Quick Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kamogelo Matona |
| Stage Name | Kamo Mphela |
| Date of Birth | 29 November 1999 (24 years) |
| Birthplace | Soweto, South Africa |
| Profession | Dancer, Singer |
| Education | Media Studies at Boston Media House |
| Genres | Amapiano, Gqom, Kwaito, Pantsula |
| Notable Nickname | Queen of Amapiano |
| Record Label | Major League Music |
| Notable Collaborations | Busiswa, MFR Souls, Nadia Nakai, Killer Kau |
| Popular Tracks | “Amanikiniki”, “Sbwl”, “Suka Emabozen” |
| Recent Hit | “Dalie” (2023) |
| Achievements | Platinum-certified, Global Shazam Chart Top 20 |
| Nationality | South African |
Early Life and Education
Kamogelo Matona, known professionally as Kamo Mphela, was born on 29 November 1999 in Soweto, South Africa. She was raised in the Emdeni area of Soweto and developed a passion for performing from an early age. Kamo studied Media at Boston Media House, where she further honed her artistic skills and laid the groundwork for her future career in entertainment.
Career
Kamo Mphela’s journey into stardom began when she started accompanying her father, who worked at YFM, to events. At these events, Kamo would take the stage to dance, captivating audiences with her energetic performances. This early exposure helped her gain confidence and refine her dance abilities.
Her big break came when she started posting videos of herself dancing on Instagram. These videos quickly went viral, earning her widespread recognition and the nickname “Queen of Amapiano.” Kamo’s vibrant and dynamic dance style, particularly in the amapiano genre, set her apart in the South African music scene.
Before fully committing to dancing, Kamo explored acting and even landed a role as an extra on the popular TV soap Isibaya. However, she soon realized that acting wasn’t her true calling and shifted her focus to dancing. She began performing at gigs, where her talent was undeniable.
In 2019, Kamo Mphela signed with Major League Music and released her debut EP titled Twentee. The EP solidified her presence in the music industry and led to further opportunities, including collaborations with top South African artists. Some of her notable tracks include “Suka Emabozen,” “Menemene,” and the hit single “Sbwl,” a collaboration with Busiswa.
Kamo’s feature on MFR Souls’ single “Amanikiniki” was another significant milestone in her career. The song topped the Good Hope FM’s SA House Music Top 10 Chart, and her performance in the accompanying music video showcased her signature dance moves.
Kamo Mphela’s versatility as a performer extends beyond amapiano. She has also danced to other South African music genres such as gqom, kwaito, and pantsula, further cementing her status as a multifaceted artist.
Recent Success
In 2023, Kamo Mphela released the single “Dalie” alongside Tyler ICU and Khalil Harrison, featuring Baby S.O.N. The track debuted at number 1 across multiple countries, including Malawi, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, and peaked at number 11 on the global Shazam charts. The song’s success was further highlighted by its rapid accumulation of over 2 million digital streams within just four days and its certification as Gold in South Africa. “Dalie” eventually achieved Platinum certification, marking another high point in Kamo Mphela’s flourishing career.
Impact and Legacy
Kamo Mphela’s influence in the South African music and dance scene is undeniable. As a trailblazer in the amapiano genre, she has inspired many young dancers and musicians to pursue their passions. Her ability to blend various South African music styles with her dance talent has made her a household name and a key figure in the evolution of contemporary South African entertainment.
Kamo continues to push boundaries and redefine what it means to be a performer in South Africa, solidifying her legacy as a dynamic and influential artist.
