S2 EP5
The Soundtrack to Your Summer 🇿🇦
There are few genres growing as fast as Amapiano right now. What started in the townships of Gauteng, South Africa, during the mid-2010s has become a global movement, reaching dance floors from Johannesburg to London, Amsterdam, New York, and beyond. Built around soulful melodies, jazzy chords, smooth percussion, and the iconic log drum bassline, Amapiano blends elements of deep house, kwaito, jazz, and lounge music into a sound that's impossible to ignore. One of the best things about the genre is that it never stands still—new producers, vocalists, and subgenres are constantly pushing the sound forward while staying true to its roots.
For this mix, I wanted to capture that feeling. Instead of chasing only the biggest hits, I mixed together records that have been living in my playlists lately—some from established legends, others from artists who deserve a lot more attention. If you're looking for a smooth, soulful Amapiano session with plenty of groove, I think you're going to enjoy this one.
Three Artists You Should Definitely Know
Vigro Deep
If you've listened to Amapiano over the past few years, you've almost certainly heard Vigro Deep. Born and raised in Pretoria, South Africa, he's become one of the biggest producers in the genre thanks to his signature deep basslines, emotional melodies, and incredibly clean production. His music always seems to find the perfect balance between being soulful enough for a late-night drive and energetic enough to keep a dance floor moving.
His track "Been Waiting" is one of my favorites from this playlist. It has that classic Vigro Deep vibe—simple, hypnotic, and impossible not to nod your head to. He's one of those producers whose records always seem to age well.
Gaba Cannal
Whenever I'm in the mood for something deeper and more melodic, Gaba Cannal is usually one of the first artists I turn to. Coming from Johannesburg, he's built his reputation over many years as one of South Africa's finest deep house producers before naturally becoming an important influence on the soulful side of Amapiano.
His track "Levels" brings exactly the kind of energy I love in a mix. It doesn't rely on huge drops or flashy moments—it simply grooves from beginning to end. If you're someone who appreciates musicality as much as rhythm, Gaba Cannal's catalog is definitely worth exploring.
DJ Jaivane
Another artist I find myself coming back to again and again is DJ Jaivane. He's one of the pioneers of what's often called Private School Amapiano—a smoother, deeper style that focuses more on atmosphere than commercial radio hits. His marathon mixes have earned him a loyal fan base, and his influence on today's Amapiano scene is hard to overstate.
This playlist features "Ke Di Nyakzin" and "Stepabumpa," two collaborations with Navaro and uLazi that perfectly showcase his style. They're the kind of records that slowly build and keep the groove going without ever feeling repetitive. As a DJ, those are the tracks I love mixing because they create such a natural flow.
A Playlist Full of Great Talent
Of course, those aren't the only artists worth checking out. This mix also includes incredible music from Shaun Stylist, Nandipha808, Theo Da Producer, Cyfred, Sayfar, LeeMcKrazy, SKAPS THE DEEJAY, Mafis MusiQ, Black SA, and several exciting underground producers helping shape the next chapter of Amapiano.
I also included two of my own tracks, "Siyaphuma" and "Ngikhona." As both a producer and DJ, I enjoy blending my own music alongside records from artists who inspire me. The goal is always the same: create a mix that flows naturally while introducing listeners to new music they might not have discovered yet.
Whether you've been listening to Amapiano for years or this is your first introduction to the genre, I hope this mix gives you a taste of why South African dance music continues to inspire DJs and music lovers all over the world.
🎧 Download the Free MP3 Mix
Enjoying the mix? Don't forget to download the FREE MP3 so you can listen offline wherever you are—at the gym, in the car, at work, or on your next road trip.
Thanks for listening, and I'll see you in the next mix! 🇿🇦🔥