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Master KG
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Kgaogelo Moagi (born 31 January 1996),[1] professionally known as Masker KG is a South African DJ, singer and record producer. Born and raised in Tzaneen, his debut studio album Skeleton Move achieved acclaim including an AFRIMA Award for Best Artist/Group in the African Electro category.[2] He is also known as the pioneer of "Bolobedu" dance.[3]
Key Information
His second studio album Jerusalema (2020) was released, containing international successful single: "Jerusalema", featuring Nomcebo Zikode and Burna Boy, was certified diamond by FRA and topped Billboard's World Digital Song Sales chart.[4][5][6][7]
Early life
[edit]Master KG grew up in Calais Village in Limpopo. He started experimenting with music beats at the age of thirteen using a computer that his late uncle had bought him.
Personal life
[edit]Master KG was in a relationship with musician Makhadzi.[8] Around early 2022 he re-united the relationship between him and Makhadzi and crowned it up with Kulakwe as they celebrated the Valentine's Day together.[9][10] They split up in 2023.
Career
[edit]Master KG's music career started when he got in touch with DJ Maebela and they began experimenting with music software specifically FL Studio.[3] In 2016, after much practice, he released his first single "Situation"..
2017–2020: Skeleton Move (2018)
[edit]After getting signed to his former record label, Open Mic Productions, he released his chart-topping single "Skeleton Move" featuring Zanda Zakuza.[11] On 21 September 2018, his debut album Skeleton Move was released. The album features artists including Zanda Zakuza, Makhadzi, Team Mosha and many others. He sings in his local language Khelobedu,[3] a language spoken by Lobedu People. Master KG has performed in a number of other countries including Zambia.[12] In December 2018, his song "Skeleton Move" was apparently voted Thobela FM's song of the year and sparked controversy as King Monada's fans felt "Malwedhe" (which is King Monada's song) deserved the award.[13]
In December 2019, Master KG released the song "Jerusalema", featuring Nomcebo Zikode. In mid-2020, it went viral online, charting internationally and spawning a remix with Burna Boy.[5] The video of "Jerusalema" was taken down on YouTube on the late hours of 5 August 2020, but was restored on the following day.[14] The song earned him the MTV Europe Music Awards, NJR Music Awards in France, Feather Awards, and African Muzik Magazine Awards. The song Jerusalem also caused a stir after nomcebo zikode claimed it's her song whereas she was featured on it and it caused misunderstanding between the two when nomcebo wanted more percentage of the royalties.[15] He signed a record deal with Elektra France.[16][17] At 2020 edition of African Muzik Magazine Awards he took-home three awards Best Male Southern Africa, Best Collaboration, Song of the Year and Artist of the Year Award.[18]
2021–present: Makhelwane
[edit]On 26 May 2021, he released a single titled "Shine Your Light" with David Guetta featuring Akon.[19][20]
In September 2021, he embarked to Jerusalem Live Concert Tour to United Kingdom in support of his album, toured with Zanda Zakuza.[21]
"Dali Nguwe" featuring Nkosazana Daughter, Basetsana, Obeey Amor was released on December 3, 2021. The song charted number 1 on Local Radio Chart Top 100.[22]
His single "Makhelwane" with Nkosazana Daughter was released on November 17, 2023 as albums lead single.
In July 2024, Nkosazana Daughter and Master KG announced their collaboration studio album Makhelwane.[23] The album was released on August 30, 2024.[24]
Makhelwane was certified gold in South Africa with over 100 million streams on its first day.[24]
Tours
[edit]Headlining
[edit]- Jerusalem Live Concert (2021)
Discography
[edit]Albums
[edit]| Title | Details | Peak chart positions | Certifications | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AUT [25] |
BEL (Fl) [26] |
BEL (WA) [27] |
FRA [28] |
GER [29] |
NL [30] |
SWI [31] | |||||||||||||||
| Skeleton Move |
|
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||
| Jerusalema |
|
54 | 35 | 41 | 27 | 32 | 10 | 12 | |||||||||||||
| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released. | |||||||||||||||||||||
Singles
[edit]As lead artist
[edit]| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Certifications | Album | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SA [33] |
AUT [25] |
BEL (FL) [26] |
BEL (WA) [27] |
FRA [28] |
GER [29] |
NL [30] |
SWE [34] |
SWI [31] |
UK [35] | ||||||||||||
| "Skeleton Move" (featuring Zanda Zakuza) |
2018 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Skeleton Move | |||||||||
| "Remember" | 2019 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Non-album single | |||||||||
| "Jerusalema" (featuring Nomcebo) |
1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 55 | Jerusalema | ||||||||||
| "Shine Your Light" (with David Guetta featuring Akon) |
2021 | 33 | — | — | 29 | — | — | — | 96 | — | — | Non-album single | |||||||||
| "Dali Nguwe" (featuring Nkosazana Daughter, Basetsana, Obeey Amor) | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Non-album single | ||||||||||
| "Keneilwe" (Wanitwa Mos, Master KG, Nkosazana Daughter) | 2023 | 3 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Non-album single | |||||||||
| "Dubula" (Harry Cane, Master KG, DJ Latimmy) | 4 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Non-album single | ||||||||||
| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released. | |||||||||||||||||||||
Others
- "Jerusalema" (remix) – Master KG feat. Burna Boy & Nomcebo Zikode (2020)
- "Jerusalema" (remix) – Master KG feat. Micro TDH & Greeicy & Nomcebo Zikode (2020) Dali Nguwe
As featured artist
[edit]| Title | Year | Album |
|---|---|---|
| "Tshikwama" (Makhadzi featuring Master KG) |
2019 | Non-album singles |
| "My Love" (Makhadzi ft. Master KG & Prince Benza) |
2020 | |
| "Xola Moya Wam'" (Nomcebo Zikode ft. Master KG) | ||
| "My Melody" (Nox featuring Master KG) | ||
| "Ntyilo Ntyilo" (Rethabile Khumalo featuring Master KG) | ||
| "Khaya Lam" (Zanda Zakuza featuring Master KG & Prince Benza) | ||
| "This Is Love" (Bongo Beats featuring Master KG & Andiswa) |
2021 |
Awards and nominations
[edit]| Year | Award | Category | Nominated work | Associated Artists | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | AFRIMMA | Best Artiste, Duo or Group In African Electro | "Skeleton Move" | Zanda Zakuza | Won | [40] |
| SABC Summer Song | Song of the Year | Won | [41][42] | |||
| Limpopo Music Awards | Best Dance Song | Won | [3][41] | |||
| Best Music Video | Nominated | |||||
| Best Song | Nominated | |||||
| Best Dance Song | Nominated | |||||
| 2019 | African Musik Magazine Awards | Best Male Artist Southern Africa | — | — | Won | [42][43] |
| 2020 | NRJ Music Awards | International song of the year | Jerusalem | Nomcebo Zikode | Won | |
| 2020 African Entertainment Awards USA | Song of the Year | "Jerusalema" | Nomcebo and Burna Boy | Won | [44] | |
| MTV Europe Music Awards | Best African Act | Himself | Won | [45] | ||
| 2020 | African Muzik Magazine Awards | Best Male Southern Africa | Won | [46] | ||
| Best Collaboration | "Jerusalema" | Burna Boy | Won | |||
| Artist of the Year | Won | |||||
| Song of The Year | Won | |||||
| AFRIMMA Video of the Year | Nominated | |||||
| 2021 | Vodafone Ghana Music Awards | African Artist of the Year | Won | [47][48] | ||
| K H M A | Best Producer | Nominated | [49] | |||
| Net Honours | Most Played Alternative Song | "Jerusalema" | Nomcebo and Burna Boy | Nominated | [50] | |
| SAMA 27 | International Achievement Award | Won | [51] | |||
| SAMRO Composer highest Airplay | Nomcebo Zikode | Won | ||||
| 2021 | VN Awards | Male Artist of the Year | Won | [52] | ||
| 2021 | Global Music Awards Africa | Global Artist of the Year | Nominated | [53] | ||
| Songwriter of the Year | Nominated | |||||
| Record of the Year | "Jerusalema" | Won | ||||
| Global Most Popular Song of the Year[54] | Nominated | |||||
| 2024 | SAMA30 | Motsepe Foundation Record of the Year | "Dubula" | Pending | [55] | |
| RAV Music Video of the Year | "Thula" | Pending | ||||
| "Ngiyamthanda" | Pending | |||||
| "Uthando Lwakho" | Pending | |||||
| 2024 | African Entertainment Awards USA | Music Producer of the Year | Himself | Won | [56] | |
| Album of the Year | Nkosazana Daughter | Won |
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Githuri, Job (16 July 2019). "Master KG biography: age, real name, awards, songs, and albums". Retrieved 27 February 2021.
- ^ "Makhadzi e Master KG estão juntos novamente?". Southern Times. Archived from the original on 21 April 2021. Retrieved 2 March 2020.
- ^ a b c d "Bolobedu hitmaker Master KG in the right situation and going places". SowetanLIVE. Retrieved 2 March 2020.
- ^ "Master KG's 'Jerusalema (Remix)' Reaches Diamond Status in France".
- ^ a b Mavuso, Karabo (29 June 2020). "Master KG's Jerusalem gets 30 million views on YouTube!". News24. Retrieved 26 July 2020.
- ^ "Burna Boy". Billboard.
- ^ Africanmusic.co.za (12 September 2022). "EP: Master KG – Wanitwa Mos Exclusives". Africanmusic.co.za. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
- ^ Keteyi, Oluthando (1 February 2022). "Love wins! Makhadzi and Master KG are back together". IOL. Retrieved 22 October 2022.
- ^ "Makhadzi Kulakwe feat Master KG". ZAPlaylist. 3 January 2022. Archived from the original on 30 June 2022. Retrieved 11 March 2022.
- ^ "Makhadzi ft Master KG Kulakwe". 042Report. 5 February 2022. Retrieved 6 June 2022.
- ^ "Skeleton Move (feat. Zanda Zakuza) – Master KG – Chart History | Top Charts". Top Charts.
- ^ "So, this is Master KG". Zambia Daily Mail. Retrieved 2 March 2020.
- ^ "Thobela FM's song of the year drama continues". The Citizen. 14 January 2019. Retrieved 6 March 2020.
- ^ Zeeman, Kyle. "'Jerusalema' returns to YouTube – 'moment of silence for those who thought it was deleted'". times.co.za. Retrieved 15 August 2020.
- ^ Mueni, Priscillah (22 April 2021). "Famous South African musicians 2021: Top 20 greatest artists". Briefly.
- ^ "SA: Master KG inks deal with Elektra France | Music In Africa". Music In Africa. 6 August 2020.
- ^ "Jerusalema hitmaker Master KG signs exclusive deal with Elektra France – CNBC Africa". CNBC Africa. Archived from the original on 9 August 2022. Retrieved 2 June 2021.
- ^ Gabriel Myers Hansen (16 November 2020). "African Muzik Magazine Awards 2020: All the winners | Music In Africa". Music In Africa. Retrieved 16 November 2020.
- ^ "From SA to the world! Master KG to drop song with David Guetta and Akon".
- ^ "Master KG starts new chapter with the release of Shine Your Light". SowetanLive. 28 May 2021.
- ^ Israel A, John (19 July 2021). "Master KG (Jerusalema) Live In The UK Concert With Zanda Zakuza Excludes Nomcebo Zikode". Ubetoo.
- ^ "Local Radio Chart Top 100". The Official South African Charts. Retrieved 28 July 2024.
- ^ Shinga, Cebolethu (19 July 2024). "Nkosazana Daughter and Master KG are set to release a joint album 'Makhelwane'". Independent Online. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
- ^ a b Gaanakgomo, Constance. "Nkosazana Daughter and Wanitwa Mos explore new sounds in joint album 'Makhelwane'". South Africa: News24. Retrieved 1 September 2024.
- ^ a b "Discographie Nomcebo Zikode". austriancharts.at. Hung Medien. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
- ^ a b "Discografie Master KG". ultratop.be/nl. Hung Medien. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
- ^ a b "Discographie Master KG". ultratop.be/fr. Hung Medien. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
- ^ a b "Discographie Master KG". lescharts.com. Hung Medien. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
- ^ a b "Discographie von Master KG". offiziellecharts.de. Hung Medien. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
- ^ a b "Discografie Master KG". dutchcharts.nl. Hung Medien. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
- ^ a b "Discographie Master KG". hitparade.ch. Hung Medien. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
- ^ a b "French single certifications – Master KG". snep.com. Retrieved 24 December 2022.
- ^ "South Africa – Radio airplay chart". Radiomonitor. Archived from the original on 26 June 2020. Retrieved 26 January 2020.
- ^ "Discography Master KG". swedishcharts.com. Hung Medien. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
- ^ "MASTER KG FT NOMCEBO ZIKODE | full Official Chart History". officialcharts.com. Official Charts Company. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
- ^ "Ultratop − Goud en Platina – singles 2021". ultratop.be. Retrieved 24 December 2022.
- ^ "British certifications – Master Kg Ft Nomcebo Zikode – Jerusalema". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 24 February 2023.
- ^ "Master KG feat. Burna Boy & Nomcebo Zikode – Jerusalema". musikindustrie.de. Retrieved 24 December 2022.
- ^ "Master KF feat. Burna Boy & Nomcebo Zikode – Jerusalema". ifpi.at. Retrieved 24 December 2022.
- ^ "AFRIMA 2018 AWARD WINNERS!". DailySun. Retrieved 2 March 2020.
- ^ a b Leng, Claudio (6 January 2019). "Master KG ends 2018 with a big bang following prestigious award". Briefly. Retrieved 6 March 2020.
- ^ a b "Master KG recognised for his work". SowetanLIVE. Retrieved 2 March 2020.
- ^ "Master KG wins big with international award". SowetanLIVE. Retrieved 2 March 2020.
- ^ Ilado, Lucy (22 December 2020). "Africa Entertainment Awards USA 2020: All the winners". Music In Africa.
- ^ Shumba, Ano (9 November 2020). "SA's Master KG wins MTV Europe Music Award | Music In Africa". Music In Africa. Retrieved 9 November 2020.
- ^ Hansen, Gabriel Myers (16 November 2020). "African Muzik Magazine Awards 2020: All the winners | Music In Africa". Music In Africa. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
- ^ Hansen, Gabriel Myers (6 April 2021). "Vodafone Ghana Music Awards 2021: All the nominees". Music In Africa.
- ^ "2021 VGMA awards winners: Diana Hamilton, KiDi, Adina, Kuami Eugene top winners of 2021 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards – BBC News Pidgin". BBC. 26 June 2021.
- ^ Shumba, Ano (18 June 2021). "Mzansi Kwaito and House Music Awards 2021: All the nominees". Music In Africa.
- ^ Mofijesusewa, Samuel (20 June 2021). "NET Honours 2021: "Damages" by Tems Named Most Played Alternative Song". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Retrieved 21 July 2021.
- ^ Dayile, Qhama (31 July 2021). "Here's the full list of the SAMA winners | Drum". News24. South Africa.
- ^ Jabulani, John (2 November 2021). "Master KG Wins 'Male Artist On The Year' At The VN Awards". Ubetoo. Retrieved 2 November 2021.
- ^ "Here are the 2021 Global Music Awards Africa Winners". OkayAfrica. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
- ^ "Master KG – Laleyi ft. Joeboy". Fakazapro. Archived from the original on 28 November 2022. Retrieved 17 November 2022.
- ^ "#SAMA30 unveils nominees for the Motsepe Foundation Record of the Year and RiSA Audio Visual (RAV) Music Video of the Year Awards". South African Music Awards. 14 August 2024. Retrieved 15 August 2024.
- ^ "African Entertainment Awards USA: All the winners". Music in Africa. 11 November 2024. Retrieved 12 November 2024.
Master KG
View on GrokipediaBiography
Early life
Kgaogelo Moagi, known professionally as Master KG, was born on 31 January 1996 in Calais Village near Tzaneen, in South Africa's Limpopo Province.[13] Raised in a modest household amid the rural landscapes of the region, his early years were shaped by the close-knit community dynamics typical of village life in Limpopo.[4] A pivotal moment in his formative years came through the influence of his late uncle, who gifted him a computer that ignited his passion for music production.[14] At the age of 13, Moagi began self-taught experimentation with creating beats on this computer, honing his skills without any formal training or mentorship.[14] This hands-on approach allowed him to explore sound design intuitively, laying the groundwork for his future in music. Growing up in the Bolobedu community, Moagi was immersed in local cultural traditions that profoundly influenced his early musical explorations.[14] The area's rich heritage of traditional rhythms, often blended with emerging house music variants, provided a vibrant sonic backdrop, fostering his affinity for rhythmic patterns and percussive elements central to his style.[15]Personal life
Master KG, whose real name is Kgaogelo Moagi, began a high-profile romantic relationship with fellow South African musician Makhadzi (real name Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona) in 2019, with the couple publicly confirming their partnership in early 2020 amid growing rumors.[16][17] The pair's relationship drew significant media attention due to their shared Limpopo roots and collaborative work in the music industry, but it faced challenges, leading to a temporary breakup in 2021 after months of separation.[18] They reconciled in early 2022, with Makhadzi publicly expressing affection for Master KG during this period, though the reunion was short-lived.[19] By January 2023, Master KG announced their final split via social media, stating that the decision was mutual and aimed at allowing both to focus on their careers, amid speculation in media reports about pressures from their demanding professional schedules.[20][21] Despite the end of their romance, Makhadzi has since described Master KG as her "soulmate" in interviews, highlighting an enduring personal bond outside of dating.[22] The fame from his 2020 hit "Jerusalema" briefly strained their dynamic but was not the primary factor in the splits.[23] Master KG maintains a low-profile regarding his family life, with limited public information available about his relatives beyond his upbringing in Tzaneen. No children have been publicly mentioned or confirmed in relation to him, reflecting his preference for privacy amid rising stardom.[24] Tied to his personal roots, Master KG has engaged in philanthropic efforts supporting his home community in Tzaneen, including plans to donate R25,000 from his 2018 award winnings to local charities, emphasizing grassroots aid without formal professional ties.[25]Musical style and influences
Genre development
Master KG emerged as a pioneer in Bolobedu house, a subgenre of South African house music originating from Limpopo province, which shares stylistic overlaps with amapiano through its emphasis on deep house beats, log drums, and piano melodies.[26][27] This genre draws from local Limpopo traditions, blending electronic production with rhythmic foundations akin to regional house variants.[15] His signature style features upbeat, danceable tracks that fuse traditional African rhythms—such as Zulu chants and gospel-inspired vocals—with electronic elements, creating an emphasis on uplifting, communal vibes that evoke joy and unity.[28][26] Tracks like "Jerusalema" exemplify this approach, layering soulful, chant-like vocals over percussive grooves to produce infectious, feel-good energy.[29] Master KG's genre evolution began with experimental backroom productions around 2016, rooted in self-taught digital experimentation, and progressed to global prominence through "Jerusalema" in 2020, which exported Bolobedu house influences worldwide via remixes incorporating pop and Afrobeat elements.[26][30] This shift highlighted his innovative blending, expanding the genre's reach while maintaining its core organic percussion and vocal layering techniques to preserve an authentic, unpolished feel.[31]Key inspirations
Master KG's musical influences draw heavily from South African house pioneers and local Limpopo artists. These shaped his approach to blending percussive elements with contemporary beats. Additionally, local Limpopo sounds profoundly impacted his style, including the energetic Bolobedu house genre pioneered by the late producer Bojo Mujo, a fellow artist from the region who emphasized vibrant, community-driven tracks. Master KG has repeatedly highlighted Bojo Mujo as a full-time inspiration, crediting his predecessor's integration of regional house with traditional vocal styles for influencing his own sound.[26][30] He has also cited artists such as Penny Penny, Peter Teanet, and Ken D as key figures who influenced his development of Bolobedu house rooted in Balobedu culture.[30] His cultural roots in Tzaneen, Limpopo, further inform his creative process, with inspirations stemming from community events and rural dance traditions that emphasize collective celebration. Church gospel music also plays a significant role, reflecting the spiritual and uplifting themes prevalent in his hometown's musical heritage, which promotes communal joy and resilience.[32][33] Professionally, Master KG's self-taught journey as a backroom producer, beginning at age 13 with software like FL Studio, underscores his reliance on local guidance from Limpopo producers who encouraged experimentation with regional sounds. This grassroots mentorship, combined with exposure to global afro-house successes, fueled his aspirations for broader reach while staying rooted in African narratives.[2][14] At the core of his ethos is a drive to promote African unity through music, drawing from his identity and experiences to weave themes of faith, joy, and togetherness into his work, as exemplified briefly in the global resonance of "Jerusalema."[32][34]Career
2016–2020: Debut and Skeleton Move
Master KG entered the professional music scene in 2016 with the release of his debut single "Situation," distributed through the independent South African label Open Mic Productions. This track, produced using software like FL Studio, represented his initial foray into DJing and beat-making, gaining early traction in his home province of Limpopo where it went viral locally.[35][36] Building on this momentum, Master KG released his debut studio album Skeleton Move in September 2018, a 10-track project under Open Mic Productions that highlighted his production style in gqom and Afro house genres. The album included key collaborations, such as the title track "Skeleton Move" featuring vocalist Zanda Zakuza and the opening single "Waya Waya" with Team Mosha, which helped define his energetic, dance-oriented sound in the South African electronic music landscape.[37][38] Skeleton Move quickly became a commercial hit in South Africa, with the lead single "Skeleton Move" topping national radio charts, including number one on Nation Radio, and being voted the 2018 SABC Summer Song of the Year for its widespread appeal in clubs and on airwaves. The album's success underscored Master KG's rising influence in the local scene, blending rhythmic percussion and vocal hooks to captivate audiences.[39][40] The project also garnered critical recognition, earning Master KG the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) for Best Artist, Duo or Group in African Electro in 2018 for "Skeleton Move" featuring Zanda Zakuza. Through consistent radio play on stations across the country and live performances at regional clubs and events, Master KG cultivated a growing fanbase in South Africa, setting the stage for his expanded career trajectory.[41]2021–2025: Jerusalema breakthrough and ongoing projects
In 2020, Master KG's single "Jerusalema," featuring Nomcebo Zikode, achieved viral global success amid the COVID-19 pandemic, sparking a widespread dance challenge that propelled it to international prominence. The track, originally released in late 2019, amassed over 677 million views on YouTube by late 2025. It topped the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart, peaking at number one and charting for over 180 weeks as of late 2025.[42] The song earned diamond certification in France for the remix version featuring Burna Boy, alongside multi-platinum status in countries including Italy and Portugal. However, the success of "Jerusalema" was marred by ongoing royalty disputes with vocalist Nomcebo Zikode, who claimed in 2021 that she had not received payments despite the song's massive earnings. The conflict led to legal battles, including a 2023 court ruling ordering Zikode to deliver two albums to Open Mic Productions, and continued tensions into 2025 involving Master KG and his former label, highlighting issues in artist compensation in the South African music industry.[6][11] Building on this momentum, Master KG released the Jerusalema (Deluxe) album in 2020, a compilation that included original tracks, remixes, and new collaborations. The album featured the popular remix of "Jerusalema" with Burna Boy and Nomcebo Zikode, alongside other variants that expanded the song's reach across global markets. Key collaborations followed, including the 2021 single "Shine Your Light" with David Guetta and Akon, which blended amapiano elements with electronic and R&B influences to target international audiences. In August 2024, Master KG partnered with Nkosazana Daughter under his Wanitwa Mos imprint for the album Makhelwane, which achieved gold certification in South Africa prior to its official release, surpassing 30 million certified streams. Recent projects in 2025 highlighted Master KG's return to his roots, with the collaborative album Tzaneen alongside Goon Flavour, drawing inspiration from his hometown in Limpopo Province to explore themes of heritage and community. Notable singles from this period included "Ayi Dume," featuring Nutty O, Leon Lee, Caesar, LeeMcKrazy, and Mr. Brown, released in September as an uplifting track emphasizing perseverance. Post-"Jerusalema" success facilitated business growth for Master KG, including the expansion of his Wanitwa Mos Entertainment label after parting ways with Open Mic Productions in 2021 to operate independently. The label signed artists like Nkosazana Daughter and secured broader global distribution through partnerships, such as Africori's integration into Warner Music Group in 2025, enhancing streaming accessibility on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.Live performances
Headlining shows
Master KG's headlining shows have showcased his ability to captivate large audiences with his amapiano sound, often featuring dynamic live sets that blend infectious rhythms and visual spectacle. In late August 2021, he embarked on a three-city UK tour titled "Jerusalema Live," performing as the lead act in Manchester, Dublin, and London, accompanied by singer Zanda Zakuza to highlight tracks from his breakthrough era.[43] His performances across Africa have emphasized regional expansion and homegrown energy, with notable headlining appearances in South Africa drawing crowds for high-impact events. These shows typically incorporate high-energy production elements, including vibrant LED visuals, coordinated dancer troupes, and a focus on amapiano anthems like "Jerusalema" to create immersive, celebratory atmospheres.[44] In 2025, Master KG continued to headline major events, including a performance in Zambia on June 27 at Fox & Hound in Makeni.[45] He delivered a solo set at the Blantyre Summer Party in Malawi on September 6, where he energized thousands along Henderson Street in Blantyre with his signature upbeat tracks.[46] On September 25, he headlined at Botswana's Independence Celebrations during the Kumnandi Ekhaya Festival.[47] Later that year, he is scheduled to headline his Homecoming Concert on December 27 at Maruleng Showgrounds in Sekororo, Limpopo, South Africa, featuring a lineup of supporting artists such as Shebeshxt, A-Reece, and King Monada, marking a return to his roots with anticipated large-scale production.[48]Notable collaborations and appearances
Master KG has participated in several high-profile guest performances and joint live events, often emphasizing themes of unity and cultural exchange through his signature amapiano sound. A standout collaboration occurred on April 25, 2021, when Master KG joined forces with the Ndlovu Youth Choir for a live-streamed performance at the Africa Rising event on Robben Island, South Africa. This charity concert, broadcast globally to promote African resilience and solidarity amid the COVID-19 crisis, featured renditions of "Jerusalema" and drew over 1 million viewers, highlighting the track's role in inspiring hope and community worldwide.[49][50] The performance tied directly into the viral "Jerusalema" dance challenge, which exploded in popularity during the pandemic and was adopted by organizations like Global Citizen to foster global positivity and social distancing awareness through dance videos shared across continents.[51] In 2025, Master KG made a guest appearance at Mr JazziQ's Homecoming Event in March.[52] He also delivered a notable guest slot at the Metro FM Music Awards on May 3 in Mbombela, sharing the bill with artists including Black Motion and K.O in a showcase of South African urban music excellence.[53]Discography
Studio albums
Master KG's debut studio album, Skeleton Move, was released in 2018 and features 10 tracks, including collaborations with artists such as Zanda Zakuza. The album achieved significant domestic success, peaking at number one on the South African iTunes chart.[54][55] His second studio album, Jerusalema, arrived in 2020 with 10 tracks, featuring the titular hit single alongside other original songs. Released internationally through Warner Music, the album was a commercial success.[56] In 2024, Master KG collaborated with Nkosazana Daughter on the studio album Makhelwane by Wanitwa Mos & Nkosazana Daughter, which contains 10 tracks. The project received gold certification from the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) as of 2024, reflecting strong local reception with over 100 million streams on its first day.[57][58] Master KG's recent collaborative studio album, Tzaneen with Goon Flavour, was released in 2025 and includes 8 tracks exploring themes of cultural heritage inspired by his hometown.[59]Singles as lead artist
Master KG's singles as lead artist highlight his signature amapiano sound, blending infectious rhythms with collaborations that propelled his music from local radio favorites to international streaming sensations. These releases, often featuring prominent South African vocalists, have earned certifications and chart placements reflecting their commercial impact. The debut single "Situation," released in 2016, marked Master KG's entry into the music industry and achieved regional airplay success in Limpopo, gaining traction on local stations.[14] "Waya Waya," released in 2018 and featuring Team Mosha, emerged during the Skeleton Move era and became an anthem in South African dance music circles, contributing to the album's momentum.[60] "Jerusalema," featuring Nomcebo Zikode and released in 2019, exploded into a global phenomenon amid the COVID-19 pandemic, inspiring widespread dance challenges and amassing hundreds of millions of streams. It topped the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart and received diamond certification in France, as well as platinum certification in Italy.[61][62][63] "Dali Nguwe," a 2020 collaboration featuring Nomcebo Zikode and Prince Kaybee, solidified Master KG's domestic dominance. "Makhelwane," featuring Nkosazana Daughter and released in 2023, served as the lead single for the duo's 2024 collaborative album of the same name. "Mina Nawe," released in 2025, continued Master KG's output of amapiano tracks.[12] In 2025, "Ayi Dume" featuring Nutty O, LeeMcKrazy, Caesar, and Leon Lee emerged as a recent release that quickly hit streaming milestones, garnering millions of plays across platforms within weeks of its debut.[64]Singles as featured artist
Master KG has contributed to numerous singles as a featured artist, often providing production, beats, or vocals in supporting roles that highlight his amapiano expertise and ability to fuse it with gospel, pop, and electronic elements across African and international collaborations.[65] These features underscore his collaborative versatility, from local romantic duets to global pop crossovers and recent dance anthems that have gained traction on streaming platforms and social media charts in Africa.Key Featured Singles
- "My Love" by Makhadzi feat. Master KG & Prince Benza (2020): This romantic duet blends amapiano rhythms with heartfelt vocals, reflecting a personal connection between the artists as former partners from Limpopo province. Released as part of Makhadzi's Kokovha album, it showcases Master KG's production in a more intimate, house-infused context.[66][67]
- "Shine Your Light" by David Guetta & Master KG feat. Akon (2021): A high-energy pop-EDM track marking Master KG's international crossover, where he co-produces and features alongside French DJ David Guetta and singer Akon. The song emphasizes uplifting themes with infectious hooks, bridging amapiano influences to mainstream electronic dance music.[68][69]
- "Ngishutheni" by Goon Flavour feat. Master KG & Eemoh (2025): This electronic dance track fuses amapiano with upbeat house elements, serving as a summer anthem that topped TikTok's South Africa top 10 songs of summer 2025. Master KG's contribution includes production and ad-libs, enhancing its club-ready vibe.[70][71]
- "Khwela" by Lakista Chance, Vukani & Panta feat. Master KG (2025): An amapiano fusion drawing from South Africa's traditional kwela style, featuring lively percussion and vocals; it charted on South African Spotify playlists and gained radio play across Africa. Master KG provides key production, adding his signature infectious grooves.[72][73]
