For a year characterised by multiple pandemic waves, strict lockdowns, changing curfews and other restrictions, 2021 seemed to be the year South Africans were determined to keep the party going, no matter what. Amapiano kept the spirit of groove alive even when the dance floors were closed, with Busta 929, Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa and Mr JazziQ leading the logdrum charge through their own releases as well as an unstoppable flow of collaborations. The call of the streets was even strong enough to drive hip-hop acts like Cassper Nyovest to jump onto the amapiano wave. In the Afrikaans world, newcomer Riaan Benadé held a consistently high spot on our charts, thanks to “Spontaan”, the title track from his 2020 debut album. Travel limitations aside, we still embraced tracks from Nigerian hitmakers Wizkid and Burna Boy, and hits from global superstars like The Weeknd, Justin Bieber, Ed Sheeran, The Kid LAROI and Ariana Grande. Here’s what Apple Music users kept on repeat this year. Hear something that buoyed you throughout the year? Add it to your library and keep the party going in 2022.