Amapiano: South Africa's gift to the world

Updated March 5, 2025, 5:59 a.m. | By East Coast Breakfast / Skyye Ndlovu

Amapiano is running the world. From Belgian locker rooms to West Ham United's TikTok – South Africa's vibe is unmatched, and the world can't get enough.

Locker room yanos — @rcsa / @standard_rscl / TikTok

If someone asked you to describe South Africa in one sentence, what would you say?

For me, it’s simple... vibe central. Because let’s be honest, wherever we go, the energy follows.

Ever since the rise of amapiano, the world has shifted. This genre has transcended borders, languages, and cultures, bringing people together and reminding us all how good life can be.

Global SA stars like Tyla and Uncle Waffles have taken amapiano to international stages, making an impact so undeniable that the world had no choice but to dance along.

And now, it’s not just music charts that are feeling the piano fever – football locker rooms have joined the movement.

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Recently, a video of Belgian soccer team Standard de Liège vibing to amapiano went viral. In the clip, teammates are turning up to one of SA’s biggest hits, 'Jealousy' by Ceeka RSA and Tyler ICU.

Andi Zeqiri steals the show with his best dance moves while Ilay Camara grooves along, fully in the zone.

The energy? 100% South African-approved.

@standard_rscl Mood. 🕺 #dance #CLUSTA #COYR 🔴⚪️ @andizeqiri @ilaycamara ♬ origineel geluid - Standard de Liège

Naturally, the comment section exploded, with South Africans losing their minds. However, this isn’t an isolated case. Amapiano is everywhere.

As one user pointed out: “😭😭😭South Africa is running the entire world. Watch West Ham on their TikTok account. 🤣🤣🔥🔥🔥”

Now, if you’re a diehard West Ham United fan, you already know what’s up. Their official TikTok is basically a daily amapiano appreciation page.

Almost every video features an amapiano track, and at this point, we need to know: is their social media manager secretly South African?

Need proof? Check out this video of West Ham’s head coach, Graham Potter, gearing up for the new season – set to the epic 'UYAH!' by Uncle Waffles. (She even reposted it. Iconic.)

@westham Graham Potter is ready for a new challenge 🤝 #westham #whuafrica ♬ original sound - Hinade🦅

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It doesn’t stop there though. RC Strasbourg players recently joined the movement with another viral locker room video, vibing to none other than 'Mnike' by Tyler ICU.

The dance moves? Certified.

@rcsa 🕺 Les gaaaaaaars 💙 #rcsa #strasbourg #tiktokfootball #sportstiktok #win #hayke #ligue1 #danse ♬ son original - RCSA

Here’s the truth: South Africa is in a league of its own. Sure, we’ve got our fair share of challenges, but our vibe? Unmatched.

Amapiano isn’t just a genre – it’s a movement, a culture, and proof that no matter what, South Africa will always have the world dancing to our rhythm.