Kabza De Small continues to cement his legacy as one of South Africa’s most influential and consistent music creators after securing another major win at the South African Music Awards (SAMAs). The Amapiano pioneer, alongside celebrated vocalist and songwriter Mthunzi, walked away with the Highest Played Composer Award for their critically acclaimed collaborative album, Isimo.
Released in 2023, Isimo has proven to be a timeless body of work whose impact stretches far beyond its release year. Even in 2025, the album continues to enjoy heavy rotation across radio stations and streaming platforms, a clear reflection of its lasting resonance with listeners. Winning the Highest Played Composer Award is a strong testament to the project’s staying power and the duo’s exceptional songwriting and production prowess.
Kabza De Small, often referred to as the “King of Amapiano,” has built a reputation for crafting music that is both spiritually rich and musically progressive. With Isimo, he and Mthunzi created a project that blended soulful storytelling with deep, emotive production, setting it apart from many releases of its time. The album’s ability to connect with audiences long after its debut highlights the depth and authenticity behind its creation.
Mthunzi’s contribution to Isimo was equally vital. Known for his powerful vocals and introspective songwriting, he brought emotional weight and lyrical depth that complemented Kabza’s masterful production. Together, they delivered an album that felt honest, healing, and grounded—qualities that continue to attract new listeners while retaining loyal fans.
The Highest Played Composer Award recognizes not just popularity, but consistent engagement and influence. For Isimoto claim this honour years after its release speaks volumes about the quality of the compositions and the strong bond the music has formed with its audience. It also reinforces Kabza De Small’s unmatched ability to create work that transcends trends and remains relevant over time.
This latest SAMA win adds to Kabza De Small’s already impressive list of accolades, further solidifying his position at the forefront of South African music. For fans and industry peers alike, the achievement is no surprise—Isimo has been a soundtrack to many lives, and its continued success proves that great music truly has no expiration date.
As Kabza De Small and Mthunzi celebrate this milestone, one thing is clear: their collaboration on Isimo is not just award-winning, but history-making.
