Prince Kaybee Signs with PLAYY. Records and Announces New Single Heno Babayo

South African Afro-house and dance music producer Prince Kaybee has entered a new phase in his career after signing with international electronic music label PLAYY. Records. The partnership confirms his growing global reach and sets the stage for a new wave of releases aimed at international audiences. The announcement also includes confirmation of his upcoming single, Heno Babayo, which is scheduled for release on 26 June. The move reflects a strategic shift as he expands beyond previous label structures and strengthens his independent creative direction. It also positions him within a global electronic music network that supports cross-border collaborations and wider distribution.

The signing with PLAYY. Records marks a major milestone for Prince Kaybee, whose real name is Kabelo Motha. He previously released music under Universal Music South Africa, where he built a strong catalogue and industry presence. This new partnership signals a transition into a more internationally focused phase of his career. It also reflects his long-standing ambition to grow Afro-house beyond regional markets. By aligning with a global label, he gains access to broader promotional channels and new collaborative opportunities. The deal reinforces his status as one of South Africa’s most influential dance music figures.

Over the past decade, Prince Kaybee has developed a catalogue that shaped modern South African dance music. His major hits include Club Controller, Banomoya and Uwrongo, each contributing to his commercial and cultural impact. The track Uwrongo earned recognition when it was included in TIME magazine’s list of the 10 Best Songs of 2020. He has also collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Lady Zamar, Busiswa, TNS, Shimza, Black Motion and Ami Faku. These collaborations helped him shape a sound that blends Afro-house rhythms with mainstream appeal. His production style consistently focuses on strong percussion, vocal depth and melodic structure.

Before his rise in music, Prince Kaybee had ambitions of becoming a professional footballer. He was once associated with Bloemfontein Celtic and pursued a sporting career during his younger years. That path changed after a knee injury ended his football prospects. The setback pushed him to reconsider his direction and eventually led him into music production and DJing. This shift became a turning point that shaped his entire career trajectory. His transition from sport to music remains a key part of his personal story and public identity.

His breakthrough came in 2015 after winning Masters of Spin, a DJ and music production competition aired on SABC 1. The win gave him national exposure and opened doors within the South African music industry. From that moment, his career accelerated quickly as he began performing at major events and releasing commercially successful tracks. Over time, he accumulated several major awards, including South African Music Awards wins for Male Artist of the Year, Best Dance Album and Album of the Year. He also secured recognition at the Metro FM Music Awards and multiple Song of the Year titles at the DStv Mzansi Viewers’ Choice Awards. Internationally, he earned a Best Collaboration award at the Soundcity MVP Awards Festival in Nigeria for Gugulethu, along with nominations from AFRIMMA.

His upcoming single Heno Babayo introduces his new partnership with PLAYY. Records and signals the direction of his next creative phase. The track is described as a layered Afro-house production built on complex percussion, melodic synthesiser work and vocal harmonies. Early descriptions suggest a focus on rhythm-driven structure combined with atmospheric depth. The release is expected to highlight both his signature sound and his evolving international influence. It also serves as the first statement under his new global label partnership, making it a key moment in his discography.

Prince Kaybee’s move to PLAYY. Records comes at a time when Afro-house continues to gain global recognition across electronic music markets. His career has already played a role in pushing the genre beyond South African borders through consistent chart success and international collaborations. This new chapter strengthens his position as both a cultural exporter and a leading figure in African electronic music. With Heno Babayo marking the beginning of this partnership, expectations are high for future releases that will continue to expand his sound. His journey reflects long-term growth driven by resilience, reinvention and a clear artistic vision that continues to shape the Afro-house landscape.

The post Prince Kaybee Signs with PLAYY. Records and Announces New Single Heno Babayo appeared first on SA Music Magazine.