Rea Gopane's 'Suka!', the AI-powered amapiano hit sparking global debate

The release of Rea Gopane's track Suka!, touted as South Africa's first AI-powered amapiano hit, is sweeping across music platforms and sparking fresh debate about technology's role in creative expression. Released in December 2025, the song has soared to number 10 on the Apple Music South Africa Top 100, attracting over 1.2 million streams and earning Gopane approximately 700 000 monthly listeners on Spotify. This unprecedented success has made waves not just in South Africa but also in the wider global music community.

However, the rising popularity of Suka! is accompanied by a tangled mix of applause and skepticism. Advocates celebrate its clean production and mainstream appeal, dubbing it as a glimpse into the future of amapiano, traditionally characterised by its intimate connection to the lived experiences of communities and emotions. On the flip side, critics question whether music created with AI can encapsulate the soul of a genre deeply rooted in human experience.

Social media reactions reflect this divide. Supporters, like content creator and music commentator RealSihleIv, defend Gopane's innovative approach. “Rea Gopane is a hustler, and I respect the hustle,” he noted. “He found a way to make a hit using AI, and that’s genius. Instead of criticising him, we should be encouraging more artists to incorporate AI into their music-making. AI is just a tool, and how you use it is what matters.”

Podcaster and broadcaster Sol Phenduka weighed in on the debate, raising concerns about how streaming platforms may regulate the growing use of artificial intelligence in music. Taking to X, Phenduka questioned whether platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music are equipped to deal with a potential influx of AI-generated content driven by profit rather than artistry.

“So how will Spotify, Apple Music etc cope with syndicates that will flood their platforms with AI music? Zero music talent. Just computer guys playing the system for profit,” he wrote.

However, in a follow-up post, Phenduka offered a more nuanced perspective, noting that AI could also shift power dynamics within the music industry, particularly for vocalists.

“Historically vocalists have always gotten the short end of the stick. DJs and producers collaborate with vocalists, but producers get booked more. Now vocalists can jump on AI beats and have only their name on the song as opposed to being a featured artist. More bookings for them,” he said.

Gopane is not alone in pushing the boundaries of AI in music. Producer Gift Lubele has generated headlines with what is being described as South Africa's first fully AI-generated amapiano album. This project has garnered international attention, fostering discussions around the implications of tech-driven creativity.

Veteran producer Euphonic weighed in on the broader industry implications, drawing comparisons between AI-generated music and conventional production techniques. He highlighted Gopane's remarkable journey towards attracting a sizeable fanbase, indicating the financial potential for artists adopting AI in their workflow. “There’s a South African artist sitting on over 700,000 monthly listeners on Spotify and the songs are AI from start to finish,” he pointed out, noting that the revenue from such streaming could range between R28 000 and R56 000 per month.

Globally, the dialogue surrounding AI's emergence in music is similarly charged. In the United States, an AI-generated R&B artist named Xania Monet has achieved remarkable success, racking up over 17 million streams in just two months and securing a multimillion-dollar record deal. Created by Mississippi-based poet Telisha Jones, Xania Monet substantiates the potential of AI not merely as a novelty but as a formidable contender in the music industry.

Yet, the ascension of AI artists has raised red flags among established musicians. Stars such as Kehlani and SZA have voiced their concerns about authorship and the potential displacement of human creatives. While some find resonance in their critiques, others view AI-assisted composition as the next logical step in the evolution of music production.

As AI-generated music envelops both local and global landscapes, social media reveals a sharply divided audience. Is this innovation a gateway to accessibility and economic opportunities, or does it signal a lack of authenticity and artistic integrity? The question remains: how will AI continue to shape the future of music?

What is evident is that AI is no longer a distant buzzword, it is already weaving itself into the fabric of the music industry, and the conversation regarding its implications within South African soundscapes is just beginning.

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Saturday Star