Kabza De Small, the celebrated South African DJ and producer, has left an indelible mark on the music industry, particularly within the Amapiano genre. Here are 30 fascinating facts about him that you might not know:
- Birth Date and Place: Kabza De Small was born Kabelo Petrus Motha on November 27, 1992, in uMzimkhulu, Mpumalanga, South Africa.
- Early Life: He spent his early years in uMzimkhulu before moving to Pretoria, where he attended high school.
- Musical Beginnings: Kabza’s music career began in 2009 when he signed a recording contract with Tyrique de Bruyne.
- First Album: His debut album, Avenuee Sound, was released in 2016 under Bestbyfar Records.
- Founding PianoHub: In 2018, he founded his own record label, PianoHub, which played a crucial role in his career.
- Breakthrough Hit: His collaboration with Leehleza on the track “Umshove” was a significant breakthrough, establishing him in the Amapiano genre.
- Partnership with DJ Maphorisa: Kabza’s collaboration with DJ Maphorisa resulted in the successful Piano Hub album, released on October 1, 2018.
- Scorpion Kings Success: Their joint album, The Return of Scorpion Kings, released on November 29, 2019, achieved 3-platinum certification in South Africa.
- COVID-19 Impact: The Scorpion King Live concert, scheduled for April 11, 2020, was postponed to August 9 due to the pandemic.
- I Am the King of Amapiano: In June 2020, Kabza released I Am the King of Amapiano: Sweet & Dust, which went double platinum.
- Spotify Recognition: In December 2020, Kabza was recognized as the most streamed South African artist on Spotify.
- Rumble in the Jungle: Early 2021 saw the release of Rumble in the Jungle, a collaborative album with DJ Maphorisa and Tresor.
- Chart-Topping Singles: His single “Abalele,” featuring Ami Faku, topped the South African music charts.
- KOA II Part 1: In January 2022, he announced the release of KOA II Part 1, further solidifying his status in the industry.
- Ziwangale EP: The EP Ziwangale, released on April 22, 2022, featured hit singles like “Ziwa Ngale.”
- iTunes Success: KOA II Part 1 debuted at number 11 on the iTunes Top 100 list.
- Apple Music Hit: The single “Khusela” from KOA II Part 1 reached the top spot on Apple Music charts.
- Award Wins: At the 2021 South African Amapiano Music Awards, Kabza won Best Amapiano Music Producer and was nominated for Album of the Year and Best Collaboration.
- Metro FM Music Awards: In April 2024, he won four awards at the 18th Metro FM Music Awards, including Best Produced Album and Song of the Year.
- Personal Life: Kabza is married to Kamogelo Moropa. Despite his fame, he maintains a relatively private personal life.
- Influence: Kabza is known for his innovative contributions to the Amapiano genre, which blends house music with South African rhythms.
- Collaborations: He has worked with numerous artists in the South African music scene, enhancing his reputation as a versatile producer.
- Musical Style: His music often features deep, melodic beats and smooth vocals, characteristic of the Amapiano genre.
- Early Inspiration: Kabza’s passion for music developed during his high school years, influenced by his surroundings in Pretoria.
- Record Label Success: PianoHub, his label, has become a significant platform for emerging Amapiano artists.
- Cultural Impact: Kabza’s work has helped popularize Amapiano both locally and internationally.
- Philanthropy: He has been involved in various charitable initiatives, contributing to community development.
- Music Production: Besides being a DJ, Kabza is also a skilled music producer, creating tracks that resonate with a wide audience.
- Live Performances: His live performances are known for their energetic and engaging style, captivating audiences around the world.
- Future Projects: Kabza continues to work on new music and collaborations, promising more exciting releases for his fans.
Kabza De Small’s journey from a small-town upbringing to becoming a major player in the global music scene is a testament to his talent and dedication. His innovative sound and significant contributions to Amapiano have established him as a leading figure in South African music.
