Kabza De Small: The King of Amapiano

Kabza De Small is a South African DJ and record producer widely credited as a pioneering force behind the global rise of Amapiano. Hailing from Pretoria, his prolific output and signature sound have defined the genre, with his 2022 collaborative album "The Konka Mixtape: Sweet & Dust" achieving double platinum status in his home country.

Early career

Born Kabelo Motha in 1992, he grew up in Mpumalanga township before moving to Pretoria. His stage name, a play on "small crab," reflects his humble beginnings. He started producing music in his teens, initially experimenting with house genres before his early Amapiano EPs like "Avenue Sound" began gaining local traction in the mid-2010s.

Breakthrough

Kabza De Small's major breakthrough arrived in 2019 with the release of the seminal album "I Am the King of Amapiano: Sweet & Dust." This project, released on his own label Piano Hub, cemented his status and showcased the genre's depth. The album's massive success was followed by the historic "Scorpion Kings" partnership with DJ Maphorisa, leading to chart dominance.

Key tracks

Lorch — This 2019 single became an anthem, showcasing his skill at blending soulful piano melodies with deep, rhythmic log drums.

Amabele (with DJ Maphorisa) — A flagship track from their "Scorpion Kings" work, it achieved platinum certification and dominated South African airwaves.

Abalele (with DJ Maphorisa featuring Ami Faku) — This 2021 hit demonstrated Amapiano's crossover potential, blending the genre with soulful vocals to massive commercial success.

Khusela (with DJ Maphorisa featuring Msaki) — A platinum-certified track that highlighted the melodic and vocal-driven side of the Amapiano movement.

Following the "Scorpion Kings" success, Kabza continued to release influential projects like "KOA II Part 1" in 2020. His collaborations extend across the industry, working with major African artists like Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Young Stunna. He founded the influential record label Piano Hub, which has become a central platform for launching new Amapiano talent.

For listeners who enjoy the deep grooves and soulful keys of Kabza De Small, explore similar architects of the Amapiano scene. DJ Maphorisa is his primary collaborator in the Scorpion Kings duo. Mr JazziQ leads the influential collective JazziDisciples. Felo Le Tea is known for his hard-hitting piano compositions. Mellow & Sleazy represent the younger, gritty wave of the sound.

Kabza De Small's groundbreaking Amapiano catalog is a staple on modern African music radio stations and electronic dance music streams featured on our network. His tracks receive heavy rotation on channels dedicated to contemporary South African sounds and global club music, ensuring his log drums and piano melodies reach a vast audience daily.

You can hear the music of Kabza De Small, the King of Amapiano, on various radio stations available right here on onairium.com. Tune in to discover his key tracks and experience the sound that continues to shape the South African music landscape.