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Kabza De Small & DJ Maphorisa

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Kabza De Small & DJ Maphorisa · Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa are two South African DJs and producers who became known as a duo through amapiano, a South African style of house. Kabza De Small is regarded as one of the faces of the genre. DJ Maphorisa, born Themba Sekowe in 1987 in Soshanguve, is of Tsonga and Lobedu descent. His stage name means 'the police' in Tsonga. He first signed with Kalawa Jazmee Records and later started his own label, BlaqBoy Music.

Music and breakthrough

Maphorisa built his name as a producer of hits for artists from many genres, such as Uhuru with Y-Tjukuta, Kwesta with Ngud', Busiswa with Lahla and Shekinah with Suited. In his work he blends house, gqom, amapiano and Afropop. Among others, he has worked with Wizkid, Drake, Black Coffee and Major Lazer. His single Midnight Starring, with Moonchild Sanelly, DJ Tira and Busiswa, appeared in 2018. In 2021 he made the album Rumble in the Jungle with Kabza De Small and TRESOR, and in the same year the song Abalele with Ami Faku. In Lagos he won the award for African DJ of the Year.

Influence

Amapiano has a relaxed but danceable groove, with deep bass loops, jazzy piano chords and a drum pattern that belongs to house. From 2019 onwards the genre spread from the South African townships across Africa and the world. The duo represent that wave and show how a local style can become popular worldwide.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to Asibe Happy and notice the low bass loop and the loose piano chords: how does that relaxed groove keep you moving all the same, and when does the vocal come in?
Categories: ArtistsAmapiano