Legendary South African Afro-house DJ, producer, and television personality Prince Kaybee returns with his latest single ‘Heno Babayo’, released via PLAYY. Records on 26 June 2026, marking a new chapter in an already influential career that has helped define modern South African dance music.
Known for bridging Afro-house’s deeply rooted African sonic identity with global electronic audiences, Prince Kaybee has built a catalogue that includes platinum-certified records such as Club Controller, Banomoya, and Uwrongo. His work has earned him multiple South African Music Awards (SAMA’s), Metro FM Music Awards, and international recognition, including a Soundcity MVP Award for his collaboration Gugulethu with Shimza.
From early beginnings shaped by a halted football career and a growing fascination with music through his father’s collection of African classics and jazz, Kabelo Motsamai’s journey into music has been defined by persistence, competition wins, and breakthrough moments that steadily built his reputation as one of the continent’s leading Afro-house voices.
‘Heno Babayo’ continues that trajectory, offering an emotionally driven Afro-house record built on layered percussion, melodic depth, and expressive vocal textures. The release has been praised for its timeless approach to production, prioritising feeling and identity over trend-driven direction.
We caught up with Prince Kaybee to discuss his creative process, evolution, and thoughts on the future of music.
Who or what inspired you to start making music in the first place?
It just felt right, no particular person inspired me, but I would say I’ve always wanted to be sonically capable.
When did you realise that music could become more than just a passion and turn into a career?
I did numerous DJ competitions and won most, that’s when I realised it’s turning into a career.
What does your creative process typically look like when starting a new track?
I start with chord progressions, different ones, but all very laid back just to get in the groove musically.
AI tools are changing the way music can be created, mixed, and even marketed. Do you see AI as an opportunity for artists, a challenge, or a bit of both?
I see it as an opportunity to interpret music.
You’ve collaborated with artists including Lady Zamar, Busiswa, TNS, Shimza, Black Motion, and Ami Faku. What do you value most when working with other creatives?
I value their input, I learn a lot from collaborations, some DAW shortcuts, or even the way in which music is comprehended.
Is there an artist you haven’t collaborated with yet who you’d love to work with in the future?
No
After a successful chapter with Universal Music South Africa, you’re now entering a new era with PLAYY. Records. What made this partnership feel like the right next step for you?
The move to PLAYY. is inspired by how they are willing to grow with the music. We live in a time where labels focus on trends and not build something to be trendy.
Your new single, “Heno Babayo”, feels both deeply rooted in Afro-house and globally minded. How do you balance honouring the genre’s origins while continuing to evolve your sound?
It’s just a feeling, I really don’t consider origins, I just get in the studio and create.
Who are some up-and-coming artists in the South African music scene you’d like to give a shout out to right now?
A special shout out to Ben September, Brandon Dhludhlu, Simmy, and Natasha MD.
Quick fire: Coffee, studio sessions, or cycling – which one couldn’t you live without, and why?
Can’t live without studio sessions, because it’s the core of my creative ability and happiness.
Famous last words?
Heno Babayo is a symbol of resilience – for me, the song reflects the journey of facing hardships, pushing through adversity, and never losing sight of hope despite life’s obstacles.
Stream ‘Heno Babayo’ here:
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