Kabza De Small
South African musician

Kabza De Small

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South African musician
Gender:
Male
Work field:
Birth:
27 November 1992(Mpumalanga, South Africa)
Star sign:
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Biography

Introduction

Kabelo Motha (born 27 November 1992) better known by his stage name Kabza De Small, is a South African DJ and record producer from Pretoria. Born in Mpumalanga and raised in Pretoria, he is regarded as the "King of Amapiano".

Life and career

Kabelo Motha was born in Mpumalanga, South Africa, and was raised in Pretoria. Motha began his career as a DJ in 2009, venturing in the genres: Afro-fused house and EDM. 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. 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. As for 18 October 2019, Motha released his second studio album, Pretty Girls Love Amapiano. In continuing his collaboration with DJ Maphorisa, they released their third studio album, The Return of Scorpion Kings, on 29 November 2019. On 4 April 2020 during the covid-19 national lockdown period, he released an EP titled Pretty Girls Love Amapiano 2.

Impact and achievements

Motha is often referred to as the "King of Amapiano". He is considered as 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. On 3 December 2019, Spotify South Africa, named Motha as the most-streamed South African artist in the platform for 2019.

Discography

Studio albums

Title Album details
Avenue Sounds
  • Released: 4 November 2016
  • Label: House Afrika Records
  • Format: digital download, CD
Pretty Girls Love Amapiano Vol.1
  • Released: 18 October 2019
  • Label: Piano Hub (PTY) LTD
  • Format:digital download, CD
Pretty Girls Love Amapiano Vol.2
  • Released: 16 April 2020
  • Label: Piano Hub (PTY) LTD
  • Format:digital download, CD

Collaborative albums

Title Album details Certifications
Amapiano Volume 4
(with various artists)
  • Released: 1 March 2019
  • Label: House Afrika
  • Formats: digital download, CD
Dreaming Ep
(with Chambers & Spumante)
  • Released: 4 March 2019
  • Label: New Money Gang Records
  • Formats: digital download, CD
Scorpion Kings
(with DJ Maphorisa)
  • Released: 5 July 2019
  • Label: New Money Gang Records
  • Formats: digital download, CD
RiSA: Diamond
Piano Hub
(with DJ Maphorisa)
  • Released: 1 October 2019
  • Label: New Money Gang Records
  • Formats: digital download, CD
The Return of Scorpion Kings
(with DJ Maphorisa)
  • Released: 29 November 2019
  • Label: New Money Gang Records
  • Formats: digital download, CD
Scorpion Kings Live At Sun Arena 11 April 2020
(with DJ Maphorisa)
  • Released: 31 January 2020
  • Label: New Money Gang Records
  • Formats: digital download, CD
Once Upon A Time In Lockdown
(with DJ Maphorisa)
  • Released:5 April 2020
  • Label: New Money Gang Records
  • Formats: digital download, CD

Awards and Nominations

Year Nominee / work Award Result
2020 DStv Mzansi Viewers' Choice Awards Favorite DJ Himself Won
Favorite Rising Star Himself Won