A new AI-created amapiano track is topping charts but splitting opinions across social media.
A first-of-its-kind South African artificial intelligence (AI)-generated amapiano song is making waves online, and not just for its chart success.
According to posts trending on X, Rea Gopane’s Suka!, released in December 2025, has climbed as high as number 10 on the Apple Music South Africa Top 100 with over 1.2 million streams. Meanwhile, the artist’s Spotify listener count hovers around 700 000.
Yet the buzz isn’t all praise, as discussions around the track show that many fans are divided on what AI means for the genre’s future.
The song is being dubbed the first AI amapiano hit, a landmark moment for South African music.
Gopane, originally known for his podcasting and for being sued by Bonang Matheba, who won the case, has since embraced technology as part of his creative process.
He explained that AI is “a creative tool for faster experimentation” rather than the heart of his music. But not everyone sees it that way.
Fans praise the track, others call it ‘too mechanical’
On X, several netizens applauded Suka! for bringing something fresh to the amapiano scene. One user commented: “If this is what future amapiano can sound like, I’m here for it – fresh, clean, and doesn’t even need a human voice to bang.”
Others highlighted how catchy the beat is. They noted that the blend of soulful house and amapiano grooves gave the track mainstream appeal: “Not gonna lie, this AI tune grew on me; beats are proper, and it keeps the vibe alive.”
Yet for every positive take, there’s a critical one.
Some listeners were quick to point out that the song’s “robotic vocals” and polished sound felt too artificial for a genre rooted in human experience and emotion.
I love amapiano because it feels alive
One critic wrote: “This sounds like it came out of a machine. Where’s the soul?”
Another X user chimed in, expressing concern about the role of AI in music.
“Cool tech, but if AI keeps making hits, what happens to actual artists and producers? That’s the real debate.”
This tension echoes broader industry concerns that AI could influence music authenticity and artistic ownership. This is a topic that has already sparked debates in Afro-house and amapiano communities alike.
Some industry voices warn that over-reliance on AI might dilute the unique cultural imprint that defines South African music. It could, over time, marginalise human producers.
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Amapiano at a crossroads
The mixed reaction to Suka! highlights where amapiano finds itself today: still deeply loved and globally successful but increasingly accompanied by questions about evolution, experimentation, and authenticity.
While the genre continues to dominate streaming charts and global playlists, fans and creators alike are now asking what it means for its soul if technology starts writing its hits.
As more AI music filters into mainstream playlists, the conversation on X suggests that fans are ready to debate, not just dance.
