The South-African King of Amapiano, Kabelo Petrus Motha aka Kabza De Small is an exceptional DJ and music producer. He was born on November 27th, 1992. Kabza is a major figure in the South African Amapiano scene.
Amapiano, aka “The Yanos” or “Piano” is well known today as a sub-genre and a style of House music that emerged in South Africa in the mid-2010s. Amapiano, which means “The Piano” in Zulu is fast becoming a global sound, just like Afrobeats. The story of Amapiano is not complete without mentioning Kabza De Small. There is indeed a reason why he is regarded as the King of Amapiano. There is so much beauty in the sounds that come out of Africa and spreading these sounds to travel to the ends of the planet is the goal.
In our Exclusive spotlight today, we will look into the life and career of the South African Record Producer and DJ, Kabza De Small. He is one of the notable names who have influenced the growth of Amapiano music in South Africa, amongst many others, including DJ Maphorisa and DJ Stokie. There is something exceptional about his sound, how he sticks to the core elements of the Amapiano sound. You will know a Kabza sound anywhere if you listen to him well enough, and his influences are easily identifiable as well.
His Music Career and projects
Kabza began his musical career in 2009 as a DJ. He was signed under Tyrique de Bruyne and released his first album, Avenue Sound, in 2016 under Bestbyfar Records. Kabza then went on to establish his record label PianoHub. His breakthrough single, “Umshove”, featuring South African singer Leehleza released in 2018, brought him into the spotlight. On October 1, 2019, he released Piano Hub with DJ Maphorisa. This EP had 3× platinum certifications in South Africa. They then released a joint album, The Return of the Scorpion Kings, on November 29, 2019. He has also won several awards at the South African Music Awards, including Male Artist of the year (2021) and Album of the Year (2020 and 2021), among many others.
Kabza has worked with several artists in Africa and across the world, including Wizkid, Burna Boy, Tresor, Lojay, Kwesta, Focalistic, Young Stunna, and several others.
His Discography
Kabza De Small has 5 solo studio albums which are:
- Avenue Sound(2016)
- Pretty girls love Amapiano 1 & 2 (2019,2020 respectively)
- I Am The King of Amapiano: Sweet and Dust (2020)
- KOA II (2022).
Kabza De Small & DJ Maphorisa- The Scorpion Kings
The spotlight on Kabza De Small is not complete without highlighting his relationship with DJ Maphorisa. Maphorisa is also a South African DJ, record producer, singer, and songwriter who has worked with several artists like Wizkid, Kwesta, Uhuru, Drake, and Major Lazer, among many others.
Kabza and Maphorisa make up the Scorpion Kings group named after their collaborative project. Together, they have been dominating the Piano scene in South Africa and spreading its tentacles globally as pioneers.
In addition to the above-mentioned projects by Kabza De Small, He also has over 8 collaborative EPs and albums with DJ Maphorisa and several other artists in the Piano movement. They include:
- Scorpion Kings EP (with DJ Maphorisa) (2019)
- Piano Hub EP (with DJ Maphorisa) (2019)
- The Return of the Scorpion Kings (with DJ Maphorisa) (2019)
- Scorpion Kings Live At Sun Arena (with DJ Maphorisa) (2020)
- Once Upon A Time In A Lockdown (with DJ Maphorisa) (2020)
- Petle Petle EP (with DJ Maphorisa & King Deetoy) (2021)
- Rumble in the Jungle (with DJ Maphorisa & TRESOR) (2021)
- Pretty Girls Love Amapiano 3 (with Mdu aka Trp) (2021)
- Scorpion Kings Live Sun Arena (with DJ Maphorisa) (2022)
Notable Songs Produced By Kabza De Small
Kabza has a wide range of discography and it is almost difficult to pick a favourite from his projects. However, some of his songs that have stood out over the years include the following:
Abalele- (with DJ Maphorisa & Ami Faku)
Asibe Happy- (with DJ Maphorisa & Ami Faku)
Sponono (ft Wizkid, Burna Boy, Casper Nyovest & Madumane)
Adiwele (with Young Stunna, Kabza De Small & DJ Maphorisa)
Woza (Mr JazziQ, Kabza De Small, Lady Du & Boohle) and most recently;
Canada (Lojay, DJ Maphorisa & Kabza De Small)
To be honest, the list is unending, but you can also mention your favourite songs produced by the King of Amapiano in the comments.
Connect with Kabza on his social media: Instagram: kabelomotha_ Twitter: @KabzaSmall
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