Every artist has that one defining moment. For Kabza De Small, South Africa’s Amapiano king, it was the day his phone rang while he was still at home in Mpumalanga. On the other end of the line was DJ Maphorisa, one of the country’s most influential producers. That call would change not only Kabza’s life but also the sound of South African music.
A call that created a movement
In a recent interview, Kabza admitted that he could hardly believe it when Maphorisa reached out. “I have always been a big fan of DJ Maphorisa and his work,” he recalled. “When I got his call, I felt so many emotions. That phone call was the start of a career I didn’t expect. Maphorisa changed my life.”
It was a simple conversation that turned into one of the most powerful collaborations in modern music. Together, Kabza and Maphorisa became known as the Scorpion Kings, pioneering the global rise of Amapiano.
Fans react: respect, love, and gratitude
A clip of Kabza telling the story, shared online by @PianoConnectSA, quickly went viral. Fans flooded the comments with admiration. Some pointed out that it takes love and respect to sustain a duo, while others credited Maphorisa for shaping Amapiano into what it is today. One user wrote, “Phori’s call changed his life, and in a way, they changed each other’s too.”
Many celebrated their bond as a rare friendship in an industry often plagued by rivalries. Others expressed gratitude, saying South Africa was truly blessed to have both men representing the sound of a generation.
Kabza De Small speaks on when he first spoke to Phori and how he looked up to him from back in the days. pic.twitter.com/jQxHcDLRqV
— Piano Connect (@PianoConnectSA) August 31, 2025
Building the Scorpion Kings brand
DJ Maphorisa himself recently opened up about how the duo’s name came to be. Speaking on Metro FM in August 2025, he revealed that Kabza was preparing to drop an album when they decided to package some of their hottest tracks together. Maphorisa suggested they call it Scorpion Kings, inspired by the zodiac sign Scorpio. Only later did they realise that while their birthdays are a week apart, neither of them is actually a Scorpio.
That playful twist became the foundation of one of the most successful brands in South African music. The Scorpion Kings’ EP was just the beginning of a string of projects that turned into sold-out shows, platinum records, and global recognition.
The story continues
Far from slowing down, Kabza De Small continues to push boundaries. In July 2025, he teased a new collaboration with Mdu a.k.a. TRP and Maline Aura at a Cape Town event, reminding fans that Amapiano’s heartbeat is still strong and evolving.
What started with a single phone call has become a cultural movement. For Kabza and Maphorisa, the lesson is clear: one opportunity, seized with both hands, can rewrite history.
Source: Briefly News
Featured Image: OkayAfrica
