Global Charting Success
South African amapiano innovator Kelvin Momo has made history with the release of his 29-track album, Thato Ya Modimo, which debuted on Friday, 30 May 2025. The project entered at #8 on Spotify’s Top Global Albums—one of the highest debuts for an amapiano album ever—and broke the record for most streams in 24 hours on Spotify South Africa, with over 1.8 million streams, surpassing the benchmark set by his 2024 release, Sewe.
Streaming Domination
Within just a few days, Thato Ya Modimo had surpassed 10 million streams across all digital streaming platforms, with all 29 tracks landing in the Apple Music Top 50, showcasing the rare combination of mass appeal and musical depth. The project cements Kelvin Momo’s status as both a chart-topper and a genre-defining visionary in amapiano.
An Introspective Masterpiece
A deeply personal body of work, Thato Ya Modimo is a sonic declaration of identity, maturity, and artistic mastery.
“Thato is a journey back to self,”
says Momo.
“It’s my name, my sound, and my spirit—shared with everyone who’s grown with me.”
The album follows his critically acclaimed 2024 release Ntsako and pushes even further into emotionally rich and spiritually resonant territory.
A Star-Studded Affair
The album opens with “Buya”, a haunting farewell collaboration with the late Yallunder, offering a powerful emotional anchor. Momo enlists amapiano heavyweights like Murumba Pitch, Babalwa M, Stixx, and Thatohatsi, as well as emerging voices like Nontokozo Mkhize and Jinger Stone.
Standout Collaborations & Signature Sound
Key moments include the mesmerizing “Ethongweni” featuring Kabza De Small and Cnethemba Gonelo, and the much-anticipated return of “Soweto Grooves 3.0”, an evolution of one of Momo’s most iconic motifs. With trusted producers Da Muziqal Chef, Tycoon, Omit ST, Nvcho, and Stixx onboard, the album blends lush melodies, layered percussion, and ethereal ambience—hallmarks of Kelvin Momo’s unmistakable sound.
A New Dimension at Red Bull Symphonic
Thato Ya Modimo lands ahead of Momo’s headline appearance at Red Bull Symphonic Johannesburg, a groundbreaking orchestral performance that reimagined his catalogue and further elevate his legacy as one of amapiano’s most progressive and revered storytellers.
Listen to Thato Ya Modimo
The album is available now across all major streaming platforms: http://africori.to/thato
