Kabza De Small is one of the most important names in South African music. He is often called the “King of Amapiano.” His real name is Kabelo Motha. He was born in Mpumalanga in 1992. He grew up in Pretoria. His sound has shaped amapiano. He pushed the genre from township streets to the world stage.
Early life and career
Kabza started making music in the early 2010s. At first he worked with house and Afro-house beats. He slowly developed his own sound. Around 2016, amapiano began to spread in South Africa. Kabza was one of the producers who gave the genre its identity. He focused on smooth keys, log drum basslines, and soulful melodies. His music carried both groove and emotion. By 2018 his name was known across townships in Gauteng.
Breakthrough
His breakthrough came with collaborations with DJ Maphorisa. Together they formed the Scorpion Kings duo. Their joint projects dominated charts in 2019 and 2020. Songs like “Amantombazane,” “Lorch,” and “Emcimbini” became street anthems. Their chemistry was natural. Kabza brought deep, soulful piano and layered beats. Maphorisa added experience and global connections. The mix worked. Amapiano gained momentum. Kabza became its face.
Sound and style
Kabza’s production stands out. He prefers rich piano chords and atmospheric layers. His log drum lines carry weight but never overwhelm. His tracks often blend house, kwaito, and jazz moods. This makes them easy to dance to. They are also good for listening. Many call his style “private school amapiano.” It is a smoother and more polished take on the sound. It appeals to club goers and older listeners who like deep house.
Key albums
Kabza has released several major projects. Some of the most important include:
- Scorpion Kings (2019) – with DJ Maphorisa. The start of a new amapiano era.
- Piano Hub (2019) – his solo project under his label.
- Pretty Girls Love Amapiano (2019, 2020) – a two-part series that showed his range.
- Scorpion Kings Live (2020) – a live project that captured the energy of amapiano on stage.
- I Am the King of Amapiano: Sweet & Dust (2020) – a double album with many features.
- KOA II Part 1 (2022) – another large project proving his staying power.
Each album cemented his role as a leader. He works with vocalists such as Sha Sha, Daliwonga, Young Stunna, and Ami Faku. These collaborations give his tracks strong hooks and replay value.
Impact on amapiano
Kabza’s influence is large. Many young producers copy his sound. His mixes on YouTube and his live sets inspire new DJs. He set the standard for quality in amapiano production. He also showed that the genre can be album-driven, not only single-driven. His long projects helped amapiano gain respect in the music industry.
Global reach
In recent years, amapiano has gone global. Artists like Tyla, Uncle Waffles, and Focalistic took it abroad. Kabza remains central to that spread. International DJs play his tracks. His collaborations reach beyond South Africa. Streaming platforms push his releases to global playlists. He may not be as visible on stage as some acts. But his music powers the wave. Without Kabza’s foundation, the genre would not have grown this fast.
Why he stands out
Kabza is not just another producer. He has discipline and vision. He releases music often. He keeps the quality strong. He balances underground respect with mainstream appeal. He lets his sound evolve without losing its roots. Fans trust his name. When they see Kabza on a project they expect depth and groove. Few producers in South Africa have that level of credibility.
Challenges
Like many in the music industry, Kabza faces challenges. Amapiano is crowded now. Many new DJs release tracks every week. The sound can feel oversaturated. Kabza must keep finding ways to stay unique. Another challenge is international growth. While amapiano is global, not all producers get equal spotlight. Kabza’s quieter personality means he is less visible in media compared to flashier names. Still, his music speaks louder than promotion.
Future
Kabza’s future looks strong. He is young and already a legend. If he continues to refine his sound he can stay on top for another decade. Fans expect more solo projects, more Scorpion Kings work, and more live shows. He may also expand into collaborations with global house and electronic acts. His influence on younger amapiano producers will keep growing.
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