Amapiano: Understanding The Music And Dance

Origins of AmaPiano

A sub-House music genre that originates from South Africa, Johannesburg, in the Alexandra township. Many believe Pretoria was the birthplace of Amapiano which is debatable, needless to say, it is proudly South African and has taken the world by storm.

This unique sub-house music genre consists of a very harsh lock drum bass and has, not so orthodox, piano note progressions and patterns that can be mistaken for a trumpet sound.

AmaPiano existed for over a decade and, until recently, had been classified as a deep house spin-off. The genre has since become mainstream in South Africa pioneered by the likes of, DJ Maphorisa, Kabza De Small, DJ Stokie, Vigro Deep, Mr JazziQ, MFR Souls, Mas Musiq just to name a few.

In the past few years it has become widely accepted across South Africa as a genre of choice, from coast to coast. The music phenomenon has simultaneously evolved into a popular dance style titled after the namesake, “AmaPiano” pronounced “Armor-Piano”. The dance style spread like wildfire to the rest of the country through the internet, following trendy music videos by popular dance influencer Kamo Mphela. The dancer and artist shared her content with other popular dance influencers such as “Killer Kau” and many others.

Her widely circulated dance videos, to popular AmaPiano hits, began a movement on the internet where users shared videos of them imitating her moves and dancing to AmaPiano music. Various videos depicting Kamo Mphela’s dance moves are uploaded and streamed on social media platforms, which promoted the dance movement as well as the sub-genre.

The AmaPiano dance groove does not have a definite origin, however it is believed that an infamous local DJ, namely Paper 707, innovated the Ama-Piano dance groove, see link: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=g-m6E-FETIY

Between 2005 - 2010 era, AmaPiano’s vibrant culture and lifestyle was made popular in townships by “Izikhothane” pronounced “easy-kor-tar-neh”.

“Izikhothane”, also known as “ukukhothana”, refers to South African showmanship or dance offs where opposing individuals or groups competed against each other in front of large crowds - to determine which side outclassed each other in attire, dance moves and in perceived wealth.

The viral videos of the street dance style (AmaPiano) became a sensation throughout the country, and the craze has spilled over to the rest of the world. To many, Ama-Piano has become a lifestyle that has its own attitude, demeanor and a way of life.

AmaPiano Dance Basics Explained

The “Pouncing Cat” - This dance often has a nonchalant side-to-side movement of the torso, with a backward shoulder roll repetition. Arms are pulled close to the chest, with the hands clenched and leaning forward, like a cat ready to pounce. This is done simultaneously in synchronized rhythm.

Footwork - AmaPiano footwork is very complex quick-step sequencing and clean heel-toe combinations. It is a blend of foot step combinations that has its roots in Pantsula and Gqom dance. It is fast and randomly offbeat, see link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YF1HpgBq-B8

Most AmaPiano dance moves are reincarnations of existing dance moves that were popular in township dance styles.

Sika Lekhekhe (Slice the Cake) - The dance style, pronounced “see-kar-lair-ker-ker”, is a nostalgic dance favorite and has made a comeback in AmaPiano choreography. It mobilizes the pelvis area, with sharp but controlled pelvis rotations and thrusts, see links below:

Old Version

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NBB05NOJPDk

New Version

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GSm-7qLTLjI

Tobetsa (Press) “Ttor-ber-tza” - This dance move was derived from the Hollywood blockbuster “The Matrix”, where the character “Neo”, performed by “Keanu Reeves” is depicted bending backwards, in slow-motion, in an attempt to “dodge” bullets.

While the scene was an instant highlight for the world, it did not remain just a movie scene in South Africa. Dancers took inspiration from the move and tweaked the movement, transforming it into a well-known crowd pleaser.

The move was done by exaggerating an inward-out chest motion simultaneously bending backwards, with a subtle groove, supported by a coordinated up and down movement of the legs. The crowd favorite has also been incorporated into AmaPiano dance moves, see link:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2MaPKORcjU8

AmaPiano Influences

AmaPiano is the culmination of South Africa’s dance and culture. It is a combination of the most relevant dance moves and styles in different eras in the country’s dance heritage. Predominant eras such as Kwaito“kwaai-ttor” contributed to the AmaPiano dance era, through the sporadic, sharp and dynamic dance choreography from pantsula “pun-tsu-lar” dancers.

“Isibhujwa”, adapted from the French word “bourgeoisie”, evolved as a smooth and relatively classy dance form, consisting of complex choreography and a more refined delivery. Sbhujwa dancers and AmaPantsula (Pantsula performers) were differentiated not only by their dance style, but also their dress code and overall archetype.

In KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, isbhujwa was later adopted into “Gqom” [ᶢǃʱòm] '(Igqomu) [iᶢǃʱòmu] dance, which was an alternative form of sbhujwa. In areas such as Durban, Gqom music was the popular sound which was more pacey and intricate. Dancers moulded sbhujwa dance style into one that would keep up with the Gqom sound.

See Below for Examples:

Kwaito: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ferJ19Pu-vg

Pantsula: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GSoY9qVX1io

Isibhujwa: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Ic8egfqSm94

Top 5 AmaPiano DJs Of 2020

Since then AmaPiano has swept through Africa and the rest of the world.. It’s characteristically unique blend of upbeat Ggom, a good portion of house vibes and a jazzy piano combination have set nations on fire.

Top 5 AmaPiano Songs of 2020

The latest fashion and, almost, synchronized choreography rule the nightlife. Popular dance moves such as the “vosho” which was a dance move that was popular in Gqom culture, and the pouncing cat dance move which is synonymous with the AmaPiano way to groove.

Top 5 AmaPiano Dancers of 2020 (no specific ranking)

Bibliography