Latest news with #Kabza
The Citizen
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Showmax celebrates Kabza De Small's Amapiano brilliance
Kabza said partnering with a local platform like Showmax helps ensure the story of Amapiano is told authentically. Showmax is honouring Amapiano star Kabza De Small in a new tribute that highlights his role in turning a homegrown genre into a global sound. The feature, narrated by Emmy-winning actress Thuso Mbedu, also spotlights other South African talents, including Grammy Award winner Tyla, visual artist Karabo Poppy, rising sprinter Bayanda Walaza, and designer Laduma Ngxokolo of MaXhosa Africa. Widely regarded as one of the pioneers of Amapiano, Kabza began his journey in the townships with a laptop and a vision—producing beats that would go on to define a generation of South African music. The Imithandazo hitmaker said international recognition has been humbling. 'Amapiano started as something raw and real, something we made in the heart of the kasi, not thinking it would one day be global. 'To now see people in different countries dancing, connecting, and even singing in our languages – it's emotional,' he said. Kabza added that partnering with a local platform like Showmax helps ensure the story of Amapiano is told authentically. 'When we work with platforms that understand our culture, our slang, our vibes, the story becomes more authentic. 'Showmax is showcasing our stories and preserving the spirit of how it started and who it belongs to. That kind of support allows us to be real, to honour our people, and to make sure our legacy is told from our perspective – not filtered through a lens that doesn't know our streets.' ALSO READ: Kabza De Small shows why he is the king of amapiano Kabza on staying original and grounded Kabza said staying grounded in his South African identity is essential, even as his global success grows. 'No matter where I go, I carry Mzansi with me – in the beat, in the groove, in how I dress, even how I move on stage.' He emphasised that Amapiano is more than just music, and if the world wants to embrace it, it must respect its origins and what it stands for. 'It's a story. A South African story. It's about our joy. If people just hear the music and don't understand the culture, they miss the heart of it. The soul of Amapiano is in the people who created it from nothing.' Kabza and his longtime collaborator DJ Maphorisa are currently preparing for a major live show under their Scorpion Kings banner. The show will be held at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Friday, 29 August. NOW READ: 22 weeks and glowing: Rugby WAG Marise Pollard shows off baby bump [Pics]
TimesLIVE
a day ago
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Kabza De Small, ‘King of amapiano', makes Big Apple solo debut
Kabza De Small, widely regarded as the 'King of amapiano', brought the rhythms of South Africa's townships to a sold-out crowd at the Knockdown Centre in Queens, New York, on Saturday night to huge acclaim. Kabza (born Kabelo Motha) was the headline act in a line-up of performances that also included fellow South Africans: Afro-house DJ Caiiro from Mpumalanga and gqom QUE DJ from KwaMashu, Durban. Performing as part of the Descendants showcase, Kabza delivered a high-energy, genre-defining set that fused his signature sounds with unreleased material from his upcoming album. The crowd, a blend of devoted fans and new converts to the amapiano wave, danced non-stop as Kabza spun track after track of chart-toppers with deeper cuts from his extensive catalogue. 'It feels amazing and it's such an honour,' Kabza told TimesLIVE before the show. 'To be a witness to the way amapiano has catapulted into different regions of the world has been incredible. I love that the sound has been loved by people from all over.' Amapiano, a genre rooted in South Africa's house music scene, has found global resonance in recent years. Artists such as Kabza have pushed it forward with innovative collaborations — with names such as DJ Maphorisa and Nobuhle, and internationally, having performed during Paris Fashion Week this past season in an exclusive Hennessy after-party with MaXhosa Africa. 'They can expect a high energy set with some of their favourite songs and some underground, unreleased music from my upcoming album,' the 32-year-old star added. 'The great thing about amapiano is that it is authentically a South African sound and the global audience has been so receptive to it. I'm feeling blessed for this moment.'
