BIGSONG:
Kabelo Petrus Motha, is a South African DJ and record producer, primarily known under the alias of Kabza De Small. He is a major figure in the amapiano genre of house music. Aside from his solo career, Motha is a member of the Scorpion Kings.
Forbes ranked Motha number 18 on Forbes Africa 30 under 30 list.
Life and career
Born and raised in Mpumalanga, later the Motha family relocated to Pretoria. His musical career began in 2009. He released his first album Avenue Sound in 2016 under Bestbyfar Records. Shortly after he departed with Bestbyfar Records, Kabza established his own record label PianoHub. His breakthrough single “Umshove” featuring South African singer Leehleza was released in 2018. On October 1, 2019, he released Piano Hub Ep with DJ Maphorisa. The extended play was certified 3× platinum in South Africa. The Return of Scorpion Kings was released on November 29, 2019.
In January 31 2020, Scorpion Kings (Kabza de Small and DJ Maphorisa) announced Scorpion King Live, which was set to be April 11, at Sun Arena, Times Square in Pretoria. The concert was postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak, and was rescheduled to August 9.
His studio album I Am the King of Amapiano: Sweet & Dust, was released on June 26, 2020. The album was certified double platinum in South Africa. In December 2020, Kabza was listed as the most streamed South African artist by Spotify. That same month, Kabza announced collaborative studio album Rumble in the Jungle, and released lead single “Funu”, featuring Afro-pop singer Tresor in February 2021. Rumble in the Jungle, collaborative studio album by Kabza de Small, DJ Maphorisa, and Tresor was released on April 9, 2021.
Motha ranked at number 18 on Forbes Africa 30 under 30 list, in June 2021.
In July 2021, he was featured on Rolling Stone magazine for his musical career.
In September 27, Kabza and DJ Maphorisa released “Abalele” featuring South African singer Ami Faku. The song debuted number 4 on the Spotify charts and number 1 on the official South African Music Charts.
In early January 2022, he announced his upcoming album King of Amapiano Vol. 2, on his Instagram account. The album is set to be released on June 16, 2022.
His studio EP Ziwangale was released on April 22, 2022. It’s lead single “Ziwa Ngale” featuring DJ Tira, DJ Exit SA, Beast, Mshunqisi, Young Stunna, and Felo Tee, charted number on iTune SA music charts.
The other three songs, “Ebusuku” featuring Nkosazana Daughter, “Kabza” featuring Murumba Pitch, and “Mak’shoni” Langa” featuring DJ Maphorisa, Murumba Pitch, and Da Muziqal Chef, debuted at number 7, number 12 and number 26 respectively, on iTunes music chart.
In May 31, Kabza released 6 singles; “Khusela” featuring Msaki, “Bathini” featuring Young Stunna and Artwork Sounds, and “Isoka” featuring Nkosazana Daughter and Murumba Pitch, as part 1 of his upcoming album.
The album debuted number 11 on iTunes top 100 chart, and “Khusela” peaked number 1 on Apple Music charts.
In June 2022, Motha announced 3 leg tour that will run from 24 to 26 June.
