This is the eight instalment of the Afro House Amapiano Party franchise. An initiative started in the City Centre of the rebel county; Cork, by DJ Gwada Mike and DJ Muscle.
Covered by Kruise Kontrol.
AFRO HOUSE AMAPIANO PARTY IN CORK
This isn’t your regular party. It’s a fusion of so many different sounds and vibes, you just have to feel it to understand. The African party scene in Ireland has grown immensely in recent years, and Cork isn’t left behind. Certain entertainment personalities in Cork have held it down when it comes to African events, and these individuals are behind the Amapiano party franchise in Cork. These personalities are; DJ Gwada Mike & DJ Muscle.
These two Disc Jockeys were already popular around Ireland, and particularly in Cork, but not until 12th November 2021 did the duo blow up in the nightlife scene, with the launch of what would go on to be one of the most anticipated parties in County Cork Ireland; The Afro House Amapiano Party, or popularly know by just Amapiano. The first Amapiano party held on a Friday, at the prestigious An Spailpin Fanach in Cork City Centre. The party was crazy (in a good way). It was the first time any African party had ever placed Amapiano music as its theme in Cork. It’s usually Afrobeats from Nigeria and Ghana, but this time, the South Africans got their spot, and boy were we all happy for it. THE KRUISE WAS SICK.
Fast forward 1+ year down the line, and we just had the Amapiano #8. Eight successful parties that have attracted people from different works of life
WHAT IS AMAPIANO?
Amapiano is a type of music which originated in South Africa, and from South African culture. The word Amapiano loosely translated from isiXhosa and isiZulu simply means “The Piano”. Little wonder why the staccato-styled punching sounds of the electronic keyboard can be heard almost all through the energetic instrumentals.
This style of music has become a genre of its own on the African scene, and is penetrating other continents, and speedily too. Some say it’s an African version of house music, some say it’s jazz, others would swear it’s lounge music brought back from the 1960’s. The truth is, Amapiano can best be described as a mixture of these three.
This style of music first came out early 2012 in South Africa, and is characterised by synths, airy pads and rhythmic, almost percussive basslines. What differentiates Amapiano from every other African sound is it’s high-pitched, electric piano melodies. These melodies often play against a continuous shaker sound, with that funky kwaito baseline, and the percussions from a subgenre called Bacardi.
THE GROWTH OF THE AMAPIANO GROOVE
The exciting genre has spread so widely across Africa, so much so that several other African countries have not only adopted the music, but have also integrated it into their music scene, often fusing elements of the South African vibe with their indigenous sounds. West African countries such as Nigeria & Ghana, as well as East African countries like Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda are some of the countries that have achieved this blend in recent years.
Nigerian music stars, being arguably the most prolific, and most decorated artistes out of Africa have blown up the Amapiano scene with new styles and mixtures of the base elements of this unique sound, to form many hybrid variations that satisfy the appetite of party lovers across the continent.
Examples of original Amapiano sounds from South Africa:
The genre has seen a lot of growth since the year 2012. Moving from monotonous percussion, and high-pitched piano melodies, to the complex sonic perfection it is today. Here are some of the original Amapiano releases of the early years.
Listening to these songs above would give you raw insight into the vibe Amapiano was created to bring. However, fusions over the years have morphed the sound.
