Tyler ICU – Banyana ft. Kabza De Small, Sir Trill, Daliwonga & DJ Maphorisa
Tyler ICU – "Banyana" (feat. Kabza De Small, Sir Trill, Daliwonga & DJ Maphorisa): The Amapiano Anthem That Took Over Africa
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Dropping on May 26, 2021, “Banyana” became an instant Amapiano classic, showcasing the collaborative genius of Tyler ICU and DJ Maphorisa alongside heavyweights Kabza De Small, Sir Trill, and Daliwonga. The track was the title single of their joint Banyana EP, which cemented Tyler ICU’s rise as a leading Amapiano producer .
- Artist: Tyler ICU
- Featured Artists: Kabza De Small, Sir Trill, Daliwonga, DJ Maphorisa
- Release Date: May 26, 2021
- Genre: Amapiano
- Producers: Tyler ICU, DJ Maphorisa (Themba Sekowe)
- Label: New Money Gang / Sony ATV Publishing
- Album/EP: Banyana EP (2021)
- Director: Nigel Stockl (music video)
Production & Sound
– Log Drum Magic: The track’s hypnotic log drum patterns and pulsating basslines epitomize Amapiano’s signature sound, with DJ Maphorisa and Tyler ICU layering in jazzy piano riffs and syncopated percussion .
– Vocal Chemistry: Sir Trill’s soulful hooks (“Aw’ bathi Kingdom shelele”) and Daliwonga’s rhythmic verses (“Ubedansa phez’kwetafula”) create a call-and-response dynamic, while Kabza De Small’s production flourishes add depth .
Lyrics & Themes
– Celebration & Dance: The Zulu lyrics celebrate nightlife and attraction, with lines like “Izingane zigcwele” (“The place is packed with girls”) painting a vivid party scene .
– Cultural Unity: Kabza De Small dubbed it “a summer anthem” for its cross-generational appeal, blending street slang with traditional Amapiano cadences .
Reception & Achievements
– Chart Success: The song surpassed 4.2 million streams and was certified double platinum in South Africa .
– Awards: Nominated for Best Amapiano Song at the 2021 Mzansi Kwaito and House Music Awards, it also dominated Metro FM’s 2024 awards, winning Song of the Year and Best Collaboration .
– Viral Challenges: The #BanyanaChallenge swept social media, with fans mimicking Sir Trill’s danceable cadences .
Music Video & Visuals
Directed by Nigel Stockl, the video amplifies the track’s energy with vibrant club scenes and cinematic shots of Johannesburg’s nightlife, featuring the artists in sleek streetwear .
Legacy
“Banyana” remains a cornerstone of Amapiano’s global breakout, praised by Rolling Stone for its “heavy pulse and catchy vocal cadences” . It solidified Tyler ICU and DJ Maphorisa’s status as genre pioneers, influencing later hits like “Mnike” .
Final Verdict
A 9.5/10 masterpiece—”Banyana” is Amapiano at its most infectious, uniting South Africa’s finest for a track that’s both a party starter and a cultural milestone
Which artist’s verse hit hardest? Sir Trill’s hooks, Daliwonga’s flow, or Kabza’s production? Debate below!
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