Kabza de Small is a South African DJ, record producer, and record label owner known for his significant contributions to the amapiano genre of house music. He came to the limelight for his song “Umshove” which earned him international recognition.
Kabza de Small
Profession: Musician
Born: November 27, 1992
Age: 33 years old
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Mpumalanga, South Africa
Known for: Hit single Umshove
Profile Overview
Kabza de Small was born on November 27, 1992, in Mpumalanga, Soutj Africa. He grew up with his brother Sphere Xaki, who is an electrical engineer. His passion for music was driven by a desire to create something unique and innovative.
He started his career in the music industry with small gigs and local performances. He gradually gained popularity through his social media platforms. His early work was more of soulful and melodic beats, which resonated with lovers of amapiano.
Kabza de Small began collaborating with other artists and producers in the industry. He co-founded the Scorpion Kings, a collective that has had a significant impact on the amapiano scene. He started doing music in 2009 and released his first album Avenue Sound in 2016 under BestbyFar Records.
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He came to prominence with the release of “Umshove” in 2018, which gave him more exposure at the international level.
Kabza de Small alongside DJ Maphorisa released the song “Abelele” featuring South Africa singer Ami Faku, on September 27, 2021. He also had a collaboration on the song “Siyabonga” with the likes of DJ Zinhle, Nokwazi and Black Motion.
He came through with his third studio album, I Am the King of Amapiano: Sweet & Dust (2021), which debuted at number one on the South African charts. He released his studio EP Ziwangale, on April 22, 2022, with the lead single “Ziwa Ngale” featuring DJ Tira, DJ Exit SA, Beast, Mshunqisi, Young Stunna, and Felo Le Tee. He released 6 singles on May 31 which include; “Khusela” featuring Msaki, “Bathini” featuring Yiung Stunna and Artwork Sounds, “Isoka” featuring Nkosazana Daughter and Murumba Pitch. He collaborated with DJ Maphorisa on a 25 track mixtape project titled The Konka mixtape (Sweet & Dust) album, in May 2023.
He released the song “Isibusiso” alongside Mthunzi, on October 20, 2023, as the lead single of his extend3d play “Isimo” which was also released on October 27.
Kabza released his album Bob’ Motha on July 18, 1015. He followed up with another studio album titled “TuTu” in June 2026, while releasing “Mpilo” alonsgide Mkeyz, as the album lead single.
He has received several awards such as; Favorite Rising Star and Faborite DJ at Mazansi Viewers Choice Awards in 2020, Best Amapiano Record at Dance Music Award South Africa in 2019, Best Amapiano Music Producer, and Best Amapiano Male DJ Act at South African Amapiano Music Awards in 2021. He won the Album of the Year and Male Artist of the Year at South African Music Awards in 2021. He also won the Song of the Year and Best Produced Album of the Year for “Isimo” at Metro FM Music Awards 2024. He is one of the most sought after singer in South Africa alonsgide Tyla.
The South African self acclaimed king of Amapiano, earns from music streams, fees from indoor events and international corporate gigs, He co-owns the record label and lounge Piano hub. He is also into real estate and owns collection of luxury cars.
Career Timeline
- 2016 – Avenue Sound (album)
- 2019 – Pretty Girls Love Amapiano (album)
- 2020 – I Am The King of Amapiano Sweet & Dust (album)
- 2023 – Isimo (Album with Mthunzi)
- 2025 – Bab’ Motha (album)
Personal Details
- Alternative name: Kabza de Small
- Nationality: South African
- Height: 5 feet 5 inches
- Siblings: Sphere Xaki
- Partner: Kamogelo Geloo Moropa (m. 2023)
- Official Website: Instagram – @kabelomotha_
Trivia
- Kabza de Small’s real name is Kabelo Petrus Motha.
- He is a multi-instrumentalist who can play Keyboard, piano, and electronic drums.
- He has collaborated with prominent artists such as Sun-EL Musician and DJ Maphorisa.
- His music often incorporates elements of soul, R&B, and traditional South African rhythms.
- He was ranked 18 on Forbes 30 under 30.
- He was featured on Rolling Stone Magazine in July 2021.
- He has been praised for his innovative approach to production, blending different styles and genres to create a unique sound.
- He is considered as one of the pioneers of the amapiano genre.
- He has an estimated networth of over $3 million.
