Kabza De Small

Kabelo Petrus Motha (born 27 November 1992),[1] better known by his stage name Kabza De Small, is a South African DJ and record producer. He was born in Mpumalanga and raised in Pretoria. He has been referred to as the king of the Amapiano genre.[2] Motha has collaborated extensively with record producer DJ Maphorisa.

Kabza De Small
Birth nameKabelo Petrus Motha
Born (1992-11-27) November 27, 1992
Mpumalanga, South Africa
Genres
Occupation(s)
Instruments
  • Piano
  • Keyboards
  • Drums
  • Pads
Years active2009–present
Labels
  • Afrika House Records
    (former)
  • Gentle Soul Records
    (former)
  • New Money Gang Records
  • Piano Hub (PTY) Ltd
Associated acts

Life and career

Kabelo Motha was born in Mpumalanga, South Africa, and was raised in Pretoria.[3] Motha began his career as a DJ in 2009, venturing in the genres: Afro-fused house and EDM.[4] In 2016, he made his production credits by releasing his debut album, Avenue Sounds under the label, House Afrika Records. In November 2018, he gained attention by releasing songs, "Amabele Shaya" and "Umshove", respectively, featuring guest vocals by the amapiano counterpart, Leehleza. Following both songs, he continued his collaboration with Leehleza as he released the song "Bamba La", on 3 January 2019.

Scorpion Kings, Motha's collaborative studio album with record producer DJ Maphorisa, was released on 5 July 2019, supported by the lead single, "Koko". The album was certified diamond in South Africa, with over 100, 000 units sold.[5] On 1 October 2019, they released their sophomore studio album, Piano Hub, which was supported by the single, "Nana Thula", featuring guest vocals by Njelic.[6] On 18 October 2019, Motha released his second studio album, Pretty Girls Love Amapiano.[7] In continuing his collaboration with DJ Maphorisa, they released their third studio album, The Return of Scorpion Kings, on 29 November 2019.[8] On 4 April 2020 during the COVID-19 national lockdown period, he released an EP titled Pretty Girls Love Amapiano 2. On 26 June 2020, he released his next solo studio album, I Am The King Of Amapiano: Sweet & Dust. The album featured both South African & international acts such as Burna Boy, Wizkid, Cassper Nyovest, Dali Wonga, Madumane, DJ Maphorisa, Samthing Soweto, ShaSha, Mlindo, Bontle Smith .

Impact and achievements

Motha is often referred to as the "King of Amapiano".[2] He is considered as one of the best-selling music artist of amapiano, and also one of the pioneers of the genre. With his breakthrough in 2018, he played an instrumental role in popularizing the amapiano genre.[9] On 3 December 2019, Spotify South Africa, named Motha as the most-streamed South African artist in the platform for 2019.[10][11]

Discography

Studio albums

List of studio albums
Title Album details
Avenue Sounds
Pretty Girls Love Amapiano Vol.1
Pretty Girls Love Amapiano Vol.2
I Am the King of Amapiano (Sweet And Dust)

Collaborative albums

List of collaborative albums, with selected details and certifications
Title Album details Certifications
Amapiano Volume 4
(with various artists)
Dreaming Ep
(with Chambers & Spumante)
Scorpion Kings
(with DJ Maphorisa)
RiSA: Diamond[12]
Piano Hub
(with DJ Maphorisa)
The Return of Scorpion Kings
(with DJ Maphorisa)
Scorpion Kings Live At Sun Arena 11 April 2020
(with DJ Maphorisa)
Once Upon A Time In Lockdown
(with DJ Maphorisa)

Awards and Nominations

Year Award Ceremony Prize Recipient/Nominated Work Result
2020 2020 DStv Mzansi Viewers' Choice Awards Favorite DJ Himself Won
2020 2020 DStv Mzansi Viewers' Choice Awards Favorite Rising Star Himself Won

References

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