaries, the genre evolves further. With increased international collaborations, more festival representation, and deeper cultural integration, Amapiano remains a dominant force in the music world. Now is the perfect time to dive into its infectious rhythms.

🎶 Ready to experience the best of Amapiano?
Click below to stream an exclusive mix by DJ MnM and immerse yourself in the sound that is taking over the world!

🔊 Stream Now on SoundCloud 

🔊 Alternative:  MixCloud

Hey heyy,

Recently, I had the opportunity to collaborate with Bold Journey on their “Tactics & Strategies for Keeping Your Creativity Strong” series, and my latest article is now live on their site.

You can read the full article by clicking on the link below:

Meet Michelle MNM on Bold Journey

It’s been a wonderful experience working with the team at Bold Journey, and Im grateful for the continued support! :)

If you’re reading this, hey heyy! It has been sooo long since I made a blog post on here but I hope to change that in the near future because there is so much exciting things to look forward to! 

With the most brief update here are a few highlights from over the years:

2020: COVID – Life changed as we know it. I was able to get clear on a lot of activities and back in touch with nature. Also I was able to analyze the importance of technology and how it will change how we communicate moving forward.

2021: The world started to open back up and I started my career in tech with a music company! #winWin

2022: Experienced new international travels, reconnected with family I hadn’t seen in years, made new connections with local talent in Colorado, and finally found my tribe <3. Underneath the layers, there was a lot of healing from previous connects that I had to learn weren’t supporting this new level of growth I was pursuing but we made it through! #ThankfulForGrowth #ThankfulForProtection #whew 

2023: Life is good!! We are outside outside, new international travels were added to the list, we won the NBA championship, I met so many amazingggg artists and that is what has brought me back to blogging. There are so many new artists that deserve to be heard!! Covid really shifted how we interact with music but it is time to bring some new structure to how it reaches ears that would appreciate a fresh vibe. Plus Colorado is a hidden gem of talent so its time they got a bit of spotlight too.

The first day of Spring just started a few days ago and the space I am in life right now is letting go.  As I transition into the work force from school, I hope to utilize my skillsets and bring value to any team or company.  Im in a new state, time zone, peace of mind, and creative discipline. Moving to Colorado from Georgia has been an eye opening experience and the furthest away from family i’ve ever been in life. I am now “adulting” and living my best life. My communication skills are thru the roof and I can’t stop wanting to learn more. Im dedicated, accountable, and organized. Im excited to be completing a new chapter soon and look forward to creating a future that brings happiness and progress. 

A3C is the largest music festival & conference for Hip Hop music and culture. This year’s festivities took place Oct 5-9, 2016 in Atlanta, GA. As soon as you thought it was over they had a follow up family reunion day party with hand picked artists by Three 6 Mafia legend Juicy J. Hosted by Colt 45,  it was a beautiful day in the neighborhood filled with networking, art, tastemakers, good music, and positive vibes all around.  If you weren’t there, you definitely missed out on a dope event! Here’s a visual recap courtesy of Mahogany Lenz.