TIME Magazine has called Kabelo Motsamai one of “the brightest stars of <a href="https://absafricatv.com/new-mehadrin-kosher-safari-villas-open-near-kruger-national-park-south-africa-yeahthatskosher/” title=”New Mehadrin Kosher Safari Villas Open Near Kruger National Park, South Africa • YeahThatsKosher”>South Africa’s flourishing house music scene”. But before his ascent to award-winning music, Motsamai, known globally as Prince Kaybee, aspired for a football career with Bloemfontein Celtic F.C., a professional soccer club in his hometown in South Africa’s Free State province. But unfortunately, that dream was halted by a knee injury.
“I wish I had some sob story or something, to take home,” he jokes in an interview with FORBES AFRICA. “Music happened very late in my life… I tell people all the time I’m not talented. I’m just [someone who] managed to perfect a skill.”
The South African Afro-house DJ, producer and television personality has multiple platinum-selling hits under his belt such as Club Controller, Banomoya and Uwrongo. Adding to this repertoire of hits is his latest single, Veliry, also featuring South African singer-songwriter Ben September.
Motsamai says he has created a sound that “conveys emotional storytelling”.
“What you want to do as a producer is create something that allows a consumer to be in your world, or, for lack of a better expression, to see the emotion you’re trying to portray. So, I think any song—obviously, I’m not trying to bash anyone else creatively—without any meaning, really lacks the potential to get you somewhere.”
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He wishes to connect memories with his music–where there is meaning, even without the need for lyrics.
“Sonically, the song says something to you. It’s very important to connect to the song and the storyline behind it,” he enthuses.
This is why Motsamai does not believe in creating music for viral moments–even though there’s a time and place for it. He wants to remain as authentic as possible, attributing this philosophy to not just his global success, but to his South African peers also doing well on the international stage.
“I think South African music just has that tool. It’s authentic. It’s heartfelt. A lot of creativity and emotion is invested into the music, and I feel people are really in the authenticity era. Everywhere in the world, someone is trying to be deep in some way, so I feel this is the perfect time to be original, as much as you can.”
What’s next for the 37-year-old artist from the Free State? He laughs: “Obviously, we’ve got bills to pay.”
Producing quality music will always be his priority and greatest blessing, he adds.
“This has been an amazing career. And to be able to say I don’t compromise on depth is quite a luxury. I’m very fortunate because there are people who can’t say this. There are people stuck in the trendy music era, and I don’t think that’s a good space to be in.”
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