<\/p>\n
Legendary South African Afro-house DJ, producer, and television personality <\/span>Prince Kaybee<\/b> returns with his latest single \u2018<\/span>Heno Babayo<\/i><\/b>\u2019, released via <\/span>PLAYY. Records<\/b> on 26 June 2026, marking a new chapter in an already influential career that has helped define modern South African dance music.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Known for bridging Afro-house\u2019s deeply rooted African sonic identity with global electronic audiences, <\/span>Prince Kaybee<\/b> has built a catalogue that includes platinum-certified records such as <\/span>Club Controller<\/i><\/b>, <\/span>Banomoya<\/i><\/b>, and <\/span>Uwrongo<\/i><\/b>. His work has earned him multiple South African Music Awards (SAMA\u2019s), Metro FM Music Awards, and international recognition, including a Soundcity MVP Award for his collaboration <\/span>Gugulethu<\/i><\/b> with <\/span>Shimza<\/b>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n From early beginnings shaped by a halted football career and a growing fascination with music through his father\u2019s collection of African classics and jazz, <\/span>Kabelo Motsamai<\/b>\u2019s journey into music has been defined by persistence, competition wins, and breakthrough moments that steadily built his reputation as one of the continent\u2019s leading Afro-house voices.<\/span><\/p>\n \u2018<\/span>Heno Babayo<\/i><\/b>\u2019 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n We caught up with <\/span>Prince Kaybee<\/b> to discuss his creative process, evolution, and thoughts on the future of music.<\/span><\/p>\n Who or what inspired you to start making music in the first place?<\/b><\/p>\n It just felt right, no particular person inspired me, but I would say I\u2019ve always wanted to be sonically capable.<\/span><\/p>\n When did you realise that music could become more than just a passion and turn into a career?<\/b><\/p>\n I did numerous DJ competitions and won most, that\u2019s when I realised it\u2019s turning into a career.<\/span><\/p>\n What does your creative process typically look like when starting a new track?<\/b><\/p>\n I start with chord progressions, different ones, but all very laid back just to get in the groove musically.<\/span><\/p>\n 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?<\/b><\/p>\n I see it as an opportunity to interpret music.<\/span><\/p>\n You\u2019ve collaborated with artists including Lady Zamar, Busiswa, TNS, Shimza, Black Motion, and Ami Faku. What do you value most when working with other creatives?<\/b><\/p>\n I value their input, I learn a lot from collaborations, some DAW shortcuts, or even the way in which music is comprehended.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Is there an artist you haven\u2019t collaborated with yet who you\u2019d love to work with in the future?<\/b><\/p>\n No<\/span><\/p>\n After a successful chapter with Universal Music South Africa, you\u2019re now entering a new era with PLAYY. Records. What made this partnership feel like the right next step for you?<\/b><\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/p>\n Your new single, \u201cHeno Babayo\u201d, feels both deeply rooted in Afro-house and globally minded. How do you balance honouring the genre\u2019s origins while continuing to evolve your sound?<\/b><\/p>\n It\u2019s just a feeling, I really don\u2019t consider origins, I just get in the studio and create.<\/span><\/p>\n