When South African singer and DJ Kabza De Small, named his 2020 album I Am the King of Amapiano: Sweet & Dust, he wasn’t tooting his own horn, he was simply embracing the word on the street. Since his breakthrough with “Umshove” in 2018, he hasn’t looked back with each year topping the last. Last Friday, he shared his much-anticipated album Bab’Motha after a near two-year break from album projects.

One of the standout tracks on the 16-track album is “Siyabonga”, featuring Nontokozo Mkhize and Mthunzi, two of South Africa’s exciting musical talents. Mkhize contributes her elegant, gospel-tinged vocals, while Mthunzi adds an emotion-laden performance that feels both personal and spiritual, blending seamlessly with Kabza De Small’s distinct amapiano style. “Siyabonga”, which loosely translates to “We are grateful” in Zulu, sounds exactly like what its title suggests: a soulful hymn of gratitude. It’s an acknowledgement of how far the singer has come since he released his debut album Avenue Sounds in 2016, from a little-known DJ to the King of Amapiano.

The emotions woven into the melody and rhythm of the song need no translation. While the sound of amapiano in “Siyabonga” is unmistakable, the gospel overtones, both in the instrumentals and vocals, are striking. It’s the kind of track that fits almost any setting. And that’s no coincidence. It’s thanks to Kabza De Small’s daring entry into the world of 3-step — a subgenre of house that blends elements of amapiano, Afro house, and broken beat — that this unique and infectious rhythm comes alive. It is a bold notice to anyone who cares to listen that 3-step is the future.