Kabza De Small's Bab'Motha marks a soulful evolution in Amapiano music
Image: Supplied
Renowned for shaping the Amapiano genre into the global phenomenon it is today, Kabza De Small returns with Bab'Motha — a grounded and spiritually infused album that marks both a creative milestone and a personal evolution.
The title alone, Bab'Motha, sets the tone for what Kabza de Small wants to communicate with the listener.
'It's a title that carries weight,' the multitalented muso explains. 'It's about honour and recognising the voice, the wisdom and energy that leads. Spiritually, it connects to the idea of a guide—someone who carries wisdom and direction.'
For Kabza de Small, real name Kabelo Motha, this album is more than a project. It's a continuation of his artistic journey, tracing back to his early Amapiano days that now see a shift into deeper, more introspective territories.
And intentionality is the core and heartbeat of this album. Where many artists chase trends, Kabza is carving out a lane of his own that reflects him.
'I was very intentional about aligning the production with where I am creatively and emotionally. I focused on mastering and making sure it sounds good wherever you play it,' he says. 'This album speaks volumes about the direction I'm moving towards — music that's honest, grounded and soul-stirring.'
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'You can hear (from just listening to it) how far I've come,' he says. 'The foundation is still rooted in Amapiano, but there is a whole lot more storytelling. The emotions and the intentions behind each track show a deeper maturity. Bab'Motha pushes my sound into a new space—it's more refined, more fearless.'
A standout feature of the album is its bold collaborations. And while he is known for bridging genres, the artist took it a step further this time around. 'I intentionally worked with people who were open to exploring different sounds — artists who weren't afraid to step outside their comfort zones,' he shares. 'We are often pushed to stay in a specific lane, but this was about breaking those walls.'
In a music landscape full of fierce competition, Kabza de Small isn't worried about his release timing. 'When you create music for the people and not just for trends, every release finds its moment naturally,' he says. 'I had a message I needed to share, and I poured that message into every track.'
That message, at its core, is about evolution. Amapiano isn't just a genre to Kabza — it's a cultural movement. 'It's a lifestyle, a voice for the people, and a reflection of our everyday stories,' he says. 'With Bab'Motha, I wanted to honour what Amapiano stands for - as a voice of the people and a reflection of our daily lives. But in the same breath, I wanted to challenge it, to show that Amapiano can carry spiritual weight and cultural references.
'More than anything, I want people to feel the honesty in this project,' he says. 'Bab'Motha is about growth, freedom and embracing your truth.'
And in a time where authenticity is rare, that alone makes Bab'Motha unforgettable.
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