JOHANNESBURG – South Africa’s reigning Amapiano king, Kabza De Small, has returned with a bang—and a prayer. His latest full-length album, Bab’Motha, officially dropped on July 18, 2025, and it’s already being called the album of the year by fans and critics alike.
Released under Piano Hub and Sony Music Entertainment Africa, Bab’Motha features 16 tracks of soul-stirring, boundary-pushing Amapiano, showcasing Kabza’s most emotionally resonant work to date. With a total runtime of 1 hour 49 minutes, this Mandela Day drop was not just symbolic—it was seismic.
▶️ Stream or download Bab’Motha:
A new chapter for Amapiano
This isn’t just a return to form—it’s a spiritual pivot. Bab’Motha opens with the anthemic “Kabza Chant 2.0”, a collaboration featuring Young Stunna, Nkosazana Daughter, Murumba Pitch, and more—listen here. It quickly reached No. 1 on the Spotify Daily Charts and set the tone for what is arguably Kabza’s most intimate offering yet.
The album’s title pays homage to Kabza’s real name—Kabelo Motha—and roots, and the project carries the emotional weight of a man reflecting on his journey, purpose and faith.
Fan reactions: “It feels like a prayer”
Social media lit up within minutes of the release. One fan wrote, “Kabza’s music always feels like a prayer man. He makes music that really speaks to the soul.” Another added, “It’s a 10/10, no skips. Thank you God for giving us Kabza.”
Not everyone agrees on the direction. Some yearn for his old “KOA2” vibe, saying the new spiritual tone might be too mellow. But the vast majority seem to embrace the sonic shift, with many calling it “a deeply healing experience.”
Tracklist & key collabs
From gospel-infused harmonies to traditional 3-step Amapiano, here are some of the album’s standout moments:
- Kabza Chant 2.0 (feat. Nkosazana Daughter, Young Stunna, Murumba Pitch, more)
- Ukuthula (feat. Mawhoo & Young Stunna)
- Umthandazo kaMotha
- Eningi Remix (feat. Njelic, Simmy, Mkeyz)
- Khusela (feat. Msaki)
- Nasempini (feat. Spirit of Praise & DJ Maphorisa)
- Isoka, Mystery Lady (Remix) and more
Tracks like “Nasempini”, which features the Spirit of Praise choir, blend gospel and Amapiano seamlessly, bringing goosebumps and groove in equal measure.
Chart breakthroughs – including the UK 🇬🇧
In less than 24 hours, Bab’Motha soared to the top of South Africa’s Apple Music and iTunes charts. But perhaps the most thrilling milestone is its UK Apple Music Album Chart debut at No. 71—making it the highest-charting 2025 album by a South African artist so far.
This feat underscores Kabza’s growing global influence, as previously covered in NOWinSA’s deep dive on South Africa’s digital music leaders.
More than music: A legacy in motion
Kabza’s evolution—from his Umshove days in 2018 to the chart-busting Scorpion Kings era with DJ Maphorisa—has shaped the Amapiano genre as we know it. As of 2025, with multiple Metro FM and SA Amapiano Awards wins, 13 SAMAs and three million Instagram followers, he’s not just a trendsetter—he’s a trailblazer.
His work on Bab’Motha cements his status as an artist of rare depth and discipline. It’s music that moves the body, but also feeds the soul.
Where to Listen and Download
Bab’Motha is available now across all major digital platforms, including:
🎧 Apple Music
🎧 Spotify
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