Kabza De Small
- Date of birth: 27 November 1992
- Place of birth: Emalahleni Local Municipality, Mpumalanga, South Africa (raised in Pretoria)
- Nationality: South African
- Main activity: DJ, record producer, musician, songwriter.
- Genre: Amapiano, Afro-fused house, EDM.
Kabelo Petrus Motha, widely known as Kabza De Small, is a celebrated South African DJ and record producer. Born in Mpumalanga and raised in Pretoria, he is often referred to as the "King of Amapiano" due to his significant role in popularising the genre. He is known for his unique production style, blending house music with elements of jazz, lounge, and deep house.
Career
Kabza De Small began his career as a DJ in 2009, initially exploring Afro-fused house and EDM. He soon transitioned to the Amapiano genre, a subgenre of house music characterised by its airy synth pads, bright piano melodies, and low-tempo rhythms, for which he is now largely credited as a pioneer. His breakthrough came in 2018 with the hit track "Umshove." His collaborative efforts, particularly with DJ Maphorisa under the "Scorpion Kings" moniker, have been instrumental in pushing Amapiano to mainstream success and international recognition. Their album Scorpion Kings (2019) is notably credited for popularising the genre. He has continued to release numerous successful albums and singles, earning multiple awards and solidifying his status as a leading figure in the South African music industry.
Family
Kabza De Small's father was a DJ, and he credits his father with introducing him to music. He is reportedly married to Kamogelo Moropa.
Dating history
Kabza De Small is reportedly married to Kamogelo Moropa. In September 2024, rumors about his relationship with MaWhoo were dispelled, with MaWhoo stating their relationship is purely platonic. Recent social media content has alluded to infidelity.
Awards
- DStv Mzansi Viewers' Choice Awards: Favourite Rising Star (2020)
- DStv Mzansi Viewers' Choice Awards: Favourite DJ (2020)
- South African Music Awards (SAMA): Album of the Year for Scorpion Kings with DJ Maphorisa, MFR Souls & Virgo Deep (2020)
- South African Amapiano Music Awards: Best Amapiano Male DJ Act for Scorpion Kings (2021)
- South African Amapiano Music Awards: Best Amapiano Music Producer (2021)
- South African Amapiano Music Awards: Best Amapiano Collaboration for "Emcimbini" (2021)
- South African Music Awards (SAMA): Album of the Year for Once Upon A Time in Lockdown with DJ Maphorisa as Scorpion Kings (2021)
- South African Music Awards (SAMA): Male Artist of the Year for I Am The King of Amapiano: Sweet & Dust (2021)
- South African Music Awards (SAMA): Duo/Group of the Year for Once Upon A Time in Lockdown as Scorpion Kings (2021)
- South African Music Awards (SAMA): Best Amapiano Album for Once Upon A Time in Lockdown as Scorpion Kings (2021)
- South African Music Awards (SAMA): Most Streamed Song of the Year for "Abalele" (2022)
- South African Music Awards (SAMA): Best Kwaito Album for Speak N Vrostaan with Kwesta (2023)
- South African Music Awards (SAMA): Best Produced Album for KOA II Part 1 (2023)
- South African Music Awards (SAMA): Best Amapiano Album for KOA II Part 1 (2023)
- South African Music Awards (SAMA): Duo/Group of the Year for Scorpion Kings Live Sun Arena with DJ Maphorisa (2023)
- South African Music Awards (SAMA): Motsweding FM Best Amapiano Album for Isimo (2024)
- South African Music Awards (SAMA): Radio 2000 Duo/Group of the Year for Isimo (2024)
- South African Music Awards (SAMA): SAMPRA Album of the Year for Isimo (2024)
