What comes to mind when you think of Ibiza? Neon lights, crowded dancefloors, and the irresistible house beats. Now picture those beats infused with the warm, soulful bounce of Amapiano. A genre birthed in South African townships characterized by its lush log drums, jazzy chord progressions, and irresistibly, infectious rhythm. This is the audacious vision behind “Amapiano to Ibiza,” a musical bridge between two worlds, two sounds, and two cultures.
The album, spearheaded as a first-of-its-kind release, reimagines timeless house music classics through a stellar lineup of Amapiano’s finest- DBN Gogo, 2wo Bunnies, Major League DJz, Yumbs and Rosey Gold. Tracks originally made iconic by house legends Dennis Ferrer, Afro Medusa, Blaze, and Inner City are given new life, recreated by the distinctive nature of Amapiano. It is a project that not only unites genres but also redefines our understanding of the past and future of dance music.
A Meeting of Melodies
Combining Amapiano with house music was a challenge and homecoming for Blaqnick and Masterblaq. The South African DJ brother duo from Pretoria have clearly shown their ability in the fusion of two genres as seen in their viral track “La Mezcla/La Maluka”.
“House music has always been in my DNA,” Blaqnick reflects. “Before Amapiano, I was producing house, so this fusion was like coming full circle.” Their approach was rooted in respect- honoring the deep cultural identities of both genres while allowing room for innovation. “It’s about preserving Amapiano’s essence- its log drums, jazzy textures while introducing house’s driving energy and hypnotic grooves,” MasterBlaq adds.
This philosophy is shared by The Real Prechley, a South African producer and vocalist who is notably known for her collaboration with Afrobeats hitsmaker, Shallipopi. She emphasizes the importance of grounding the fusion in Amapiano’s roots. “Amapiano is the sound of the people—it’s born from the township, from our lived experiences,” she explains. “To stay authentic, I worked with local producers, used traditional rhythms, and even experimented with indigenous languages. It’s about showing the world where this music comes from while inviting them into our journey.”
Thuto The Human, a proud custodian of Bacardi and Sgija sub-culture of Amapiano, took a more experimental route, drawing on his instincts and emotional connection to the music. “There wasn’t a specific formula,” he admits. “I worked with sounds that resonated with me, layering nostalgia with innovation. My goal was to evoke memories—moments of joy and freedom—while creating something that feels fresh and relatable.”
A Cultural Exchange, More Than A Fusion
Amapiano to Ibiza is unique in its capacity to not only bridge genres but also connect cultures. The underground clubs of Detroit, Chicago, and New York City gave birth to house music, which has always celebrated self-expression and community. Within its township roots, Amapiano shares a similar ethos of inclusivity and joy. Together, they create a powerful narrative that serves as a reminder that music knows no bounds and brings people together.
“This project is about more than just beats and melodies,” Blaqnick explains. “It’s about creating a space where everyone, no matter where they’re from, can feel connected. Music is a universal language, and this album proves that.”
“Amapiano is appreciating what is there and also appreciating what it is now. It’s a legacy of music just building on and on,” says Yumbs, a multitalented South African producer who has collaborated with the likes of Pabi Cooper, Cassper Nyovest, Musa Keys, Major League DJz, and many more.
Agreeing with this statement that the fusion pays homage to the legacy of house music while carving a path for younger generations. The Real Prechley adds that, “By blending these genres, we’re creating something timeless—something that bridges the gap between the past and the present, the local and the global.”
Amapiano: A Global Movement
Amapiano’s rise from the streets of South Africa to the global stage has been nothing short of extraordinary. Its reach has amplified with platforms like TikTok, Spotify, and YouTube turning catchy anthems into global hits. “Amapiano is deeper than music”, says Yumbs.”It’s a lifestyle.”
Adding “Amapiano isn’t just a sound—it’s a movement,” Thuto explains. “Its adaptability is incredible. It can blend with house, Afrobeat, R&B, even gospel. That’s what makes it so special—it’s music for everyone.”
This versatility is showcased beautifully on Amapiano to Ibiza. The album’s tracks are expertly balanced, fusing House’s upbeat melodies with Amapiano’s soulful rhythms. Iconic tracks like DJ Maphorisa’s “iWalk Ye Phara” and Kabza De Small’s “Sam Sokolo” served as inspiration, guiding the artists as they crafted a sound that feels both nostalgic and groundbreaking.
Building a Timeless Legacy
“This album shows that genres aren’t limits—they’re starting points,” the Real Prechley says. “By blending house with Amapiano, we’re creating something that speaks to people across generations and geographies. It’s music that honors the past while paving the way for what’s next.” Amapiano to Ibiza is about legacy. It’s a celebration of dance music’s rich history and a bold step toward its future.
As the fusion of Amapiano and house continues to evolve, the possibilities seem endless. From collaborations with international artists to incorporating new sounds, the genre’s journey is only just beginning. “Amapiano is a global movement, and this project proves its elasticity,” Thuto says. “It’s music that brings people together whether on a dancefloor in Soweto or Ibiza.”
The Dancefloor is a Universal Language
Amapiano to Ibiza is more than an album, it’s a statement. It tells the world that music has no borders. It’s about shared experiences and collective joy. From the bustling streets of South Africa to the sunny beaches of Ibiza, this project is proof that a good groove transcends borders.
With Amapiano to Ibiza, we’re reminded that the dancefloor speaks the same language, and in that language, we are all fluent.