We have had an impeccable year of music this year, with the rise of Amapiano we are spoilt for choice. The year 2022 marked a significant shift in cultural trends and the way music moves on the street. One such shift is Tik Tok’s influence in shaping trends and producing the year’s bangers. The ‘uMlando Challenge’ not only went viral on social media, but it also fueled the global era of Amapiano that we saw in 2022. That organic success later translated into massive mainstream success for Toss, who has emerged as an overnight soundscape leader.
Despite the gradual resurgence of SA Hip Hop, Amapiano’s dominance remained. While there are reasons to believe the chart will look slightly different next year, there is no telling how massive the Amapiano explosion will be.
Having said that, K.O’s triumphant return has given him the biggest hit of his career. ‘SETE,’ the smash hit that fuses SA Hip Hop and Afrobeats, has broken several records this year. It’s also the most streamed South African song on major streaming music platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.
In no particular order, we have made a round up of songs that kept the music industry alive this year:
- Ngixolele – Busta 929 (ft Boohle)
- Asibe Happy – Kabza De Small, Dj Maphorisa, Ami Faku
- Adiwele – Young Stunna (ft Kabza De Small & Dj Maphorisa)
- Sete – KO (ft Young Stunna & Blxckie)
- Phakade Lam – Nomfundo Moh (ft Ami Faku & Sha Sha)
- Sondela – Venom, Shishiliza (ft Ricky Rick, Blxckie, Raspy & Yumbs)
- Abo Mvelo – Dalowinga (ft Mellow & Sleazy & MJ)
- Osama- Zakes Bantwini & Kasang0
- Soft Life – Nomfundo Moh
- Amagents – Samthing Soweto
- Dream about you – Loyiso
- Lemons (Lemonade) – AKA & Nasty C
This list is not even close to the number of hits released this year, tell us your song of the year pick in the comments.