Durban, South Africa — In a defining moment for South African music, Amapiano pioneer Kelvin Momo received an electrifying shoutout from international hip-hop icon Drake during his headlining set at the Wireless Festival this past weekend. The unexpected yet powerful nod has sparked widespread excitement across continents, marking a significant milestone in the global rise of Amapiano music.
Midway through his performance, Drake took a moment to pay tribute to the vibrant soundscapes emerging from South Africa. With thousands in attendance and millions more online, the Canadian superstar paused and said:
“South Africa, y’all got the heat. Shoutout to Kelvin Momo—you’ve been on my playlist heavy.”
Moments later, Drake amped up the crowd by dropping a remixed Amapiano version of his 2016 hit single “Controlla,” sending fans into a frenzy. While no official details about a remix or collaboration have been confirmed, speculation is already mounting that Kelvin Momo may have had a hand in the production—or that a joint project is in the works.
This moment is more than just a celebrity endorsement—it’s a cultural turning point. For Kelvin Momo, the shoutout is a public acknowledgement of years of dedication to his craft. Known for pioneering a deeply emotional, jazz-inflected subgenre often referred to as “private school Amapiano,” the Soweto-born producer has become a key figure in taking Amapiano from local lounges to international festivals.
His most recent album, “Thato Ya Modimo,” has been met with widespread acclaim, crossing over 20 million streams on Spotify alone and earning praise for its rich, layered production and introspective mood.
“Drake shouting out Kelvin Momo? This is history in the making!” wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter).
“If that Controlla Amapiano remix drops, it’s over for the streets,” another fan posted.
Drake’s nod isn’t just a personal milestone for Kelvin Momo—it’s another clear indication that Amapiano has transcended borders, becoming a global movement that continues to shape the sound of modern music. From Lagos to London, Toronto to Tokyo, the genre’s infectious rhythm and uniquely South African groove are now fixtures in DJ sets and playlists worldwide.
Over the years, Drake has shown growing interest in African sounds, having collaborated with artists like Wizkid, Tems, and Black Coffee. His recognition of Kelvin Momo is especially noteworthy, considering Momo’s signature sound leans more toward the soulful and restrained, a far cry from commercial dance-floor hits.
While neither artist has confirmed a collaboration, fans are already rallying behind the idea. Clips of Drake’s shoutout and the “Controlla” remix moment have gone viral across social platforms, with content creators, music journalists, and DJs all weighing in on the possibility of a Drake x Kelvin Momo track.
“This could be the moment Amapiano reaches another level,” says Lerato Molapo, a cultural critic and music writer based in Johannesburg. “Kelvin Momo’s influence has always been undeniable, and now the world is finally catching up.”
About Kelvin Momo
Born in Johannesburg, Kelvin Momo is a critically acclaimed DJ and producer known for his unique contributions to the Amapiano genre. Often credited with popularizing the “private school Amapiano” sound, his work is characterized by lush instrumentation, deep basslines, and emotionally resonant melodies. He has released multiple chart-topping projects and is recognized as a leading figure in South Africa’s growing cultural export scene.
