South African DJ and producer Kabelo Motha popular by his street name Kabza De Small is the self-proclaimed King of Amapiano with about 8 successful albums under his belt which also include some he’s partnered on alongside his predecessor DJ Maphorisa. He dropped his latest body of work Ziwangale, a 4-track extended play (EP) today and fans have since been weighing in on it with many calling it a flop.
The Abalele hitmaker has been building up hype and teasing the release of this new Amapiano EP with fans looking forward to it for a few weeks now. It features a shortlist of big names in the local music industry including the Makoya, DJ Tira, the new kid on the block Young Stunna, Dlala Mshunqisi, Beast, Nkosazana Daughter, Murumba Pitch, Felo Le Tee, DJ Exit SA and Da Musiqal Chef.
Kabza De Small is one of the first few artists who were at the forefront during the inception of this globally acclaimed Piano genre and has maintained a steady and consistent lead within the genre with his sound and production taking him to play gigs all over the world. His previous project Pretty Girls Love Amapiano 3 and the latest Ziwangale EP have left fans unimpressed though, so much that one user went on and called Kabza’s latest work “horrible.”
Although many industry friends and fellow musicians showed so much support to Kabelo, fans felt otherwise. Stars like DJ Zinhle, Tira, Ma Ezee, Mampintsha, DJ Naves, and DJ Maphorisa among many commented on Kabza’s Instagram post announcing the release of his EP and showed love and excitement for the project. Maphorisa even went on to promote and market the EP on his personal Instagram page garnering over 2.4 million followers and wrote, “Washa” as he urged his fans and followers to stream.
Fans on Twitter have started sharing their takes on the album since its release today at midnight under Sony Music Entertainment Africa. Many, although having negative opinions about the EP are still standing by Kabza De Small like loyal fans and without disputing his “King Of Piano” social status.
A user by the name of Uncle Kgume shared his opinion about the tape without any hate, he wrote, “Kabza’s new EP is horrible but we love him still.” Another one by the name of Refilwe Mathobela said that the artist can do better than his last project, “Kabza de small has better songs than this in his pocket. I’m so disappointed, mak'shoni langa even sounds unmastered.”
Kabza de small has better songs than this in his pocket 😞I’m so disappointed , makshoni langa even sounds unmastered pic.twitter.com/tCbASnMSzJ
— the_mathobela.luminary (@RefilweMathobel) April 22, 2022
As always, there’s always the good and bad side of social media. Other users are captivated by the EP and aim to jam to it throughout the weekend. One user claimed that the star released some of the songs that have been leaked online and said that it was a good idea and that they couldn’t wait for the full album.
Another user said, “Kabza De Small is the greatest this country has seen in a while. A super producer with an ear for gold. What a don for real.”
