About a decade after amapiano first emerged in South Africa, the eccentric sound continues to make evolutionary leaps in its musicality and style. The genre's top hits are now characterised by more soulful, sophisticated melodies and poignant lyrics – a stark departure from the raw and repetitive rhymes that birthed the genre.

As part of Music In Africa's annual playlist series, Top amapiano songs of 2022 features runaway hits currently on high rotation, with many more upcoming releases expected to make the selection throughout the year.

Below are carefully curated club bangers and chart toppers produced by serial hitmakers like Boohle, Sir Trill and Dali Wonga, as well as DJs and producers Musa Keys, Busta 929 and duo DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small, among others.

Top Amapiano Songs of 2022

Ngixolele by Busta 929 ft. Boohle

Amapiano hitmaking machine Busta 929, and Boohle, who is arguably the genre's leading vocalist at the moment, have churned out a heat-melting number here, which has owned the ears of many fans of the genre. It has appeared in the top five on several charts for some time including RiSA's streaming-based The Official South African Music Charts.

Megalo by Reece Madlisa and Zuma ft. Spura and Classic Deep

Titled after the popular club in the township of Alexandra, ‘Megalo' kick-starts the young duo's journey for 2022, and promises much more from the talented music makers.

Adiwele by Young Stunnna ft. Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa

‘Adiwele' features poignant lyrics on a groovy track, giving the listener food for thought while still maintaining a vibrant vibe and holding its status as a worthy club hit.

Dali Nguwe by Master KG ft. Nkosazana Daughter, Basetsana and Obeey Amor

Although it's not clear whether this slow-paced song belongs to house or amapiano, it certainly deserves a mention on this list.

Ameno Amapiano Remix by Nektunez and Goya Menor

Boasting a staggering 10 billion views on TikTok, the ‘Ameno' remix went viral on social media following its release in July, being aggressively used to make memes and videos. The song, which offers the US-based Ghanaian producer's take on the South African genre, has been well received and continues to command the airwaves.

Asibe Happy by Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa ft. Ami Faku

After Ami Faku's successful amapiano debut single ‘Abalele', she teams up again with the amapiano heavyweight to deliver this anthemic and positive number, which reminds listeners to stay happy.

Umlando by 9umba ft. Sino Msolo, Young Stunna and Sir Trill

A retrospective number to be cherished for many more days in the future. The track pays homage to important figures who helped shape the genre.

Safa by Musa Keys and T T MuziQ ft. Philharmonic 

Released in mid-February, ‘Safa' has become an instant hit within the amapiano movement. It would not be premature to count it among the biggest amapiano hits of the year.

Paris by Q-Mark and TpZee ft. Afriikan Papi

‘Paris' has had an impressive run on the upper end of music charts in South Africa. Themed around the concepts of finding true love, getting married and jetting off to Paris for a honeymoon, the unhurried single features Q-Mark's hooks and a strong verse from Afriikan Papi.

Siyajola by Busta 929 ft. Almighty and Lolo SA

‘Siyajola' is a contagious tune that can resonate with many couples who have been through the highs and lows of a relationship. This is at least according to the high rotation of the song across South Africa.

Ekhaya by Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa ft. Kevin Fellow

Impressive hits like ‘Ekhaya' almost seem effortless when the Scorpion Kings put a talented singer on their beats. Here, Kevin Fellow's vocal flow attests to this.

Bopha by Mellow, Sleazy and Felo Le Tee ft. DJ Maphorisa, Madumane and Young Stunna

The long lists of collaborators featuring talented vocalists who each have their time to shine alongside top producers seems to be the status quo among the amapiano community. On this single, Young Stunna fills the role with his catchy hitmaking hooks.

Jola by De Mthuda ft. Sino Msolo and Da Muziqal Chef

‘Jola' certifies De Mthuda's production skills and eccentric musicality. Although often compared to Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa, his unwavering efforts and contributions, which have inspired a more soulful sound, is still somewhat underrated. 

Siyathandana by Cassper Nyovest ft. Boohle and Abidoza

Genre-crossing rapper Cassper Nyovest is adamant about producing amapiano hits. ‘Siyathandana' is off his follow-up amapiano album Sweet & Short 2.0. His knack for reworking classics tunes, in this case, Bob Sinclair's ‘World Hold On', coupled with the vocals of fast-rising singer Boohle, have given this single a long-running streak on the local music charts.

Mina by Kabza De Small and Visca ft. Boohle

Another chart-topping single featuring the sultry vocals of Boohle and creative production by Kabza, this time alongside Visca.