Inside the UK’s biggest party for Amapiano lovers
AMA Fest brought the South African genre’s biggest acts over to party with a crowd that gave vibrant fashion, moves, and vibes
AMA Fest brought the South African genre’s biggest acts over to party with a crowd that gave vibrant fashion, moves, and vibes
Last weekend, the most propulsive and enchanting sounds of South Africa descended on the UK, at AMA Fest – the largest Amapiano festival outside of the genre and musical movement’s homeland.
Amapiano has quickly conquered the world – it's a slick fusion of traditional African rhythms, house, and hip-hop. It’s all about joyful, bright and buzzy basslines and jazzy melodies with soulful vocals, which has already spawned several subgenres. Its local and global impact is impressive too: on TikTok, the #amapiano hashtag stands at more than 4.7 billion views. Shares of global streams on the AmaPianoGrooves playlist on Spotify are up 116 percent around the world. At its heart, its the sound of a youthful resistance and escapism, and ultimately, closely held community spirit whether the beats are on SA’s streets or in a sweaty, bouncing tent on the outskirts of London.
This is the second – and largest yet – iteration of AMA Fest, drawing thousands to Haywards Heath to celebrate the Amapiano sounds and South African culture with food and fashion too. More than just a gig, party, or festival, AMA Fest has become a social gathering and creative hub for Southern Africans, who bring their style, spirit and vibes for the day.
The three stages were curated by sound – Amapiano; Kwaito, GQOM, and Amapiano; Afro House, Soulful House, and Amapiano. The roster included a range of diverse acts – Cassper Nyovest, Uncle Waffles, Musa Keys, Ms Dee; Mellow & Sleazy, DJ Stokie; Morgan Black, and Larizzle. Cassper Nyovest dominated the headline slot – highlighting why he’s regarded as one of SA's most successful artists, an explosive talent and passionate champion of the local sounds. His major tune “Siyathandana” popped off the mainstage. Uncle Waffles is tapped as Amapiano's youthful, bombastic future and brought it big time to AMA Fest – if you missed it, her Johannesburg Boiler Room reflects her ability to command an audience and drive the vibe. Elsewhere, Felo Le Tee gave a physical, flamboyant, and starry performance to a packed out crowd – of course, playing his essential hit “66”. Young rapper and South African force Alfa Kat brought a big drip and even bigger show.
Woo sent photographer Aiyush Pachnanda to AMA Fest to capture the crowd, the acts, and the soul of the day.