Kabza De Small
Birth nameKabelo Petrus Motha
Born (1992-11-27) 27 November 1992
Mpumalanga, South Africa
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • DJ
  • Record Producer
Instrument(s)
Years active2011–present
Labels
  • Piano Hub (current)
  • Bestbyfar Records (former)

Kabelo Petrus Motha (born 27 November 1992) is a South African DJ and record producer, popularly known as Kabza De Small. He is a major figure in the amapiano genre of house music.[1][2][3] Aside from his solo career, Motha is a member of the Scorpion Kings. Motha gained international recognition after the release of "Umshove", in 2018.

Kabza's third studio album I Am the King of Amapiano: Sweet & Dust (2021), debuted number one in South Africa.

Forbes Africa ranked Motha number 18 on Forbes Africa 30 under 30. His accolades include ten South African Music Awards, two Mzansi Viewers Choice Awards, three AmaPiano Music Awards and one Sunday Times GenNext.

Life and career

Born and raised in Mpumalanga, later Motha, with his family, relocated to Pretoria. His musical career began in 2009. He was signed under Tyrique de Bruyne and released his first album Avenuee Sound in 2016 under Bestbyfar Records.[4] Kabza established his own record label PianoHub. His breakthrough single "Umshove" featuring South African singer Leehleza was released in 2018.[5] On 1 October 2019, he released Piano Hub with DJ Maphorisa. The Extended play was certified 3× platinum in South Africa.[6] The Return of Scorpion Kings was released on 29 November 2019.[5]

On 31 January 2020, Scorpion Kings (Kabza de Small and DJ Maphorisa) announced Scorpion King Live, which was set to be 11 April, at Sun Arena, Times Square in Pretoria.[7] The concert was postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak,[8] and was rescheduled to 9 August.[9][10]

His studio album I Am the King of Amapiano: Sweet & Dust, was released on 26 June 2020. The album was certified double platinum in South Africa.[6] In December 2020, Kabza was listed as the most streamed South African artist by Spotify.[11][12] That same month, Kabza announced collaborative studio album Rumble in the Jungle, and released lead single "Funu", featuring Afro-pop singer Tresor in February 2021.[13] Rumble in the Jungle, a collaborative studio album by Kabza de Small, DJ Maphorisa, and Tresor was released on 9 April 2021.[14][15]

Motha was ranked at number 18 on Forbes Africa's 30 under 30 list in June 2021.[16]

In July 2021, he was featured on Rolling Stone magazine for his musical career.[17]

On 27 September, Kabza and DJ Maphorisa released "Abalele" featuring South African singer Ami Faku.[18] The song debuted number 4 on the Spotify charts and number 1 on the official South African Music Charts.[19][20]

In early January 2022, he announced his album KOA II Part 1, on his Instagram account.[21] The album was set to be released on 16 June 2022.[22]

His studio EP Ziwangale was released on 22 April 2022.[23] Its lead single "Ziwa Ngale" featuring DJ Tira, DJ Exit SA, Beast, Mshunqisi, Young Stunna, and Felo Le Tee, charted number on iTune SA music charts.[24]

The other three songs, "Ebusuku" featuring Nkosazana Daughter, "Kabza" featuring Murumba Pitch, and "Mak'shoni" Langa" featuring DJ Maphorisa, Murumba Pitch, and Da Muziqal Chef, debuted at number 7, number 12 and number 26 respectively, on iTunes music chart.[24]

On 31 May, Kabza released 6 singles; "Khusela" featuring Msaki, "Bathini" featuring Young Stunna and Artwork Sounds, and "Isoka" featuring Nkosazana Daughter and Murumba Pitch, as part 1 of his album.[25]

KOA II Part 1 (pronounced King of Amapiano 2 Part 1) was released on 16 June 2022.[26]

The album debuted number 11 on iTunes top 100 chart, and "Khusela" peaked number 1 on Apple Music charts.[27]

In June 2022, Motha announced a 3 leg tour that ran from 24 to 26 June.[28]

In early October 2022, he announced he was working on his EP via Twitter, and released a lead single "K'shubile" with Kwesta featuring Masterpiece YVK. In November 2022, he worked with Afrika Memani on the Road To Private EP, which was released on the 4th of November.[29]

Scorpion Kings announced Summer Tour which includes 9 dates, it ran from 11 December at Cape Town until 25 February 2023, Gauteng.

Kabza reportedly working on joint extended play together with Ami Faku, announced on his Twitter account on 13 February 2023.[30] Release date and EP title are yet to be announced.

In May 2023, he collaborated with DJ Maphorisa to release a 25 track mixtape project titled The Konka Mixtape (Sweet & Dust) Album.[31]

In early July 2023, Kabza was reported as a producer of Drake's It's All a Blur Tour.[32]

"Isibusiso" featuring South African singer Mthunzi was released on 20 October 2023 as a lead single ahead of his extended play Isimo. The EP was released on 27 October 2023.

Awards and nominations

All Africa Music Awards

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2022 "Adiwele" African Fans Favourite Nominated [33]
KOA II Album of the Year Nominated
Himself Artist of the Year Nominated

DStv Mzansi Viewers' Choice Awards

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2020 "Nana Thula" Favourite Song of the Year Nominated
Himself Favourite Rising Star Won
Favourite DJ Won
2022 "Asibe Happy" Favourite Song Nominated [34][35]
Scorpion Kings (Kabza de Small and DJ Maphorisa) Favourite music artist/group Nominated
Favourite DJ Nominated

South African Amapiano Music Awards

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2021 Scorpion Kings Live Amapiano Album of the Year Nominated [36]
Scorpion Kings Best Amapiano Male DJ Act Won
Himself Best Amapiano Music Producer Won
"Emcimbini" Best Amapiano Collaboration Won
2023 "Abalele" Song of the Year Cancelled [37]
"Asibe Happy" Cancelled
Khusela" featuring Msaki Cancelled
Best AmaPiano Produced Song Cancelled
Best Amapiano Collaboration Cancelled
"Asibe Happy" Cancelled
KOA II Part 1 Best AmaPiano Album/Ep Cancelled
Himself Best AmaPiano Producer Cancelled
AmaPiano Artist of the Year Cancelled

South African Music Awards

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2020 Scorpion Kings (DJ Maphorisa, Kabza De Small, MFR Souls & Virgo Deep) Album of the Year Won [38]
Best Kwaito/Gqom/Amapiano Nominated
The Return of the Scorpion Kings (Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa) Nominated
2021 Once Upon A Time in Lockdown – Kabza De Small & DJ Maphorisa (Scorpion Kings) Album of the year Won [39]
I Am The King of Amapiano: Sweet & Dust Nominated
Male Artist of the Year Won
Once Upon A Time in Lockdown (Scorpion Kings) Duo/Group of the Year Won
Best Amapiano Album Won
I Am The King of Amapiano: Sweet & Dust Nominated
2022 "Asibe Happy" Record of the Year Nominated [40]
"Abalele" Nominated
Most Streamed Song of the Year Won [41][42]
2023 Speak N Vrostaan (with Kwesta) Best Kwaito Album Won
KOA II Part 1 Best Produced Album Won
Best Amapiano Album Won
Scorpion Kings Live Sun Arena (with DJ Maphorisa) Duo/Group of the Year Won

Sunday Times GenNext

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2021 Himself Coolest Local Club In countrys DJ Won [43]

Mzansi Kwaito and House Music Awards

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2021 "Emcimbini" Most Voted Song Nominated [44]

Metro FM Awards

Year Nominee / work Award Result
2023 Khusela featuring Msaki Song of the Year Nominated
Best Amapiano Song Nominated
"Mrholo Wayizolo" Kabza de Small & Kwesta Best Kwaito/Gqom Nominated
Best duo/Group Song Nominated
Himself Best Male Artist Nominated

Discography

Studio albums

Collaborative albums

EPs

  • Ziwangale EP (2022)
  • Isimo EP (2023)

References

  1. ↑ Conteh, Mankaprr (2 July 2021). "South African Star Kabza De Small's Key Amapiano Tracks". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 11 May 2022.
  2. ↑ "'It was tough': Kabza De Small used to 'cut grass' before music [watch]". The South African. 17 January 2022. Retrieved 11 May 2022.
  3. ↑ Conteh, Mankaprr (2 July 2021). "Inside the Rise of Amapiano, the Genre That's Taking Over South Africa and Coming to a Dance Floor Near You". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 11 May 2022.
  4. ↑ Mzila, Philani (30 June 2019). "KABZA IN RECORD LABEL MESS | Dailysun". DailySun. Retrieved 15 May 2022.
  5. 1 2 Maune, Bernice (12 April 2019). "Kabza de Small: The sound of Spotify success for amapiano muso". TheSouthAfrican. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
  6. 1 2 "Kabza And DJ Maphorisa's Reach Multi-Platinum Status - ZAlebs". ZAlebs. 18 September 2020. Archived from the original on 1 February 2023. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
  7. ↑ "AMAPIANO ROYALTY SCORPION KINGS GO LIVE THIS APRIL | Dailysun". DailySun. 31 January 2021. Retrieved 18 May 2022.
  8. ↑ "Scorpion Kings Live postponed due to coronavirus outbreak". Independent Online. 16 March 2020. Retrieved 18 May 2022.
  9. ↑ "DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small announce new date for 'Scorpion Kings Live' concert | YoMzansi". YoMzansi. Retrieved 18 May 2022.
  10. ↑ "Scorpion Kings Live confirms a new date". Independent Online. 20 March 2020. Retrieved 18 May 2022.
  11. ↑ Ntshingila, Bandile (9 December 2021). "Kabza de Small and Elaine top Spotify's streaming list for 2020 | Drum". South Africa: Drum. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
  12. ↑ "Kabza De Small tops Spotify streaming list in South Africa | eNCA". eNCA. 3 December 2020. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
  13. ↑ Ciolfi, Tecla (11 December 2020). "Scorpion Kings and TRESOR announce collaboration amapiano album and release first single "Funu" – Texx and the City". Texx and the City. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
  14. ↑ Seroto, Butchie (12 April 2021). "Scorpion Kings, Tresor release Rumble in the Jungle album | Music In Africa". Music In Africa. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
  15. ↑ Tjiya, Emmanuel (9 April 2021). "Scorpion Kings say Tresor's sound is perfect for amapiano". SowetanLIVE. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
  16. ↑ "Mihlali Ndamase, Kabza De Small and Master KG make Forbes Africa '30 under 30' list". YoMzansi. 2 June 2021. Retrieved 5 June 2022.
  17. ↑ Mpembe, Thando (6 July 2021). "Kabza De Small Celebrates Big Win as He Grabs 'Rolling Stone' Magazine Feature, Mzansi Is Impressed - Briefly". Briefly.co.za. Retrieved 18 May 2022.
  18. ↑ "Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa release new song 'Abalele' - KAYA 959". KAYA 959. 27 August 2021. Retrieved 15 May 2022.
  19. ↑ Neophytou, Nadia. "The 10 Best Amapiano Songs of 2021 - OkayAfrica". OkayAfrica. Retrieved 11 May 2022.
  20. ↑ Gaanakgomo, Constance (22 October 2021). "RISA launches's SA's official music charts". HeraldLIVE. Retrieved 15 May 2022.
  21. ↑ Israel A, John (8 January 2022). "Kabza De Small To Release King Of Amapiano Vol. 2 In 2022 Under Piano Hub". Ubetoo. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
  22. ↑ Darangwa, Shingai (30 May 2022). "Kabza De Small set to finally release 'I Am The King of Amapiano' Vol 2". Independent Online. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
  23. ↑ "STREAM: Kabza De Small drops new 4-track EP 'Ziwangale'". YoMzansi. 22 April 2022. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
  24. 1 2 "Strike! Kabza De Small lands all EP songs on charts | ScrollaAfrica". scrolla.africa. 28 April 2022. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
  25. ↑ "Kabza De Small shares new album 'Kings of Amapiano' 2 | YoMzansi". YoMzansi. 31 May 2022. Retrieved 4 June 2022.
  26. ↑ "Kabza De Small releases new solo headline album, 'KOA II Part 1'". The Native Mag. 16 June 2022. Retrieved 17 June 2022.
  27. ↑ Sbiya, Sizwe. "Kabza De Small hits six in six | ScrollaAfrica". ScrollaAfrica. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  28. ↑ Sekhu, Katlego. "Kabza De Small announces tour of the United Kingdom - KAYA 959". KAYA 959. Retrieved 9 June 2022.
  29. ↑ "Kabza De Small Announces New Project With Kwesta, Mzansi Feeling the New Sound: "Influenced by TKzee"". briefly.co.za. 6 October 2022.
  30. ↑ "Kabza De Small is working on an EP with Ami Faku". Kaya959. Retrieved 16 February 2023.
  31. 1 2 "The Konka Mixtape (Sweet & Dust) Album". Maismusica PRO. Retrieved 19 May 2023.
  32. ↑ Zuma, Mbalenhle (6 July 2023). "Kabza De Small one of producers for Drake's 'It's All a Blur' tour". Sunday World.
  33. ↑ Hansen, Gabriel Myers (15 September 2022). "All Africa Music Awards 2022: All the nominees". Music in Africa. Retrieved 17 September 2022.
  34. ↑ Ferreira, Thinus (14 May 2022). "DStv Mzansi Viewers' Choice Awards: The 2022 nominees". South Africa: Channel. Retrieved 14 April 2022.
  35. ↑ de Wee, Naledi (13 April 2022). "DStv Mzansi Viewers Choice Awards: Take a look at all the nominees". The South African. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
  36. ↑ Shumba, Ano (25 October 2021). "SA Amapiano Music Awards 2021: All the winners | Music In Africa". Music In Africa. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
  37. ↑ Siyabonga, Thato (15 February 2023). "South African 2023 Amapiano Awards Nominations". Ubetoo.
  38. ↑ "Here's a List of the 2020 South African Music Awards (SAMAs) Winners". Okay Africa. 6 August 2020. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
  39. ↑ Dayile, Qhama (31 July 2021). "Here's the full list of the SAMA winners | Drum". News24. South Africa.
  40. ↑ "#SAMA28 nominees: Amapiano dominates first three categories". The South African. 3 June 2022.
  41. ↑ Kekana, Chrizelda (28 August 2022). "#Samas28 first night celebrates artists and set the tone for a 'fiery' night two". TshisaLIVE.
  42. ↑ "SAMAs 2022 Day 1: All the winners". Music In Africa.
  43. ↑ "2021 Sunday Times GenNext winners announced". MediaUpdate. 15 September 2021. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
  44. ↑ Shumba, Ano (2 December 2021). "Mzansi Kwaito and House Music Awards 2021: All the winners | Music In Africa". Music In Africa. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
  45. ↑ Africanmusic.co.za (3 February 2023). "ALBUM: Kabza De Small & Stakev – Rekere". Africanmusic.co.za. Retrieved 3 February 2023.
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