Prince Kaybee
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Prince Kaybee Biography
Kabelo Motsamai (born 15 June 1989), professionally known as Prince Kaybee, is a renowned South African DJ and record producer. Rising from humble beginnings, Kaybee has become a significant figure in the South African music scene, known for his unique blend of house, afro-house, and amapiano sounds. His career is marked by numerous chart-topping singles, platinum certifications, and prestigious awards, solidifying his status as one of the leading artists in the industry.
| Full Name | Kabelo Motsamai |
| Stage Name | Prince Kaybee |
| Date of Birth | 15 June 1989 |
| Nationality | South African |
| Profession | DJ, Record Producer |
| Notable Singles | "Charlotte", "Club Controller", "Banomoya", "Uwrongo" |
| Albums | Re Mmino, Project Hope, The 4th Republic, Gemini |
| Awards | MTV Africa Music Awards nomination, South African Music Awards nominations, Dance Music Awards South Africa winner |
Career
Prince Kaybee's journey in music began shortly after he dropped out of school in Grade 11. He relocated to Bloemfontein, where he secured a club DJ gig that kickstarted his career. His breakthrough came when he contested and won the second season of the SABC1 reality competition 1's and 2's in 2015. This victory propelled him into the spotlight and opened doors for further opportunities.
In 2016, Kaybee released the single "Charlotte" featuring Lady Zamar, which gained significant attention. He followed this with the hit "Club Controller" alongside LaSoul Mates featuring TNS and Zanda Zakuza in January 2018. The track peaked at number 1 on the Channel O Top 30 Charts and was certified 6× platinum in South Africa, selling over 120,000 units.
September 2018 saw Kaybee take on the role of resident judge for season 18 of the television show 1's and 2's, further cementing his influence in the industry. That same year, he released "Banomoya" featuring Busiswa and TNS, which also reached number 1 on the Channel O Top 30 Charts and won Song of the Year on Ukhozi FM. The single achieved 4× platinum certification.
His second studio album, Re Mmino, was released on 8 March 2019 and was certified Platinum in South Africa. Kaybee dominated the 26th South African Music Awards with multiple nominations, including Music Video of the Year and Record of the Year for his songs "Gugulethu" and "Fetch Your Life". He also won Best House Record at the 2019 Dance Music Awards South Africa.
On 31 January 2020, Kaybee released the single "Uwrongo" featuring Shimza, Black Motion, and Ami Faku. The song impressively debuted at number 1 on the Radiomonitor Top 100 AirPlay Chart and maintained that position for 26 consecutive weeks.
In 2021, Kaybee was featured on the compilation album Rhythms of Zamunda: Music Inspired By Coming 2 America, released by Def Jam Africa. Prior to this, on 2 October 2020, he released Project Hope (Season 1), an album blending elements of R&B, afro-house, and amapiano.
His fourth studio album, The 4th Republic, was released on 5 March 2021, followed by his fifth studio album, Gemini, on 17 June 2022. Gemini was supported by four singles: "Zimbali", "Sbindi Uyabulala", "Tayari", and "Breakfast in Soweto". In June 2023, he released three lead singles for his upcoming album: "Amaphiko Ezono", "Inkubulo" featuring Azana, and "Oh Boy" featuring Start Healers.
Controversies
In 2024, Prince Kaybee faced allegations from Botlhale Phora, a former South African Idols star, who accused him of stealing a song that was allegedly sent to Kaybee in 2021. This was not the first time Kaybee faced such accusations, as another artist had made similar claims in 2020.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was Prince Kaybee's breakthrough moment?
A: Winning the second season of the SABC1 reality competition 1's and 2's in 2015 was his breakthrough moment.
Q: Which Prince Kaybee single was certified 6× platinum?
A: "Club Controller" was certified 6× platinum in South Africa.
Q: How long did "Uwrongo" stay at number 1 on the Radiomonitor Top 100 AirPlay Chart?
A: "Uwrongo" stayed at number 1 for 26 consecutive weeks.
Q: What genres does Prince Kaybee incorporate in his music?
A: He incorporates house, afro-house, amapiano, and R&B elements in his music.
Conclusion
Prince Kaybee's rise from a young DJ in Bloemfontein to a celebrated music producer and artist is a testament to his talent and dedication. With multiple platinum-certified singles, award nominations, and a growing discography, he continues to shape the South African music landscape. Despite facing controversies, his influence and contributions remain significant, making him a key figure in contemporary African music.
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