Prince Kaybee launches new chapter with PLAYY. Records debut, 'Heno Babayo'
South African Afro-house heavyweight Prince Kaybee has unveiled his first release on global electronic imprint PLAYY. Records, dropping the euphoric new single 'Heno Babayo' today (June 26).
The release marks a significant new chapter for the multi-platinum producer, DJ and television personality, whose career has helped propel South African dance music onto the global stage. After years of success with Universal Music South Africa, Prince Kaybee now joins PLAYY. Records, bringing one of Afro-house's most recognisable names into the label's growing international roster.
Born Kabelo Motsamai, Prince Kaybee's journey into music was far from conventional. Originally pursuing a career in professional football with Bloemfontein Celtic, a knee injury forced him to rethink his future. Drawing inspiration from a childhood spent listening to African classics and traditional jazz through his father's record collection, he turned his attention to music production and DJing.
His breakthrough arrived in 2015 when he won the South African television competition Masters of Spin, quickly establishing himself as one of the country's most exciting electronic music talents. Since then, Prince Kaybee has become a defining figure in contemporary Afro-house, earning multiple South African Music Awards, Metro FM Music Awards and DStv Mzansi Viewers' Choice Awards along the way.
Image Credit: Malwandla Rikhotso
His catalogue includes some of South Africa's biggest crossover dance records, including 'Club Controller', 'Banomoya' and 'Uwrongo'. The latter earned international acclaim after being named among TIME Magazine's 10 Best Songs of 2020. Collaborations with artists including Lady Zamar, Busiswa, TNS, Shimza, Black Motion and Ami Faku have further cemented his status as one of the genre's leading ambassadors.
On 'Heno Babayo', Prince Kaybee delivers the kind of expansive, emotionally charged Afro-house production that has become synonymous with his sound. Crisp percussion drives the record forward while warm pads, melodic synth work and layered vocal arrangements create a rich and immersive atmosphere. Across its five-and-a-half-minute runtime, the track steadily unfolds into a celebratory anthem built for both dancefloors and festival stages.
Fans of Black Coffee, Keinemusik and Zakes Bantwini will find plenty to connect with here, as Prince Kaybee balances Afro-house's rhythmic roots with polished, internationally minded production.
Speaking about the track, Prince Kaybee said: "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."
With a new label partnership and another powerful Afro-house statement under his belt, 'Heno Babayo' signals that Prince Kaybee's next era is already underway.
Buy 'Heno Babayo' HERE, tune in below.
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