I remember finding out and listening to the beauty of South African house in 2013. A friend of mine shared a YouTube playlist that was a two hour plus mix of pure instrumental music with infectious beats that were impossible to sit still listening to.
Thirteen years later, the feeling it gives me never leaves. It transcends into one of the most influential genres birthed in the African continent; Amapiano. My Spotify playlist now contains
over 7 hours of pure Amapiano and South African beats. I could be working out, driving, hanging out with friends, or studying. It’s a genre of music I cherish so much over the years, it’s
never lost its art of blending instruments and vocals so effortlessly, and a lot of that is down to
the meticulous work of talented DJs.
Set in the heart of South London just ahead of a UK bank holiday weekend, London’s premier Amapiano festival, Piano People, made its return. Having attended my first one in East London back in May, it was amazing to be back among thousands of music lovers. While queuing, I chatted with South African and Zimbabwean women now living in London, all buzzing to experience a slice of home. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen this many Southern Africans together in one place outside of the continent.
This August edition featured an incredible lineup, including Woza, Cruz Carl, and Justin99, before headliners TxC and Kelvin Momo closed the night with pure, soulful magic. Beyond the basslines and packed crowd, what truly stayed with me was the power of the diaspora itself. Amapiano is more than just a genre; it is a living bridge between continents, carrying the heartbeat of Southern Africa directly to the streets of London.
Watching a crowd, thousands of miles from home, unite under a single rhythm was a testament to how music preserves culture, builds immediate family among strangers, and transforms a rainy London weekend into a sanctuary of shared identity.
From the incredible DJ sets to lighting that set the perfect mood, the vibe was immediate from the very first beat. Hearing my favorite playlist tracks live offered a fresh perspective on music and community. It was the ultimate finale to my summer of festivals – and a season I’ll never forget.
Writer: Hannah Ajala
Photo credit: Piano People
