Durban’s distinct Amapiano sound at Spotify’s MOM
Durban’s distinct Amapiano sound takes centre stage at Spotify’s MOM
Durban, July 31, 2025 – Spotify’s Mother of Music (MOM) zooms in on one of South Africa’s hottest genres – Amapiano. While Johannesburg and Pretoria may battle it out for origin bragging rights, it’s Durban’s gritty, soulful, and dance-driven interpretation of the genre that’s making its mark in the Amapiano playbook and fans around the world are taking note.
According to Spotify data, Durban ranks third among the top cities globally streaming Amapiano, hot on the heels of Johannesburg and Pretoria. The rise of Amapiano is nothing short of meteoric, with an explosive 114,377% growth in global streams between 2018 and 2024.
Amapiano’s magnetism transcends borders, but it’s the energetic and deeply expressive Durbanesque version that’s shaping the genre’s next phase. “You feel it in the way Durban artists layer beats, use vocals, and lean into fashion and dance to complete the narrative,” says Bea Theron, Experiential Marketing Manager at Spotify Sub-Saharan Africa. “Durban doesn’t just make music – it performs identity.”
As Spotify’s MOM celebrates Durban’s influence on music, it shines a spotlight on the city’s talent through curated playlists and editorial features. Local heavyweights Dlala Thukzin, JNR Richie, Goldmax, and emerging names like Fanele Grace, KMAT, and Stanky DJ are pushing the envelope, offering fans everything from soulful storytelling to club-thumping bangers. And the fans are listening, especially on Saturdays between 17:00 and 18:00 during Spotify’s peak Amapiano streaming hour globally, with female Gen Z fans being at the forefront, making up 40% of top streamers, reinforcing the genre’s reach among young, digital-first listeners.
Durban’s music scene is inseparable from its dance floors and fashion runways. From the legendary Fact Durban Rocks concerts to street-styled dance battles, the city pulses with a visual and kinetic energy that amplifies the music. This cultural synergy has turned Durban into a breeding ground for genre innovation where every beat is a statement, and every song a snapshot of urban life.
As Amapiano continues its global ascent from the taxis of Tembisa to the clubs of Nairobi, Lagos, and London, Durban’s influence is unmistakable. The platform’s MOM festival not only recognises Durban’s sound but cements its place in the global conversation.
Below are the top 10 hottest Amapiano songs in the country: