South Africa’s Amapiano Inspires Global Dance Movement at Soweto’s Finest Studio
In a buzzing studio located in the heart of Johannesburg, dancers from all corners of the globe gather to feel the rhythm of South Africa’s amapiano—a genre born in the townships that has become a global sensation. At Soweto’s Finest Dance Studio, ballerinas, street dancers, party-goers, and professionals train side-by-side, all eager to master the distinctive amapiano dance moves currently sweeping platforms like TikTok.
The appeal of amapiano is universal. It’s a sound that transcends language and borders, driven by deep log drums, jazzy melodies, and hypnotic house beats. The genre, which originated over 15 years ago in South Africa, has evolved into a cultural phenomenon that now influences music charts and dance floors across the world. From Johannesburg to New York, Lusaka to Shanghai, South Africa’s amapiano is the heartbeat of a new, rhythm-fueled global movement.
The legendary Soweto’s Finest Dance Studio has become a cultural hub for anyone looking to master the dance elements tied to amapiano. The studio is open to everyone—from professional choreographers to total beginners—welcoming them into a space filled with energy, inclusivity, and township pride.
How South Africa’s Amapiano Is Uniting Dancers Worldwide Through TikTok
“It’s not about the words, but you feel it inside of you,” says Venus Chidinma, a 25-year-old professional dancer from New York. A Harvard graduate who has spent several weeks at the studio, Venus believes that South Africa’s amapiano speaks directly to the soul. “It doesn’t matter your race or where you come from. When the music plays, you just move.”
Amapiano’s dance moves are as diverse as its audience. The choreography is a dynamic mix that borrows from traditional South African pantsula, smooth jazz-influenced steps, and even a modern twist on Michael Jackson’s moonwalk, known locally as “baleka.”
At the center of this rhythmic storytelling is Thando Nhlapho, a 21-year-old choreographer at the studio. “Its authenticity to South Africa makes it stand out,” she says, fresh from teaching another sold-out class. Thando uses amapiano not only as a dance style but as a branding tool. “I don’t only dance to amapiano, but I choose it as a marketing strategy because it’s the hottest thing globally right now.”
With social media platforms amplifying her talent, Thando—like many young South African creatives—is turning viral dance challenges into career opportunities.
South Africa’s amapiano has grown beyond being just a music genre; it’s now a global cultural language. Emmanuel Mwenya, a 25-year-old choreographer from Lusaka, Zambia, made a pilgrimage to Johannesburg to immerse himself in the original form of the dance. “In Zambia, we love the music, but it’s never the original,” he said. “I came here to understand the roots.”
For Emmanuel, amapiano is more than a sound—it’s a form of communication. “Whether you speak Zulu, Bemba, Nyanja, or English, amapiano connects us all,” he adds. His goal is to share the authentic spirit of the dance with his community back home through social media and local workshops.
The genre’s virality is undeniable. Social media platforms like TikTok have been instrumental in propelling South Africa’s amapiano into global consciousness. Dance challenges like the one set to “Tshwala Bami” have caught the attention of international celebrities, including US pop star Jason Derulo.
Even families are getting involved. “My mom is 46, and I still teach her TikTok dances,” laughs Snethemba Mathe, a 21-year-old local dancer. It’s this multigenerational appeal that has helped the genre explode on social media, with videos receiving millions of views within hours of being posted.
Xiaoying Zhan, originally from China but now living in South Africa, says she fell in love with amapiano during the COVID-19 lockdown. Today, she brings friends to classes at Soweto’s Finest to share the joy. “It has a lot of upbeat tempo,” she says, listing Tyla, DBN Gogo, and Uncle Waffles among her favorite artists.
According to Spotify, amapiano music featured in over 855 million streams in 2024 alone. Its rise shows no signs of slowing down. As more dancers like Chidinma and Thando use social media to amplify their moves, the genre continues to serve as both a cultural export and a professional platform.
“Amapiano is something so easy to vibe to,” says Venus. “Whenever people come up with a new dance, it’s almost guaranteed to go viral.”
In an era where music and dance spread faster than ever, South Africa’s amapiano has done more than create trends—it has built a bridge across cultures, continents, and generations.
Source- EWN
