South African producer Ntsako XVI is entering a bold new chapter with the release of “Ngeke”, a high energy amapiano single featuring Shaun 101, Ch’cco, Scotts Maphuma and Uncool_MC.
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"Seeing more than 80,000 TikTok creations around ‘Ngeke’ was something that we never anticipated,” said rising South African producer Ntsako XVI.
“The response was unexpected.”
For an artist focused on carving out his own lane in amapiano, the viral success of the track has marked the start of what he calls his "Nyakanyaka" era.
Featuring Shaun 101, Ch’cco, Scotts Maphuma and Uncool_MC, “Ngeke” is already making waves across dance floors and social media feeds.
The track blends amapiano with touches of gqom and percussion-driven production, creating a sound that feels familiar while still pushing into new territory.
For XVI, “Nyakanyaka” is more than a catchy phrase. It is the creative identity that he wants listeners to associate with his music.
“‘Nyakanyaka’ means me bringing a different sound that is going to make a mess on the dance floors. It describes my style of production, my background and creating a lane for myself,” he explained.
That commitment to originality comes at a time when amapiano continues to evolve at a rapid pace. New subgenres emerge almost monthly, with producers constantly experimenting while trying to maintain the elements that audiences love.
XVI believes that the key lies in finding balance.
“I mix familiar elements with new elements to create something new but also familiar,” he said. “That way the music never moves too far away from what people know.”
While he has built a reputation through instrumental production, “Ngeke” places vocals at the centre of the experience. Working alongside some of the genre's most recognisable voices gave him a fresh perspective on collaboration and creativity.
“It taught me that as a music producer you must be very versatile and be able to step out of your comfort zone,” he said. “That helps when working with people.”
The result is a track that feels equally at home in a packed club and on a TikTok For You Page. Yet despite its viral success, XVI insisted that his creative process rarely begins with algorithms or streaming targets.
“Most of the time it's following instinct,” he said. “Sometimes I think about the dance floors because ‘Nyakanyaka' is one of the best sounds to play on dance floors.”
Influenced by house music, hip hop and township dance culture, XVI has developed a style built around heavy log drums, rhythmic experimentation and infectious energy.
His goal is not simply to follow trends but to create a sound that people immediately recognise as his own.
“I think the sound has already set its own direction and its own lane because people can already recognise it,” he said.
Looking ahead, the producer plans to release more music, explore new sonic ideas and collaborate with a wider range of artists. “I wish to work with more artists to keep the sound growing and relevant,” he said.