Marking ten years since its release, Major Lazer’s global hit is reimagined, highlighting South Africa’s vibrant Amapiano sounds.
South Africa (15 January 2026) – A decade on, some songs don’t just age well, they evolve. Major Lazer’s global smash Lean On is one of them. Originally released in March 2015, the track became a cultural moment, blurring borders between electronic music, pop and global rhythms, while racking up billions of streams and topping charts across more than 20 countries.
The mid-2010s marked an era when music truly went global. Tracks such as Lean On dominated playlists and blended cultures and sounds.
Fast forward ten years, and that same global influence has come full circle, but with a local twist. A surprise festive-season release, the Lean On EP (10th Anniversary). Instead of simply revisiting the past, the group leaned into the present, handing the anthem to a new generation of producers who have reshaped its sound for today’s global dance floors.
For South African listeners, the standout moment comes courtesy of the UPZ & Fynite Amapiano Remix. This is a fresh groove-driven rework that places Amapiano firmly at the centre of an international release. Cape Town-based producer UPZ, working under his Afrofusion and amapiano alias Fynite, brings together the genre’s signature log drums, warm piano chords and rolling basslines. Now Lean On has turned into something that feels like home.
The remix is another reminder of how amapiano continues to travel. From township roots to international stages, South African artists and sounds are increasingly shaping the global music conversation.
UPZ is no stranger to the international house scene, with releases on respected labels such as Defected, Soul Candi and Strictly Rhythm. Under the Fynite name, his focus shifts toward Afro-influenced sounds, and this remix reflects that evolution while staying true to amapiano’s unmistakable feel.
“Working on ‘Lean On’ was an honour. I’ve always loved that track since it was first released, and infusing it with amapiano allowed us to bring a piece of South African culture to this timeless classic. I aimed to create something that resonates with local fans while hopefully introducing the genre to new listeners worldwide.”
The Lean On 10th Anniversary EP is less about nostalgia and more about evolution. It’s now streaming across all major platforms.
Sources: Supplied
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