Amapiano vs Arbantone - Which is Bigger?
What’s the driving force behind the worldwide popularity of African music today? Could it be the irresistible rhythm of Amapiano or the infectious energy of Arbantone? Both genres have taken the global music scene by storm, but which is truly the bigger force in the world of African music? When it comes to Arbantone vs Amapiano, we’ll explore the history, key artists, competition, and the most popular songs of both Amapiano and Arbantone to find out which genre reigns supreme.
Amapiano: The Rise of South African Music
Amapiano, a genre born in South Africa, is a fusion of deep house, jazz, and kwaito rhythms. Its name, which translates to “the pianos” in Zulu, refers to its signature use of jazzy keys and a smooth, soulful bassline that instantly distinguishes it from other genres. Amapiano music first emerged in the early 2010s in the townships of Johannesburg and Pretoria, before gradually spreading throughout South Africa. Today, Amapiano songs can be heard in clubs, parties, and radio stations around the world.
The genre is known for its use of synthesized pianos, drum machines, and percussion, making its beats both mellow and hypnotic. While Amapiano is often seen as a modern twist on traditional South African sounds, it has grown into a global phenomenon. This genre represents not just a new sound, but also a cultural movement, offering a refreshing new take on contemporary African music.
Key Artists in Amapiano:
- Kabza De Small – Often called the “King of Amapiano,” Kabza has been instrumental in shaping the genre’s sound.
- DJ Maphorisa – Known for his collaborations with many top artists, DJ Maphorisa helped Amapiano gain international recognition.
- Focalistic – One of the genre’s top vocalists, Focalistic has helped take Amapiano to new heights with hits like “Ke Star.”
- Sha Sha – Often referred to as the “Queen of Amapiano,” her sultry voice and hits like “Tender Love” have made her a key figure in the genre.
- Mas Musiq – Another major Amapiano producer whose deep, melodic sounds have contributed to the genre’s evolution.
Most Popular Amapiano Songs:
- “Jerusalema” by Master KG
- “Ke Star” by Focalistic
- “Uthando” by Sha Sha
- “Abalele” by Kabza De Small & DJ Maphorisa
- “Soweto Baby” by DJ Maphorisa
Arbantone: The Rise of Kenyan Urban Music
Arbantone, an emerging genre in Kenya, blends urban music styles like Gengetone, trap, and Afrobeat with elements of traditional Kikuyu sound and high-energy dancehall rhythms. It takes its name from the term “Arban,” a slang term used to describe the vibrant, fast-paced culture of urban youth in Kenya. Arbantone is rooted in the hustle and vibrancy of Nairobi, combining local dialects like Kikuyu, Kiswahili, and Sheng, which make it distinctly Kenyan.
Unlike Amapiano’s smooth, chilled beats, Arbantone’s tracks are fast-paced, often accompanied by heavy bass and rhythmic vocals. The genre incorporates storytelling, with lyrics that touch on urban life, social issues, and the triumphs and struggles of the youth. While Arbantone music is relatively new, it has already made a significant impact within Kenya and the broader East African region.
Key Artists in Arbantone:
- Boondocks Gang – One of the most successful groups in the Gengetone scene, Boondocks Gang has incorporated Arbantone into their sound.
- Bahati – Former Kenyan Gospel music artist turned secular artist, he ventured into the Arbantone style, blending his melodious voice with urban sounds.
- Lil Maina – Known for his dancehall-influenced Arbantone hits, Lil Maina has captured the hearts of Kenyan music lovers. His ability to mix RnB with Kenyan streets lingo and comedy has made his songs memorable.
- Nadia Mukami – A leading Kenyan female artist, Nadia’s crossover into Arbantone music has been widely successful.
- Maandy – the artist has dominated the genre getting the title as the Queen of Arbantone in Kenya.
Most Popular Arbantone Songs:
- “Anguka Nayo” by Wadagliz KE
- “Kishash” by Lil Maina
- “Bubbly Bubbly” by Maandy
- “Dancehalling” by UncoJingJong
- “Lewa” by Parotty
Comparing the Volume of Music: Amapiano vs Arbantone
When comparing the volume of music in both genres, Amapiano undoubtedly leads. The genre has exploded in popularity, with new Amapiano songs being released daily by a variety of artists. South Africa’s music scene, especially in Johannesburg and Pretoria, has seen a surge in Amapiano tracks, many of which have crossed borders into international markets. Amapiano mixes are also popular, with DJs across the world mixing and remixing tracks to suit different tastes.
On the other hand, Arbantone is still in its infancy. While it has made a huge splash in the Kenyan music scene, the genre has not yet reached the level of global output that Amapiano has. Kenyan artists are consistently dropping Arbantone mixes, but the volume of Arbantone songs pales in comparison to the vast catalog of Amapiano tracks. Arbantone music is, however, gaining momentum, particularly within East Africa, with a growing fanbase and frequent collaborations between artists.
The Competition: Who Is Winning?
When it comes to competition, Amapiano has faced little resistance on the global stage. It has firmly established itself as the leading genre from South Africa, dominating global charts, playlists, and airwaves. The genre has even seen collaborations with global stars like Drake and Wizkid, which has boosted its visibility worldwide.
Arbantone, on the other hand, is still relatively localized. While it is hugely popular within Kenya and some East African countries, it has not yet achieved the same level of global recognition as Amapiano. However, this does not mean Arbantone is not rising. Its unique blend of Afrobeat, trap, and Gengetone rhythms resonates deeply with the youth, and the genre has a very strong presence in Kenyan pop culture.
Amapiano vs Arbantone: Which is Bigger?
To determine which genre is bigger, we need to look at several key factors: popularity, volume of music, and global reach.
- Global Reach: Amapiano clearly takes the lead here. From South Africa, it has spread across the African continent and even gained traction in Europe, the U.S., and beyond. It has made its way onto international music charts, with Amapiano songs consistently ranking among the most streamed worldwide.
- Volume of Music: Again, Amapiano dominates in terms of sheer volume. With a massive catalog of tracks, remixes, and mixes, Amapiano has a far larger output than Arbantone. The genre has evolved quickly, thanks to a high level of production, with new music being released every day.
- Competition: Amapiano faces competition from various genres, but it has managed to carve out a niche for itself on the international stage. Arbantone, although a rising star, has not yet faced global competition in the same way.
- Artist Influence: Amapiano artists like Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa, and Sha Sha are influencing the global music scene, while Arbantone artists, though influential in Kenya, have yet to make their mark on the world stage.
Conclusion: Amapiano’s Global Domination
While Arbantone is an exciting and dynamic genre that is rising rapidly in Kenya, Amapiano is currently the bigger force in African music. Its wide-reaching influence, vast catalog of tracks, and international collaborations have propelled it to global recognition. Amapiano music has reached every corner of the world, while Arbantone, though growing, still has much ground to cover outside of East Africa.
Both genres represent the rich cultural diversity and vibrant musical talent of Africa. But for now, Amapiano reigns as the dominant genre, shaping the sound of modern African music and continuing to capture the attention of listeners around the world.
Soliloquy: The Future of African Music
As the world tunes in to the sounds of Africa, it’s clear that Amapiano and Arbantone are two sides of the same coin. They represent the evolution of African music, each in its own unique way. Will the pulsating rhythms of Amapiano continue to dominate the global scene, or will the infectious energy of Arbantone rise to challenge it? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: African music is louder than ever, and its future is as vibrant as its past.
About The Author
