Here are some of the key musicians and groups that have defined Amapiano:

Kabza De Small: Often hailed as the "King of Amapiano," Kabza De Small has played a significant role in popularizing the genre both in South Africa and internationally. His collaborative album with DJ Maphorisa, "Scorpion Kings," was a pivotal release in the genre.

DJ Maphorisa: As a versatile producer, DJ Maphorisa has had a hand in several major South African genres, including Amapiano. His collaborations with Kabza De Small have been integral to the development of Amapiano.

JazziDisciples: This producer duo has been another driving force behind Amapiano's rise, with their tracks showcasing the genre's signature blending of deep house, jazz, and township rhythms.

Vigro Deep: Known for his unique fusion of Amapiano and dance elements, Vigro Deep's contributions to the genre have helped it reach a younger audience and have broadened its appeal.

Daliwonga: An artist who combines soulful vocals with the staple rhythms of Amapiano, Daliwonga's music exemplifies the genre's capacity for emotive and expressive soundscapes.

Sha Sha: A singer who has frequently collaborated with Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa, Sha Sha's vocals have been a feature of many iconic Amapiano tracks.

Mas Musiq: A prominent Amapiano producer, Mas Musiq's approach to the genre often incorporates elements of other popular South African styles.

De Mthuda & Njelic: Their hit "Shesha" has been one of the genre's most popular songs, helping to further establish Amapiano's presence in the South African music scene.

These artists, among others, have played an important role in the rise of Amapiano, helping to shape its sound and contribute to its increasing popularity.

Amapiano quickly captured the attention of audiences, both domestically and internationally. This list provides a chronological overview of some of the most influential songs and albums that have shaped the Amapiano genre from its inception to the present day

2010s:
2016: Kabza De Small - "Avenue Sounds" (album): This early Amapiano album by the "King of Amapiano" is noted for its instrumental tracks that blend house music with jazz influences and traditional South African rhythms.
2018: DJ Maphorisa & Kabza De Small - "Scorpion Kings" (album): A landmark album in the Amapiano genre that established DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small as a leading force in the scene.
2019: JazziDisciples - "Bafana Ba Numba" (album): This album is celebrated for its deep, hypnotic basslines and the duo's innovative take on the genre, merging it with jazz elements.
2019: Samthing Soweto - "Isphithiphithi" (album): This album features the Amapiano hit "Akulaleki" and showcases the genre's capability for vocal and lyrical expressiveness.

2020s:
2020: Vigro Deep - "Rise of a Baby Boy" (album): A defining album of the 2020s, this work introduced a younger audience to the Amapiano genre with its deep, groovy beats and fusion of Amapiano and dance elements.
2021: De Mthuda & Njelic - "Ace Of Spades" (album): Known for their hit "Shesha Geza," the duo's album further cemented Amapiano's influence in the South African music scene.
2022: Daliwonga - "Chameleon" (album): An album that blends soulful vocals with the staple rhythms of Amapiano, Daliwonga's music exemplifies the genre's capacity for emotive and expressive soundscapes.

Despite its relatively recent emergence, Amapiano has demonstrated an impressive capacity for growth and evolution. The genre's unique fusion of house, jazz, and traditional South African rhythms has proven to be a powerful vehicle for musical expression. The albums and songs listed above stand testament to Amapiano's vibrancy and the diverse range of artistic voices it has fostered.

Some popular music festivals and events that represent the Amapiano music genre include the Amapiano Music Festival, Amapiano Live Balcony Mixes and Amapiano Thursdays.

These events gather fans of the genre and showcase some of the biggest names in Amapiano music, including Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa, and Focalistic. The Amapiano Music Festival is an annual event that takes place in Johannesburg, South Africa, featuring performances by top Amapiano artists. Amapiano Live Balcony Mixes is a weekly live stream event that showcases Amapiano music and has become one of the most popular events for fans of the genre. Amapiano Thursdays is a weekly event that takes place in Pretoria, South Africa, where fans can dance to their favorite Amapiano tracks.

These events are a testament to the popularity of Amapiano music and showcase the genre's unique sound and culture.