We Experienced a Night of Amapiano with the Piano People Collective, Here's What Went Down

Piano People is bringing the vast Amapiano genre and the broader spectrum of African dance music to London's thriving party scene. The Culture Crypt took a trip to their latest gig for an inside scoop…

Photo property of Neo Took That.

Picture this: It's 9 PM on a crisp Friday evening, and you're at Southwark Park bus stop, catching up with Aunty in the 16-degree chill. She asked me about the sound pulsating from Southwark Park. We shivered as we stood at the bus stop, myself more so as sweat evaporated from my skin and I cooled down.

As I felt my last double tequila and lemonade settle in my stomach, I explained that an Amapiano festival was taking place in the park and gestured behind us. She exclaimed in agreement and admitted that she had received a letter from the council informing residents of the expected event activity.

Unbeknownst to Aunty, the bass and beat would meet her halfway and grow legs to accompany her home. Piano People's 'Piano People in the Park' is the first of its kind. An outdoor Amapiano festival with a weighty line-up led by Scorpion Kings—DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small—transformed an often overlooked park in South Central London into South Africa. Accompanied by heavyweights such as Vigro Deep, Young Stunna, and Zakes Batwini, the decks never stopped spinning, and the air remained filled with soulful melodies.

A sense of pride filled my stomach as I explained to Aunty. I was proud to say that we, the next generation in the diaspora, are proud of our roots and will relentlessly show up to celebrate Black culture. This weekend, I was reminded of the importance and impact of event brands such as Piano People in creating third spaces for cultural diversity, celebration, and rejuvenation. Piano People in the Park left attendees excited about what's next—not only for the event brand but for future activations of Black music in the UK.

Two words: Groove Station. Hear me out. When I looked at the map of the venue before the event, I anticipated heading straight to the main stage, but I was wrong.

Shuffling through security wasn't much of an ordeal. There was a proactive team on deck to ensure attendees entered seamlessly. However, as soon as people made it onto piano pastures, they were drawn into the Groove Station. I watched it happen with my own eyes.

After deliberating with friends whether to grab a drink first or make their way to the main stage, some just gravitated towards the tent as if by second nature. I chose the former and went to get a double tequila and lemonade before crossing the concourse to the Groove Station.

Bodies spilt out, groups swayed to the beat, and individuals danced their way in. Music has a way of making spaces feel tight but spacious. Perhaps because, regardless, the space available will be used to shake a leg, amidst frequent shuffling to make way for people. The rhythmic bassline turned the tent in South London into a beige-coloured Villa living room in South Africa—a sea of smiling faces immersed in the infectious beat.

Photos property of Neo Took That.

About 30 minutes into the groove, I spotted a green coconut bobbing to the blend of deep house and distinctive piano chords. Not long after, I tapped the owner of said coconut and marvelled at how majestically it fit the vibe; he received a few more questions.

The call tickled my senses and answered the crowd. The undeniable joy of the partygoers and the double tequila heightened the percussion flowing through my veins. I quickly learned that the only way was up on piano pastures. Imagine a slightly steamy club scene from your favourite '90s music video, then change the music policy, and you have a great image of what the Groove Station offers.

The point is, whether you enjoy the great outdoors or tight spaces to live your mysterious babe-turned-video vixen dreams, Piano People has you covered. The girl in the brown bolero said she rates the Groove Station an eight out of ten. Piano People in the Park created a melting pot of Amapiano lovers.

Whether you grew up on Amapiano hits or appreciate the blend of house, jazz, and innovative lyrical styles—there was a spot for everyone. Events like these are crucial for Africans in the diaspora as they offer a portal back home and introduce us to new experiences. Most importantly, Piano People continue to make their mark on the Amapiano sound, ensuring it remains vibrant within the growing Afrobeats scene in the diaspora.

Stay connected with Piano People on their socials here.