Kabelo Petrus Motha, popularly known as Kabza De Small is a South African DJ and record producer born on the 27th of November, 1992 in eMalahleni and Evander, Mpumalanga, South Africa; who later grew up in Pretoria, a city that became the focal point of his story.
Kabza’s journey to fame is marked by perseverance, talent, and innovation. This has led him to become one of the most influential artists in South African music. As a celebrated artist and producer, his launch to fame is similar to the swift rise of the Amapiano genre, garnering him the name ‘King of Amapiano’.
Early Life and Education
Kabza was raised in a modest, close-knit family whose values were centered on simplicity, hard work and community. He grew up in a working-class family filled with love and support: while his parents were hard workers who provided for the family, Kabelo resorted to music from an early age, often playing around with rhythms and sounds. A better part of his childhood was spent in Pretoria, where his family relocated afterward.
Kabza attended a local high school in Pretoria, where he had to balance academics with a burgeoning interest in music. Although he wasn’t especially inclined towards academics, he became evidently passionate about music during this time. His passion for rhythm and sound production regularly had him spending countless hours delving into music software, exploring different beats, and engrossing himself in diverse genres, including kwaito, house, and jazz.
Early Interests and Entry into Music
Kabza’s passion for music was entrenched during his childhood, enriched by the lively South African musical culture that enveloped him. Spurred by renowned house music producers such as Black Coffee and DJ Fresh, he began to explore DJing at the age of 12. He commenced with stage performance, exhibiting his musical skillset at local events and school activities, gaining recognition for his talent in blending tracks seamlessly.
Upon completion of his school work, Kabza delved entirely into music production. He taught himself to create beats by working with Fruity Loops, a renowned digital audio workstation. In his earliest works, he leaned toward the Afro-house genre, but with the emergence of the Amapiano genre in the late 2010s, his music career marked a turning point.
Family Relationships and Influence
Kabza shares a strong bond with his family, especially his mother, who is a pillar of support. Although they faced financial challenges, his parents nurtured his love for music, giving him the moral groundwork and resilience that would later shape his career. His family’s unwavering support imparted a strong sense of determination in him to succeed, not only for himself but also for those who believed in him.
While Kabza tends to keep his family life private, his music embodies the values and challenges he faced during his upbringing. The themes of joy, resilience, and celebration which are fundamentals of Amapiano often find their roots in his life experiences and family ties.
The Rise of a Star
Kabza De Small’s music career began humbly. His debut album, Avenue Sounds, released in 2016 under the House Afrika Records label did not immediately propel him to stardom even though it showcased his potential. However, it laid the foundation for what was to come.
The breakthrough in his professional journey came in 2018 when Kabza teamed up with DJ Maphorisa, another prolific South African music producer. They collaborated to form a dynamic duo that would redefine the Amapiano genre. Their partnership resulted in the hit single Amabele Shaya and subsequently the chart-topping track Umshove, which became an anthem across South Africa.
The collaboration between Kabza and Maphorisa proved to be a game-changer. They released several projects, including Scorpion Kings (2019) and Scorpion Kings Live (2020), which solidified their status as pioneers of Amapiano. Kabza’s talent for fusing jazzy melodies, deep house rhythms, and kwaito elements into a distinctive sonic experience set him apart as an exceptional artist.
Life Events and Adversities
Even with Kabza’s achievements, his journey was not without challenges. As a budding artist in South Africa’s competitive music industry, he faced financial difficulties and the pressure to stay relevant in a constantly evolving musical landscape. At the onset of his career, he struggled to gain recognition, often performing at local events for little or no compensation.
Another significant challenge was reconciling the traditional expectations of his family with his unconventional career path. Similar to many aspiring artists, Kabza faced skepticism from those who questioned the practicality of pursuing a music career. Nevertheless, his determination and passion for his craft ultimately silenced the critics.
The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic also posed another major challenge. With live performances being canceled and the entertainment sector facing unpredictability, Kabza redirected his attention to online platforms. During this time, he launched I Am the King of Amapiano: Sweet & Dust, a double album that highlighted his versatility and reinforced his status as a prominent figure in the genre.
Accomplishments and Recognition
Kabza De Small’s contributions to Amapiano have earned him widespread acclaim and numerous awards. Often referred to as the “King of Amapiano,” he has played a key role in bringing the genre to prominence not only in South Africa but around the world. His tracks have amassed millions of streams on platforms such as Spotify and YouTube, resulting in a massive fanbase.
Amongst his most notable achievements are:
Multiple Award Wins: Kabza has received numerous South African Music Awards (SAMAs), including Best Collaboration and Best Album.
Global Recognition: His music has been featured on international platforms, earning him fans across Africa, Europe, and beyond.
Mentorship: Kabza has mentored upcoming Amapiano artists, contributing to the genre’s growth and sustainability.
Major Turning Points
The collaboration with DJ Maphorisa marked a significant milestone in Kabza’s professional journey. Their combined efforts propelled Amapiano into the spotlight, elevating the genre to new heights. Kabza’s dedication and openness to innovation also played a significant role in his achievements.
Another pivotal moment was the debut of I Am the King of Amapiano: Sweet & Dust, which solidified his reputation as a dynamic and innovative artist. The album showcased his skill in pushing creative boundaries while staying true to his roots.
Personal Life
Kabza De Small is known for maintaining a low profile as regards his personal life. While he rarely speaks about his romantic relationships or family, he has offered insights into his life via interviews and social media platforms. His modesty and humble demeanor have endeared him to fans, who often describe him as approachable and relatable.
Legacy and Influence
Kabza’s impact on South African music is undeniable. As one of the leading figures in Amapiano, he has played a significant role in defining the sound and trajectory of the genre. His ability to blend traditional South African musical components with contemporary beats has produced a unique sound that resonates globally. Kabza has not only provided entertainment through his music but has also inspired a new generation of artists. His journey from a young boy in Pretoria to a global icon is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and authenticity.
Kabza De Small’s story is one of triumph over adversity, a journey defined by resilience, innovation, and an unwavering passion for music. As the “King of Amapiano,” he has left an indelible mark on the South African music landscape, forging a path for upcoming artists and establishing a standard of excellence in the industry.
With his music continuing to evolve and his influence expanding worldwide, Kabza De Small remains a beacon of hope and inspiration, proving that dreams and aspirations can be realized with talent, hard work, and determination.
