Kabza De Small (Kabelo Motha) is a South African DJ, producer, and songwriter. He is known as the King of Amapiano, a genre blending deep house, jazz, and lounge music. His music is smooth, melodic, and rhythm-driven. He helped bring Amapiano from South African townships to global recognition.
Early Life
Kabza De Small was born in 1992 in Mpumalanga, South Africa. He grew up loving music and learned to play keyboards early. He started producing beats as a teenager. His passion for music grew in local clubs and community events.
Musical Beginnings
He began producing house and deep house music in his early 20s. He adopted the stage name Kabza De Small and started releasing tracks online. His signature Amapiano sound combines piano melodies, percussive beats, and smooth basslines. He gained recognition in South African clubs before reaching national fame.
Major Albums
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I Am the King of Amapiano: Sweet & Dust (2019) – Early breakthrough album.
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Once Upon a Time in Amapiano (2020) – Collaboration with DJ Maphorisa; international attention.
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Piano Hub (2020) – Popularized the melodic Amapiano style.
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KOA II Part 1 & 2 (2021) – Further cemented his status in Amapiano music.
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Rumble in the Jungle (2021) – Collaboration album with international producers.
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I Am the King of Amapiano 3 (2022) – Latest solo album; signature deep, soulful sound.
I Am the King of Amapiano: Sweet & Dust (2019)
This album introduced Kabza’s signature style:
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Smooth piano melodies
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Deep basslines
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Lounge and danceable rhythms
It quickly gained popularity in South African clubs.
Once Upon a Time in Amapiano (2020)
A collaboration with DJ Maphorisa. The album reached international audiences. It blended melodic piano lines, percussive beats, and vocal features.
KOA II Part 1 & 2 (2021)
These albums solidified his position as a leader in Amapiano. Tracks were both club-friendly and chill listening. It highlighted the versatility of South African house music.
What Makes Him Different
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Pioneer of Amapiano music.
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Unique blend of deep house, jazz, and piano melodies.
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Produces music that is both danceable and soulful.
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Collaborates with other African artists without losing his style.
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Maintains consistency and quality across all albums.
Kabza focuses on musicality and emotion rather than hype.
Who Listens to Him
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Fans of Amapiano, house, and deep house.
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South African youth and international electronic music fans.
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Club-goers and festival audiences.
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Music producers and DJs studying Amapiano.
His music appeals to both casual listeners and serious music fans.
Collaborations
Kabza De Small has worked with:
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DJ Maphorisa – Major Amapiano collaboration projects.
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Mr JazziQ – Shared Amapiano singles and performances.
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Focalistic – South African hip-hop and Amapiano fusion.
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Local and international producers – Expanding Amapiano worldwide.
His collaborations emphasize South African sounds while reaching global audiences.
Activism and Cultural Role
He promotes South African music and culture through Amapiano. He inspires young producers to embrace their roots. His music celebrates township life and modern African creativity. Kabza is seen as a cultural ambassador for Amapiano music globally.
Later Years and Legacy
Kabza De Small continues producing and performing internationally. He has won multiple awards for Amapiano music. He is considered a mentor for young African music producers. His work helped bring Amapiano from local clubs to global recognition.
Legacy highlights:
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Pioneer and global ambassador of Amapiano.
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Influencer of African and electronic music trends.
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Mentor for new African producers.
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Creator of soulful, danceable, and melodic music.
Words
Kabza De Small is more than a DJ. He is a symbol of modern South African music. His Amapiano blends emotion, rhythm, and melody. His music moves people physically and emotionally.
For anyone exploring Amapiano, South African house, or deep house music, Kabza De Small is essential listening.
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