Kabaza De Small South African Amapiano DJ

Kabelo Motha, also known as Kabza De Small, has been referred to as the “King of Amapiano”. He is considered as one of the best-selling music artists and pioneers of the Amapiano genre. With his debut in 2018, he contributed significantly to the popularity of the Amapiano genre as a whole. Kabza began his DJ career in 2009, working in the genres of Afro-fused house and EDM.

For those unfamiliar, his music has the vibe of AtJazz meets Lars Behrenroth, with low tempo, African house rhythms, and percussion layers blending with spoken and lovely African chants. The grooves are addicting and will have you moving in time before you realize it.

‘The Return of the Scorpion Kings’, alongside DJ Maphorisa, was released in late November 2019 and is highly worth listening out if you enjoy the Afro-rhythms house atmosphere.

The 26-year-old Kabelo “Kabza de Small” Motha, who presently ranks first on Spotify, is credited online with being a champion of the entire amapiano scene and driving its increase in popularity.

The amapiano genre is described as a combination of piano keys and powerful bass that resonates deeply with house, gospel, and jazz; it is considered diverse, with dance music elements dominating the sound.
Fader magazine characterizes the sound as unusual.

“Amapiano is an anomaly that centers on the fruity aspects of a beat, such as keys, synths, and pads. The bass, reminiscent of 90s kwaito, is secondary and supported by intermittent kick rolls.”

Here are some of his popular songs up to that time:

1. “Amabele Shaya” featuring Leehleza
2. “Umshove” with Leehleza featuring DJ Maphorisa
3. “Shaya” featuring DJ Maphorisa, Masterpiece, & Busiswa
4. “Nana Thula” featuring Njelic
5. “Lorch” featuring Semi Tee, Miano, and Kammu Dee
6. “eMcimbini” featuring Aymos, Samthing Soweto, Mas Musiq, and Myztro
7. “Sponono” featuring WizKid, Burna Boy, Cassper Nyovest, and Madumane
8. “Need You Tonight” featuring WizKid
9. “Suka” featuring Busiswa
10. “Ilog Drum” featuring Daliwonga

Here are some notable albums:

1. “Amapiano Vol. 1” (2016)
2. “Pretty Girls Love Amapiano” (2019)
3. “Scorpion Kings” (2019) with DJ Maphorisa
4. “The Return of the Scorpion Kings” (2019) with DJ Maphorisa
5. “I Am The King Of Amapiano: Sweet & Dust” (2020)
6. “Rumble in the Jungle” (2021) with DJ Maphorisa