Kabza De Small Biography: The King of Amapiano’s Journey, Age, Albums & Net Worth

Introduction: Who is Kabza De Small?

In the pantheon of South African music, few names resonate as profoundly as Kabza De Small. Widely and rightfully crowned the “King of Amapiano,”  Kabelo Petrus Motha has not merely participated in the amapiano revolution; he has been its primary architect, chief propagator, and reigning monarch. From the sprawling townships of Pretoria to the global stages of the world, Kabza’s signature sound—a soulful blend of deep house, jazzy piano melodies, and log drum percussion—has become the heartbeat of a generation.

This definitive biography traces the extraordinary journey of a man who went from a broke DJ with a dream to the most streamed South African artist on Spotify, a multi-award-winning producer, and an international ambassador for a genre that now dominates the continent and beyond. We delve into his early life in Mpumalanga, his explosive breakthrough, his legendary partnership with DJ Maphorisa as the Scorpion Kings, his extensive discography, his private life, and the staggering accolades that cement his legacy.

Kabza De Small: Key Facts at a Glance

Before exploring his story in depth, here are the essential facts about the King of Amapiano.

• Real Name: Kabelo Petrus Motha

• Stage Name: Kabza De Small

• Date of Birth: November 27, 1992

• Age: 33 years old (as of 2026)

• Birthplace: eMalahleni (Witbank), Mpumalanga, South Africa

• Raised In: Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa

• Nationality: South African

• Occupation: DJ, Record Producer, Record Label Executive

• Genres: Amapiano, Afro House, EDM (early career)

• Instruments: Keyboards, Piano, Drum Machine, Synthesizer

• Labels: Piano Hub (founder), Bestbyfar Records (former)

• Famous Collaborations: DJ Maphorisa (as Scorpion Kings), Tresor, Young Stunna, Ami Faku, Msaki, Burna Boy, Wizkid

• Notable Songs: “Umshove,” “Abalele,” “Khusela,” “Asibe Happy,” “Sponono,” “Izolo”

• Awards: 13+ South African Music Awards (SAMAs), 5 Metro FM Music Awards, Forbes Africa 30 Under 30, and many more

• Spouse: Kamogelo Geloo Moropa (m. 2023)

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Early Life and Education: Humble Beginnings in Mpumalanga and Pretoria

Birth and Family Background

Kabelo Petrus Motha was born on November 27, 1992, in eMalahleni, a coal mining town also known as Witbank, in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa . Details about his parents remain private, reflecting the artist’s generally reserved nature when it comes to his personal life. However, it is known that he was raised alongside his brother, Sphelele Xaki, who has forged his own path as an electrical engineer and philanthropist .

The family later relocated from Mpumalanga to the bustling city of Pretoria in Gauteng, where Kabza spent his formative years . This move to the capital city would prove pivotal, immersing him in a vibrant urban culture and a burgeoning electronic music scene that would shape his artistic destiny.

The Spark: Discovering a Passion for Music

From a young age, Kabelo was drawn to the power of music. In the streets and townships of Pretoria, he absorbed a diverse range of sounds, from traditional house music to the international EDM that was flooding the airwaves. He was fascinated not just by the songs themselves, but by the architects behind them—the DJs and producers who could command a dance floor and move a crowd.

This fascination soon became an obsession. With limited resources but an abundance of determination, the teenager began teaching himself the craft. He started his journey as a disc jockey in 2009, at just 17 years old . He would spend countless hours honing his skills, learning to blend tracks, and understanding the mechanics of rhythm and groove. Those early years were lean; he was broke, but he was resolute. Music was his first love, and he knew the entertainment industry was where he belonged . Initially, he experimented by combining EDM with Afrobeat-infused house, slowly developing a style that was uniquely his own .

The Road to Recognition: Early Career and Debut Album

The First Steps and “Avenue Sounds” (2016)

For seven years, Kabza De Small toiled in relative obscurity, a dedicated student of the game. He networked, collaborated with fellow up-and-coming artists like MFR Souls, Gaba Canal, and Kopzz Avenue, and continued to refine his production skills . His big break as a producer finally came in 2016 when he signed with House Afrika Records and released his debut album, “Avenue Sounds” .

While the album didn’t catapult him to instant stardom, it was a crucial milestone. It was his first official statement, a compilation of the sounds he had been perfecting for years. “Avenue Sounds” helped establish his name within the Pretoria club scene and laid the groundwork for what was to come. It was a sign that Kabelo Motha was a serious artist with a long-term vision .

The Breakthrough: “Amabele Shaya” and “Umshove” (2018)

The seismic shift in Kabza’s career occurred in 2018. He entered the studio with a fellow amapiano artist named Leehleza, and together, they created two tracks that would change the landscape of South African music forever: “Amabele Shaya” and “Umshove” .

These songs were different from anything else on the market. They possessed a hypnotic, log-drum-driven groove, punctuated by melodic piano riffs that were both sophisticated and irresistibly danceable. They were the first amapiano hits to truly strike a chord with the South African mainstream, and they are now credited as the catalyst for the genre’s explosion . “Umshove,” in particular, gained international recognition and marked Kabza’s arrival on a global stage . The sound he had been cultivating for nearly a decade had finally found its moment.

The Scorpion Kings Era: A Legendary Partnership with DJ Maphorisa

The Birth of a Super-Duo

With his new-found fame, Kabza De Small caught the attention of another titan of South African music: the renowned producer and DJ, DJ Maphorisa. Recognizing the immense potential in Kabza’s sound, Maphorisa, who had already achieved international success with the likes of Drake and Wizkid, saw a kindred spirit. They decided to join forces, forming a super-duo that would be named the Scorpion Kings .

This partnership was a meeting of minds that proved to be alchemical. Maphorisa brought his industry weight, business acumen, and a more mainstream, Afro-pop sensibility, while Kabza provided the pure, authentic, and deeply soulful amapiano production. Together, they were unstoppable.

A String of Platinum and Diamond Albums

The Scorpion Kings unleashed a relentless stream of hit projects that would dominate the airwaves for years.

• “Scorpion Kings” (2019): Their debut collaborative album, released on July 5, 2019, was a phenomenon. Fueled by the lead single “Koko,” the album was a critical and commercial smash. It was certified Diamond in South Africa, selling over 100,000 copies and solidifying their status as the genre’s leaders .

• “Piano Hub” (2019): Just months later, on October 1, they released “Piano Hub,” featuring the massive single “Nana Thula” with Njelic. The EP was certified 3× Platinum .

• “The Return of the Scorpion Kings” (2019): They ended the year by dropping yet another hit project on November 29, further cementing their dominance .

• “Once Upon a Time in Lockdown” (2020): During the COVID-19 pandemic, the duo channeled their creativity into a new album that captured the mood of the nation. It was another massive success, winning the SAMA for Album of the Year .

This period established Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa as the most bankable and influential production duo in South Africa, if not the entire continent.

Kabza De Small’s Solo Brilliance: Iconic Albums

While his work with Scorpion Kings brought him immense fame, Kabza’s solo projects proved his individual genius and justified his self-appointed title.

“Pretty Girls Love Amapiano” (Vol. 1 & 2)

On October 18, 2019, Kabza released his second solo studio album, “Pretty Girls Love Amapiano Vol. 1” . The project showcased his softer, more romantic side and was a massive hit. He followed it up with Vol. 2 in April 2020, which continued the project’s success .

“I Am the King of Amapiano: Sweet & Dust” (2020)

This was the statement of intent. Released on June 26, 2020, “I Am the King of Amapiano: Sweet & Dust” was Kabza’s crowning achievement up to that point. The album was a sprawling masterpiece, featuring a star-studded lineup of South African and international talent, including Burna Boy, Wizkid, Cassper Nyovest, Samthing Soweto, Sha Sha, and DJ Maphorisa .

The album debuted at number one in South Africa, was certified double platinum, and earned Kabza three nominations at the 27th South African Music Awards, making him the most nominated artist of the year . It was the definitive proof that his self-proclaimed title was not just confidence, but fact.

“KOA II Part 1” (2022)

On June 16, 2022, Kabza released his highly anticipated fourth studio album, “KOA II Part 1” (King of Amapiano 2 Part 1) . The 18-track behemoth featured a who’s who of amapiano’s new wave, including Msaki, Ami Faku, Young Stunna, Nkosazana Daughter, and Kwesta. The lead single, “Khusela” featuring Msaki, shot to number one on the Apple Music charts . The album received a perfect 10/10 rating from GQ Magazine and was nominated for Album of the Year at the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMMA) .

“Bab’ Motha” (2025) and Global Dominance

Kabza continued to push boundaries. In July 2025, he released the studio album “Bab’ Motha” . This album marked a new peak in his international career, debuting at number 9 on the Spotify Top Global Album Charts, making it his first album to achieve a top 10 position on that prestigious global ranking .

Defining Songs and Major Hits

Kabza De Small’s discography is a treasure trove of hits. Some of the most defining tracks of his career include:

• “Umshove” (with Leehleza, 2018): The breakthrough track that started it all .

• “Amabele Shaya” (with Leehleza, 2018): Another early classic that defined the amapiano sound .

• “Koko” (with DJ Maphorisa, 2019): The lead single from the Scorpion Kings album .

• “Nana Thula” (with DJ Maphorisa & Njelic, 2019): A massive anthem from the “Piano Hub” EP .

• “Sponono” (with Wizkid, Burna Boy, Cassper Nyovest, & Madumane, 2020): A star-studded collaboration from “I Am the King of Amapiano” .

• “Abalele” (with DJ Maphorisa & Ami Faku, 2021): Released in September 2021, this song became a cultural phenomenon. It debuted at number 4 on the Spotify charts and number 1 on the official South African Music Charts .

• “Asibe Happy” (with DJ Maphorisa & Ami Faku, 2021): Another genre-defining collaboration that became a fan favorite .

• “Khusela” (feat. Msaki, 2022): The lead single from “KOA II Part 1” and an instant classic .

• “Izolo” (with DJ Maphorisa & Tyler ICU): A staple in any amapiano DJ’s set.

• “Kabza Chant” (feat. Young Stunna, Nkosazana Daughter, Mthunzi, et al., 2024): A massive collaboration that debuted at number 1 on SA Spotify Daily Charts upon its release .

Awards, Accolades, and Unmatched Recognition

Kabza De Small’s shelf is groaning under the weight of his achievements. He is one of the most decorated artists in South African history.

• Forbes Africa 30 Under 30: Ranked number 18 in 2021 .

• South African Music Awards (SAMAs): He has won over 13 SAMAs across multiple categories, including Album of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, and Duo/Group of the Year .

• Metro FM Music Awards: Winner of 5 awards.

• DStv Mzansi Viewers’ Choice Awards: Won Favorite DJ and Favorite Rising Star in 2020 .

• AmaPiano Music Awards: Winner of multiple awards, including Best Amapiano Male DJ Act and Best Amapiano Music Producer in 2021 .

• Dance Music Awards South Africa: Winner of Best Amapiano Record in 2019 for “Amantombazane” .

• Spotify Records: Named the most streamed South African artist on Spotify in both 2019 and 2020 .

Personal Life: Wife, Family, and Private World

Despite his immense fame, Kabza De Small is known for keeping his personal life away from the public eye .

Marriage to Kamogelo Geloo Moropa

In a heartwarming development for fans, Kabza tied the knot in 2023. He married his long-time partner, Kamogelo Geloo Moropa, in a beautiful and private ceremony . The couple has occasionally shared glimpses of their life together on social media, offering rare peeks into the producer’s world away from the studio.

Family and Low-Key Lifestyle

He remains close to his brother, Sphelele Xaki, and is known to be a family-oriented person. Kabza’s public persona is that of a humble and focused artist. He rarely engages in controversy and prefers to let his music do the talking. When he’s not in the studio or performing, he enjoys spending time with his wife and close circle of friends, which includes many of his long-time collaborators from the amapiano scene.

Kabza De Small’s Net Worth

As of 2026, Kabza De Small’s net worth is estimated to be in the millions. His wealth is accumulated from multiple revenue streams:

• Music Production: Royalties from his extensive solo catalog and production credits for other artists.

• Performances: Headlining major festivals and concerts across Africa and the world.

• Record Label: Revenue from his label, Piano Hub, which houses some of the biggest names in the genre.

• Endorsements: Lucrative brand partnerships with major corporations.

While exact figures are difficult to verify, his status as a Diamond and Platinum-selling artist, combined with his consistent touring and business ventures, places him among the wealthiest and most successful music producers on the continent .

The King’s Legacy: Impact on Amapiano and Beyond

Kabza De Small’s influence on music cannot be overstated. He is not just a participant in the amapiano story; he is the genre’s primary author. His production style—characterized by warm, soulful piano chords and perfectly programmed log drums—has become the template for thousands of aspiring producers.

He has been instrumental in launching and nurturing the careers of countless young artists, including vocalists like Young Stunna and Nkosazana Daughter, giving them a platform to shine. His collaboration with DJ Maphorisa created a powerhouse that lifted the entire genre.

From selling out his Redbull Symphonic show with Ofentse Pitse and a full orchestra in record time—selling out in 5 hours, then adding a second show that sold out in 8 minutes—to producing for global superstar Drake’s “It’s All a Blur Tour,” Kabza De Small has proven that amapiano is a global force . He has taken the sounds of Pretoria’s townships to the world, and in doing so, has secured his place as a true icon of African music.

Discography: A Complete Overview

Studio Albums

• Avenue Sounds (2016)

• Pretty Girls Love Amapiano Vol. 1 (2019)

• Pretty Girls Love Amapiano Vol. 2 (2020)

• I Am the King of Amapiano: Sweet & Dust (2020)

• KOA II Part 1 (2022)

• Bab’ Motha (2025)

Collaborative Albums (as Scorpion Kings with DJ Maphorisa)

• Scorpion Kings (2019)

• Piano Hub (2019)

• The Return of the Scorpion Kings (2019)

• Once Upon a Time in Lockdown (2020)

• Rumble in the Jungle (with Tresor) (2021)

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Conclusion: The Reign Continues

Kabza De Small’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and prodigious talent. From his humble beginnings in Mpumalanga and Pretoria, he rose to become not just a successful artist, but the foundational figure of a global music movement. His title, “King of Amapiano,” is not a boast; it is a fact acknowledged by fans, critics, and fellow musicians alike.

With each new release, he continues to evolve, to innovate, and to remind the world why he sits at the apex of the genre. Whether it’s through his own solo masterpieces, his legendary collaborations with DJ Maphorisa, or his work nurturing new talent on his Piano Hub label, Kabza De Small’s impact on South African and global culture is indelible. As he moves forward into the future, one thing is certain: the King’s reign is far from over.