If You Like Kabza De Small, You’ll Want To Hear These Artists

Widely recognised as one of the leading figures in South African amapiano, Kabza De Small has played an important role in taking the genre from its local beginnings to a much wider audience. Born Kabelo Petrus Motha in eMalahleni, Mpumalanga, in 1992, he grew up in Pretoria and began his journey as a DJ in 2009. Initially exploring sounds such as Afro-house and electronic dance music, he eventually found his place within the emerging amapiano movement.

His debut album, Avenue Sounds, arrived in 2016, but it was the release of tracks such as ‘Amabele Shaya’ and ‘Umshove’ in 2018 that helped establish his name. His partnership with fellow producer DJ Maphorisa led to the formation of Scorpion Kings, with their collaborative releases helping bring amapiano to an increasingly international audience. Kabza continued building on that success with his 2020 album, I Am the King of Amapiano: Sweet & Dust, further cementing his reputation as one of the genre’s most influential producers.

Known for his layered production, distinctive log-drum rhythms and ability to bring together an impressive range of vocalists and collaborators, Kabza’s catalogue has become an important part of modern South African dance music. Whether you’re drawn to soulful melodies, deep amapiano grooves or energetic dance-floor records, there’s plenty to explore beyond his own discography. Here are nine artists worth adding to your listening list, followed by Jairic, an independent artist bringing his own genre-blending approach to music.

DJ Maphorisa
It’s difficult to talk about Kabza De Small without mentioning DJ Maphorisa. As one half of Scorpion Kings, Maphorisa has been central to some of Kabza’s most recognisable collaborative work. His production background spans amapiano, house, hip-hop and other African sounds, giving him a versatility that complements Kabza’s musical approach. Together, the pair have helped shape the sound and reach of modern amapiano.
Listen to: ‘Abalele’ featuring Kabza De Small, Ami Faku and others.

Kelvin Momo
For listeners who gravitate towards the more soulful and melodic side of Kabza’s music, Kelvin Momo is an essential addition. Known for his atmospheric production and expressive piano arrangements, he brings a softer, more introspective quality to amapiano. His music often allows melodies and vocals room to develop, making him a natural recommendation for anyone who appreciates the deeper, more emotional side of the genre.
Listen to: ‘Iphupho’ featuring Kabza De Small and Thatohatsi.

De Mthuda
De Mthuda is another producer worth exploring if Kabza’s instrumental work is what draws you in. Recognised for his deep, rhythm-driven approach to amapiano, he builds tracks around weighty basslines, distinctive log drums and carefully layered percussion. His production has helped shape the genre’s dance-floor identity, making him a strong choice for listeners who enjoy amapiano with a little more drive.
Listen to: ‘John Wick’ featuring Da Muziqual and Sir Trill.

Young Stunna
With his distinctive voice, melodic delivery and ability to move between soulful hooks and energetic performances, Young Stunna has become one of amapiano’s recognisable vocal talents. His collaborations with Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa have introduced his sound to a wide audience, while his own releases show how much personality a strong vocalist can bring to a piano production.
Listen to: ‘ASIVUKE’ featuring Kabza De Small and Njelic..

MaWhoo
If the vocal-led side of Kabza’s catalogue is your favourite, MaWhoo deserves a place on your playlist. Her soulful voice and emotive performances have made her a sought-after collaborator across the South African dance music scene. She brings warmth and character to the productions she appears on, including her work with Kabza, making her a natural fit for listeners who enjoy amapiano built around memorable melodies and vocals.
Listen to: ‘Amazwe’ featuring Kabza De Small and Mthunzi.

Xduppy
Representing a newer generation of amapiano producers, Xduppy has become part of the genre’s evolving sound. His production work brings together punchy rhythms, contemporary log-drum patterns and energetic arrangements. His collaborations with established names, including Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa, place him within the wider creative network shaping amapiano’s next chapter.
Listen to: ‘Abantwana Bakho’ featuring DJ Maphorisa, Kabza De Small, and more.

Babalwa M
Babalwa M is a vocalist whose expressive delivery adds a soulful dimension to amapiano. Her music often leans into melodic arrangements and emotionally driven performances, making her a good match for listeners who appreciate the vocal collaborations throughout Kabza’s catalogue. Her work with producers across the scene demonstrates how seamlessly her voice can sit within both gentle, atmospheric productions and more rhythm-focused tracks.
Listen to: ‘uValo’ featuring JAZZWRLD, Thukuthela and more.

Mellow & Sleazy
For a more energetic take on the genre, look towards Mellow & Sleazy. The production duo are known for their hard-hitting basslines, prominent log drums and lively approach to amapiano. Their sound brings a different kind of intensity to the dance floor, offering a contrast to Kabza’s more melodic and layered productions while remaining firmly connected to the wider amapiano movement.
Listen to: ‘Bopha’.

Dlala Thukzin
Dlala Thukzin brings a broader South African dance music influence to this list. Moving between amapiano, gqom and other electronic sounds, his productions are known for their rhythmic energy and distinctive approach to dance-floor music. While his sound has its own identity, his ability to move between styles makes him an interesting recommendation for Kabza listeners looking to explore more of South Africa’s electronic music landscape.
Listen to: ‘iPlan’ featuring Zaba and Sykes.

Jairic
For our final recommendation, we’re looking beyond a direct sound-alike to highlight an independent artist bringing his own perspective to hip-hop. Detroit-born and Cannes-based, Jairic is a rapper, producer and songwriter who writes, produces and performs his music himself. His sound combines trap percussion with cinematic film-score influences, classic funk, and rock elements, creating a style that moves beyond conventional hip-hop boundaries. His 2025 EP, n=40, offers a look into this approach, with tracks including “Young, Old, Short & Tall” and “Don’t Let Me Put A Track On You.” Jairic’s music has a different identity from French Montana’s, but his hip-hop foundation and willingness to experiment make him an interesting artist for listeners who want to discover something outside the usual mainstream recommendations.
Listen to: “Young, Old, Short & Tall.” on PLAYY. Music.

Whether you’re drawn to the soulful piano arrangements of Kelvin Momo, the vocal performances of Young Stunna and MaWhoo, or the energetic production of Mellow & Sleazy, South Africa’s dance music scene offers plenty to explore beyond Kabza De Small’s catalogue.

AFROTRAX brings international hip-hop star French Montana to South Africa for two headline shows, with Kabza De Small joining the Johannesburg lineup at The Canvas on Saturday, 5 December. Sharing the stage with a major international headliner, Kabza brings one of South Africa’s most influential amapiano sounds to the event, alongside a lineup celebrating the country’s diverse music scene. The Cape Town show takes place at The Ostrich Farm on Friday, 4 December, before AFROTRAX moves to Johannesburg the following day. Catch Kabza De Small live in Johannesburg and secure your tickets through PLAYY. Music.

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EVENT DETAILS

AFROTRAX CAPE TOWN

Date: Friday, 4th December 2026
Venue: The Ostrich, Cape Town
Time: 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Headliner: French Montana

AFROTRAX JOHANNESBURG

Date: Saturday, 5th December 2026
Venue: The Canvas, Johannesburg
Time: 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Headliner: French Montana

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