Amapiano maestro Kelvin Momo has done it again—but this time, he’s not just pushing the envelope, he’s rewriting the whole genre.
With the release of his colossal 29-track album, Thato Ya Modimo, Momo has delivered a project that’s as emotionally raw as it is sonically rich—and fans around the world can’t get enough. Released on May 30, the album is already breaking records, melting speakers, and proving why Momo isn’t just a name in amapiano—he is the moment.
Within just 24 hours, Thato Ya Modimo shattered streaming records on Spotify South Africa, racking up over 1.8 million streams—beating out the previous titleholder… which also happened to be him, with his 2024 album Sewe. No competition like self-competition, right?
On the global stage, the album debuted at a jaw-dropping #8 on Spotify’s Top Global Albums chart—making it one of the highest-ranking amapiano albums ever. And that’s not all: in just a few days, it soared past 10 million streams across all platforms, with every single track storming into Apple Music’s Top 50. Yes, all 29 of them. Momo didn’t drop an album—he dropped a movement.
But Thato Ya Modimo isn’t just numbers—it’s a soul-baring journey. A love letter to his roots, his faith, and his fans. “Thato is a journey back to self,” Momo says. “It’s my name, my sound, and my spirit—shared with everyone who’s grown with me.”
And oh, what a journey it is.
The album opens with “Buya”, a hauntingly beautiful collaboration with the late Yallunder. It’s their final track together, and it hits with the emotional force of a farewell hug that lingers just a little longer. A fitting tribute and a moment of quiet brilliance that sets the tone for the musical odyssey ahead.
As you move through the album, you’re treated to a dream team of amapiano royalty and rising stars. There’s Murumba Pitch, Babalwa M, Stixx, and Thatohatsi, who bring their signature sounds. Then come the fresh faces: gospel powerhouse Nontokozo Mkhize and breakout talent Jinger Stone, both adding new layers of texture and soul.
Need a highlight? Try the hypnotic “Ethongweni”, where Momo joins forces with amapiano heavyweight Kabza De Small and the silky Cnethemba Gonelo. Or press play on “Soweto Grooves 3.0”, the latest entry in Momo’s beloved series—a blend of township nostalgia and futuristic flair that fans have been begging for.
With Thato Ya Modimo, Kelvin Momo hasn’t just dropped an album—he’s built a cathedral of sound. It’s spiritual, it’s cinematic, it’s deeply South African, and it’s unmistakably Momo.
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