South African Amapiano pioneer Kabza De Small has once again pushed creative boundaries with the release of the music video for “Nasempini”, a soul-stirring collaboration with Spirit of Praise, featuring powerhouse vocals from Ayanda Ntanzi, and production heavyweights DJ Maphorisa and Stakev.
First released as a single on December 25, 2024, “Nasempini” quickly gained attention for its seamless fusion of Amapiano’s signature rhythms with the emotionally rich depth of gospel music. Now, with the official video directed by Ofentse Mwase Films, the track takes on a new, deeply moving dimension.
Far from being just a typical performance video, the “Nasempini” visuals tell a powerful and emotionally raw story. Shot with Ofentse Mwase’s signature cinematic flair, the video follows the life of a young man battling drug addiction. The viewer is taken on a heartbreaking yet ultimately hopeful journey through the dark alleyways of substance abuse, broken family ties, and inner torment.
As the music swells — led by Ayanda Ntanzi’s soaring vocals and the deeply spiritual tone of the track — the protagonist begins to reflect on his choices. Through symbolic moments of spiritual awakening, including a gripping church scene and encounters with a praying mother figure, he slowly finds his way back to the light. The video climaxes with the man making a life-changing decision to check himself into a rehab center, signaling the beginning of his journey to recovery and salvation.
“Nasempini,” which translates to “In the War,” is more than just a song — it’s a declaration. It speaks to the silent battles many people face every day, and the power of faith, community, and self-forgiveness in overcoming them. By merging the vibrancy of Amapiano with gospel’s emotive force, Kabza De Small and his collaborators have crafted a message that resonates far beyond the dancefloor.
Since its release, the video has sparked an outpouring of praise across social media. Viewers have commended both the powerful narrative and the brave choice to spotlight addiction and recovery, themes not often explored in the Amapiano space.
“This is not just a music video. It’s a ministry. I cried. Thank you Kabza and Ayanda for this,” wrote one YouTube commenter.
Others applauded Ofentse Mwase for his storytelling, calling it “cinematic brilliance with purpose.”
With “Nasempini,” Kabza De Small reaffirms his place as a fearless innovator in the South African music landscape. By bridging genres and centering important social issues, he’s expanding what Amapiano can be — a vessel not just for entertainment, but for healing and introspection.
