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I’ve always been drawn to electronic music, the way it pulses, shifts, and pulls you into its world. But as of this year, I’ve found myself captivated by popiano, a subgenre blending South African amapiano with pop’s infectious energy. It’s everywhere right now, echoing through clubs, lighting up TikTok, and filling playlists with its vibrant beats. I’ve watched popiano sweep the globe, and I’m here to dive deep into what it is, why it’s resonating, and the tracks that have caught my ear this year.
I first got into amapiano years back, hooked by its mix of deep house, kwaito, and jazz, all tied together with those hypnotic log-drum basslines. Born in the townships of Johannesburg and Pretoria, amapiano feels effortless yet alive, a groove I couldn’t resist. Popiano takes that foundation and runs with it, layering on pop’s structure and polish. It’s less about endless loops and more about songs that stick with you, blending amapiano’s soul with hooks that demand attention.
To me, popiano keeps its roots, those thumping drums and jazzy keys, while opening up to a wider audience with vocals and themes that hit universal notes like love and celebration. It’s raw yet refined, and that balance is what keeps me coming back.
When I listen to this new sound, a few elements stand out:
Lately, I’ve noticed hints of afrobeat or R&B creeping into the sub genre, making it feel like it’s adapting to wherever it lands.
I’ve seen popiano’s rise unfold this year, and it feels tied to the moment. After years of upheaval, there’s a hunger for music that’s communal and uplifting, and popiano fits the bill. I caught its early spark with Tyla’s “Water” in 2024, a track that put amapiano on the map for me and so many others. By 2025, popiano has stepped into its own, showing up at festivals like Coachella and dominating streaming platforms.
For me, it’s exciting to see South African artists leading this popiano charge, collaborating with global names and bringing their sound to the forefront. TikTok’s been a big push too, every other video seems to feature a popiano beat these days.
Here are the popiano tracks that have grabbed my attention this year:
This is the Grammy-winning track that kicked off popiano’s global rise. It’s got that log-drum beat and a pop hook I can’t shake, still a benchmark for the sound.
Not pure popiano, but Burna’s fusion of afrobeat with global flavors shows how he could lean into this genre. The vibe’s close enough to feel the influence.
Major League DJz remixed Tyla’s hit, amping up the amapiano roots with a dancefloor twist. It’s a real taste of the genres crossover potential.
Not amapiano-based, but Nasty C’s slick flow over a beat like this could easily slide into popiano territory with the right production—like a Kabza De Small collab.
This is classic amapiano with Lady Du’s bold vocals. It’s not full-on popiano, but you can hear how her style could evolve into it with a poppier edge.
I love how this new genre turns the tables, African sounds aren’t just background anymore; they’re front and center. South African artists are driving this popiano wave, and it’s thrilling to see them get their due. The way the genre blends raw energy with polish makes it versatile, connecting with both underground fans and casual listeners like me.
I’ve noticed popiano sparking unexpected collabs too, K-pop with log-drums, Latin artists tapping into the rhythm. It’s like popiano’s breaking down walls, and I’m here for it.
From what I’ve seen, 2025 is just the beginning for popiano. Focalistic’s hinting at a popiano album, Diplo’s remixing it, and I’ve even played with AI tools like Suno to mess with this new sound myself. Some say it’s getting too commercial, losing amapiano’s edge, but I see it as evolution, keeping the spirit while reaching further.
Popiano’s grabbed my attention this year with its blend of African roots and pop appeal. Tracks like Tyla’s “Dance all night” and Burna’s “Rasta road” show this genre its range, and I can’t wait to see where it goes next. It’s a sound that’s alive, rooted, and global all at once, built on amapiano’s legacy but carving its own path. What popiano tracks have you been into lately? I’d love to hear your take, let’s keep the vibe going.
DJ | MUSIC CURATOR & SELECTOR | PODCAST MAKER | BLOGGER Professional online interpreneur. Coffee practitioner. Electronic music culture maven. Total music guru. Infuriatingly humble problem solver. Food & sports fanatic.
Welcome to Dirty Disco Episode 592, your weekly deep dive into the freshest underground house, nu-disco, and soulful electronica, expertly curated and mixed by Kono Vidovic. As spring breathes new […]
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