‘Piano Love’: Despite the Hype, Fails to Capture Amapiano’s Vibrant Spirit

With the global rise of amapiano music, it was only a matter of time before a production delved into the genre’s infectious rhythms and cultural significance. Enter “Piano Love,” a Netflix original produced in partnership with Black Brain Pictures. Directed by Mandla N, this film sets out to combine love, ambition, and the unifying power of music against the backdrop of Soweto’s lively streets. However, despite the exciting premise, the movie fails to hit the high notes it promises.

A Star-Studded Debut with Promise

“Piano Love” boasts a notable cast with rapper Senzo “Kwesta” Vilakazi making his acting debut alongside seasoned dancer and choreographer Bontle Modiselle-Moloi. The story revolves around Kwesta’s character Sipho, a struggling hip-hop artist dropped by his label as amapiano takes over the local music scene. His acting, though commendable for a first attempt, often feels stiff and lacking in emotional depth.

On the flip side, Modiselle-Moloi portrays Lerato, an aspiring dancer who faces her own set of struggles after being expelled from university. Returning to Soweto to support her family, Lerato’s journey intertwines with Sipho’s in a story of survival and rekindled love. Modiselle-Moloi stands out with her raw emotion and effortless dance performance, clearly in her element when it comes to her art.

A Story That Falls Short

The film opens with Sipho and Lerato as childhood friends returning home, broken by their failed attempts to make it in the world. Sipho is a father needing to provide for his daughter, while Lerato is burdened with taking care of her mother. Fate brings them back together under dramatic circumstances, leading to a robbery that nearly costs Lerato her life.

What begins as a gritty tale of love in the midst of crime soon morphs into a convoluted plot involving a local gangster, Biblo, portrayed brilliantly by Peter Mashigo. Biblo’s menacing presence, unfortunately, takes centre stage more than the love story itself, which was meant to be the heart of the film. The romance between Sipho and Lerato often feels sidelined as the film devotes more time to Biblo’s criminal empire and the couple’s entanglement with him.

When the narrative does focus on music, it falls flat. Sipho struggles to transition from hip-hop to amapiano, a dilemma that is supposed to form the backbone of his personal growth, yet is overshadowed by external conflicts. The couple’s ultimate goal is to win an amapiano competition, but even this pivotal moment lacks the emotional weight and musical exploration that could have made “Piano Love” truly stand out.

A Missed Opportunity for Amapiano Fans

For a movie centred on amapiano, the genre that has taken the world by storm, “Piano Love” surprisingly lacks the musical vibrancy one would expect. While the soundtrack features amapiano hits like “Dalie” and “Mnike,” the dance scenes are few and far between. A genre celebrated for its catchy beats and dance culture deserved more screen time devoted to movement, rhythm, and the community’s love for the music.

On the upside, “Piano Love” nails the depiction of township life. The energy of Soweto is palpable, from its vibrant nightlife to the everyday struggles of its people. The film’s portrayal of colourful local lingo, the tight-knit community, and the gritty realities of survival in South Africa’s townships resonates authentically. But despite this accurate representation, the film’s lack of focus on its central narrative leaves much to be desired.

The Verdict: Underwhelming Yet Watchable

“Piano Love” had the potential to be a trailblazing piece of cinema for amapiano lovers, blending love, music, and the essence of South African culture. However, it struggles with uneven pacing, underdeveloped characters, and a storyline that drifts away from its original promise. Kwesta’s acting debut, though not groundbreaking, is respectable, while Modiselle-Moloi and Mashigo carry the film with their strong performances.

Ultimately, while “Piano Love” delivers glimpses of the energy and spirit of Soweto, it misses the opportunity to fully embrace the cultural force of amapiano. Fans of the genre may find themselves disappointed by the lack of musical immersion, though those looking for a mix of love, crime, and township drama might still find it worth a watch.