Sounds Of Amapiano Riddim – Riddimworld Records

Amapiano music means “the pianos” in the Zulu language of South Africa. This house style of music first emerged in the Southern African continent in 2012 and has since spread across the globe. It comprises Kwaito basslines, high-pitched piano melodies, some 90s South African di-gong rhythms fused with other local subgenres of music. It’s quite simply a unique style of music taking over airwaves globally.Riddim World Records this October 2021 partnered with Genius Mintol of Big League Music ZW to produce our first Amapiano rhythm (riddim). The Caribbean, dancehall, reggae, soca and rasta community are not ready for this….but at least you can say you heard some global amapiano vibes straight out of Zimbabwe to Jamaica, to the world.

Amapiano is the star here, and Riddimworld Records leans right into that South African pulse with a dancehall-minded instrumental that keeps the log-drums low and the keys bright. The project landed in October 2021 and runs lean at just two cuts, with the title track and “Zimpiano Riddim Expo” both clocking in under five minutes, so there’s no wasted motion or extra padding. Rather than forcing a straight dancehall groove, it lets the Kwaito-style bass movement and those sharp piano lines do the talking, which gives the riddim a slick, night-drive feel. If you want the cleanest snapshot of the concept, the closing “Zimpiano Riddim Expo” ties it up neatly and leaves the amapiano angle front and center.

Sounds Of Amapiano Riddim Tracklist:

1. Sound of Amapiano Riddim
2. Zimpiano Riddim Expo

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For the origins and history of Amapiano, watch the very informative 26 minute documentary below. It’s been quite a journey the last ~10 years since it first appeared on the airwaves.