One of the fastest-growing music cultures in recent time, Amapiano is a South African genre that emerged in the mid-2010s, blending elements of house, jazz, deep house, kwaito, and Gqom. Its signature sound features smooth piano melodies, deep basslines, and percussive beats, often paired with soulful or chant-like vocals.
Originating in Gauteng, Amapiano quickly gained popularity across South Africa and spread globally by the late 2010s, thanks in part to artists like DJ Maphorisa and Major League DJz. Global reach expanded in the 2020s, making it a dominant force in both African and global music cultures.
Ambient music focuses on creating immersive soundscapes that prioritize mood and atmosphere over melody or rhythm.
Pioneered by artists like Brian Eno in the 1970s, the genre blends natural and synthesized sounds to evoke a calming, meditative environment. Artists like Aphex Twin have since expanded on this through the 90s/2000s.
Ambient music often uses minimalism and repetition to evoke deep emotional responses, making ambient music a powerful medium for relaxation, reflection, and mood-setting.
This beautifully melanated genre blends elements of classic soul, R&B, jazz, and funk with modern influences like hip-hop and electronic music, creating a smooth, sophisticated sound. Emerging in the late 1990s, artists like Erykah Badu, D'Angelo, and Lauryn Hill led the movement, using rich, soulful vocals, intricate instrumentation, and introspective lyrics to offer a contemporary take on traditional soul music.
The genre’s blend of old and new makes it both timeless and innovative, appealing to listeners across generations.
Disco is a genre of dance music that emerged in the 1970s, known for its lush orchestration and pure excitement. Rooted in soul, funk, and pop, it became the soundtrack to the nightlife culture, epitomized by glamorous, high-energy dance floors in clubs like Studio 54. Artists like Donna Summer, the Bee Gees, and Earth, Wind & Fire helped define the sound.
Disco wasn’t just music—it was a lifestyle, a lavish party scene that embraced fashion, freedom, sex and often drugs. The genre represented the pursuit of pleasure, self-expression, and inclusivity, reflecting both the euphoria and excess of the era.
A transformative era that shaped Hip-Hop's mainstream success and cultural impact. Characterized by raw, graphic lyricism and the rise of iconic regional sounds, it saw the emergence of legends like Tupac, Biggie, Nas, and Jay-Z with producers like Dr. Dre and DJ Premier shaping its sound through sample-based beats and storytelling.
While West Coast hip-hop embraced laid-back funk vibes, East Coast focused on intricate lyricism and bass-filled production. 90s hip-hop also gave rise to subgenres like gangsta rap and alternative hip-hop, exploring themes of social issues. The era’s influence is still deeply felt in modern music, fashion, and culture.