 |
Gaba Cannal | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Khaka Yena |
| Born | Daveyton, South Africa |
| Origin | Eastern Cape, South Africa |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) |
|
| Instrument(s) | Piano, keyboard, vocals |
| Years active | 2015–present |
| Labels | Gaba Cannal Music Pty-Ltd |
Khaka Yena, known commonly by his stage name Gaba Cannal, is a South African music producer and DJ. His music production is known for his soulful house take on Amapiano. [1] His name "Gaba Cannal" when roughly translated into Portuguese, means "Let It Be". [2]
Gaba Cannal was born in Daveyton, Gauteng but he later moved to the east of Johannesburg, where he completed his schooling and ventured into music production. [3] He Studied at Siyalakha Christian School then later moved to the east of Johannesburg where he grew up and finished matric in Fumana High School. [2]
He started producing music at the age of eighteen and started out his music career as a hip hop producer and a pianist. [4] In 2014, he released his EP titled, Abundance which opened ways for him in the industry and in that same year he created his own independent record label, Gaba Cannal Music Pty-Ltd. [5]
In 2018, he was featured on the single Magic by Da Kruk, which was nominated in the 2018 South African Music Awards, for Best Underground Record of the Year. [6]
In 2020, he collaborated with South African singer, Busiswa on his single Umhlaba Wonke. [7] That same year, he released his album, Amapiano Legacy. [1] In August 2020, his single Hold On ranked No. 10 on Good Hope FM's SA House Music Top 10 Chart. [8]
He has performed on stages alongside local musicians such as Vinny Da Vinci, DJ Ganyani, Nastee Nev, DJ Clock, LinQ, MFR Souls, Giggs Superstar, KoJo Akusa, Mzee, Julian Gomes, Javaman, The Brawl, Noxolo, Mobi Dixon, Jenerik Soul, Tim White, DJ Christos, Tokzen Mthi and DJ Terrance, as well as international acts such as Ralf GUM, Andy Campton and Nick Holder and also toured in countries such as Eswatini. [9]
On 25 November 2020, he revealed the release date for his upcoming album Statement and the official cover art for the project. [10]
| Year | Award ceremony | Prize | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Dance Music Awards South Africa | Best Underground Record of the Year | Nominated [11] |
Themba Sekowe, known professionally as DJ Maphorisa, is a South African DJ, record producer, singer, and songwriter. As a record producer with a blend of house music, amapiano and afropop, he has worked with and has received production credits from several notable artists, including Wizkid, Sizwe Alakine, Kwesta, Uhuru, Drake, Black Coffee, Major Lazer, Runtown, C4 Pedro, TRESOR, Kabza De Small, Era Istrefi, Mpura, Young Stunna and Killer Kau. He was signed to Kalawa Jazmee Records prior to establishing his own record label, BlaqBoy Music.
Busiswa Gqulu, popularly known as Busiswa is a South African singer-songwriter and poet. Born in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, South Africa, she gained public recognition for her feature on DJ Zinhle's song, "My Name Is", after being discovered by Kalawa Jazmee's CEO Oskido.
Highly Flavoured is the debut studio album by South African singer, poet and songwriter Busiswa. It was released on 8 December 2017 through Kalawa Jazmee. The album features guest appearances by artists DJ Maphorisa, Busi N, DJ Athie, Da Fre, DJ Toxic, Nokwazi, Moozlie, Lando and Yasirah. Primarily, Highly Flavoured is a gqom album.
Sanelisiwe Twisha, known professionally as Moonchild Sanelly is a South African musician and dancer. She is known for her signature blue-coloured hair and her self-created music genre called "Future ghetto funk". Originally from Port Elizabeth, the singer first came into limelight in the Durban poetry and music scene before relocating to Johannesburg, where she has continued her musical career.
JazziDisciples were an amapiano DJ and producer duo originating from South Africa. They were composed of two record producers known by their stage names Mr JazziQ and Josiah De Disciple.
Blaq Diamond is a South African Afro pop duo from Ladysmith KwaZulu-Natal. They met in 2010 on a school trip where both participated in a music cypher in the school bus. They signed to record label Ambitiouz Entertainment, releasing their debut album Inqola (2017), which became their first iTunes number one.
Sanele Tresure Sithole, known professionally as Sun-El Musician, is a South African disc jockey, music producer, and songwriter. Born and raised in Mooi River, he attended the University of KwaZulu-Natal but dropped out to pursue a career in music. His debut studio album Africa to the World (2018), was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA).
Oscar Mbongeni Ndlovu, is a South African record producer, podcaster and DJ. He creates house music containing elements of deep house, deep tech, Nu Jazz, broken beat and Lounge music.
Mukengerwa Tresor Riziki, best known by his stage name TRESOR, is a Congolese-born singer, songwriter, music producer, entrepreneur and philanthropist. He gained prominence in 2015 after releasing his single "Mount Everest" from his debut album, VII. His name "Tresor", when translated from French, means "treasure".
Tumelo Manyoni known professionally as Mr JazziQ, is a South African Amapiano DJ and record producer. He is best known for being a former member of the amapiano DJ duo, JazziDisciples.
MFR Souls is a South African amapiano music duo founded in 2012 by Tumelo Nedondwe and Tumelo Mabe, both of whom are DJ and music producers from Katlehong in the East Rand of Johannesburg. Their hit single "Love You Tonight" was commercial success certified platinum in South Africa.
Lethabo Sebetso, professionally known as Focalistic, is a South African rapper. He rose to prominence after his single "Ke Star", reached number 16 on Billboard Top Triller Global charts. Born and raised in Pretoria, Sebetso was a footballer prior pursuing a music career as a rapper, released his debut studio album Sgubhu Ses Excellent (2020).
Mkhululi Siqula professionally known as Heavy-K, is a South African DJ and music producer. Born and raised in Veeplaas, Port Elizabeth, Siqula relocated to Johannesburg at the age of 21 to pursue his musical career.
Babili Amos Shili, popularly known by his stage name Aymos is a South African singer-songwriter. He is best known for the hit single "Emcimbini" which was produced by Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa.
Pink Panther is the debut album by South African R&B singer Tshego. The album was released on 29 August 2019, through Twenty Five Eight Entertainment, and licensed through Universal Music South Africa. The album was executively produced by Tshego, and Alie Keys; with additional production from Yaw Bannerman, Gemini Major, and Lunatik. It features guest appearances from King Monada, Riky Rick, Kwesta, Black Class, Tellaman, Thabsie, Focalistic, and Frank Casino.
Josiah Makoela is a South African DJ and record producer commonly known as Josiah De Disciple. He is best known for his time with the Amapiano DJ duo, JazziDisciples, alongside Mr JazziQ. The duo split in 2018 to focus on their individual music careers.
Mthuthuzeli Gift Khoza, known commonly by his stage name De Mthuda, is a South African record producer and DJ. He is best known for his singles "Shesha Geza" and "John Wick ".
Kamogelo Matona, popularly known as Kamo Mphela, is a South African dancer and singer. She became an internet celebrity after she posted a video of her dancing on her social media account.
Kabelo Petrus Motha is a South African DJ and record producer, popularly known as Kabza De Small. He is a major figure in the amapiano genre of house music. Aside from his solo career, Motha is a member of the Scorpion Kings. Motha gained international recognition after the release of "Umshove", in 2018.
KOA II Part 1 is the fourth studio album by South African DJ Kabza De Small, released on June 16, 2022, through Piano Hub. The album features guest appearances from DJ Maphorisa, Ami Faku, Msaki, Young Stunna, Kwesta, Bob Mabena, Mhaw Keys and more.