As the torchbearer of the Private School Amapiano movement, Kelvin Momo continues to make waves in the South African music industry. But even in the midst of his own success, he hasn’t forgotten those who helped pave the way for him. Ahead of his highly anticipated Red Bull Symphonic performance, Kelvin Momo sat down for an interview with MandzNotHot, where he took a moment to give props to a fellow Amapiano giant—Kabza De Small.
In the interview, Kelvin was asked who gave him his big break in the industry, and without hesitation, he credited Kabza for helping him take that crucial first step into the limelight.
“When I met Kabza, he gave me an opportunity; he gave me a platform,” Kelvin Momo shared. “Like okay sharp, let me help you with the Private School hore e tsoe [so that it gets released].”
For fans of Amapiano, this moment was a heartwarming one. Despite his own stature as one of the genre’s top names, Kelvin Momo’s humility and gratitude stood out. His genre-defining style, often referred to as “Private School Amapiano,” has earned him acclaim for its soulful, jazz-infused take on the sound—and it was Kabza De Small who helped him get it out into the world.
This acknowledgment ahead of his Red Bull Symphonic performance adds a deeper layer to Kelvin’s story. His upcoming set, taking place on June 6th and 7th, 2025, will see him headline alongside Adam Howard and the Egoli Symphony Orchestra, fusing Amapiano with classical instrumentation in what promises to be a historic night for South African music.
While fans are eager to see what magic Kelvin Momo brings to the symphonic stage, his respectful nod to Kabza De Small is a beautiful reminder of the power of mentorship, collaboration, and support within the music industry.
As Kelvin Momo continues to break boundaries and elevate the sound of Amapiano on global stages, it’s clear that giving credit where it’s due is part of what keeps the culture strong—and makes his journey even more inspiring.
