South African Afro-house artist Prince Kaybee has signed a deal with international electronic label PLAAY. Records and will release a new single, ‘Heno Babayo’, on 26 June.
The signing marks a new phase for the producer, born Kabelo Motha, who previously released music through Universal Music South Africa. He has built a catalogue of hits including ‘Club Controller’, ‘Banomoya’ and ‘Uwrongo’, the latter of which was named one of TIME magazine’s 10 Best Songs of 2020. His collaborators include Lady Zamar, Busiswa, TNS, Shimza, Black Motion and Ami Faku.
Early Career and Accolades
Prince Kaybee first drew national attention in 2015 by winning Masters of Spin, a DJ and music production competition broadcast on SABC 1. Before turning to music, he pursued a career in football and was associated with Bloemfontein Celtic, but a knee injury ended those ambitions.
His subsequent work has earned multiple industry honours, including:
- South African Music Awards (SAMAs): Male Artist of the Year, Best Dance Album, Album of the Year
- Metro FM Music Awards: Best Dance Album
- DStv Mzansi Viewers’ Choice Awards: multiple Song of the Year wins
- Soundcity MVP Awards Festival (Nigeria): Best Collaboration for ‘Gugulethu’
- African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA): nominations
New Single and Label Partnership
‘Heno Babayo’ is described as an Afro-house track built on layered percussion, melodic synthesiser arrangements and vocal harmonies. It will be the first release under Prince Kaybee’s new partnership with PLAYY. Records.
