South Africa’s Master KG produces uplifting, vocal-heavy tracks blending house, gqom, and Afro-pop. He achieved worldwide success when his spiritually inspired single “Jerusalema” (the title track to his second album) became a viral hit in 2020, prompting numerous dance challenge videos and remixes, including a popular one featuring Nigerian superstar Burna Boy. KG then collaborated with David Guetta and Akon on the 2021 single “Shine Your Light.”
Kgaogelo Moagi was born in the Limpopo province of South Africa in 1996. He began producing beats on his computer when he was 13, and released his first single as Master KG, “Situation,” in 2016. Signing with Open Mic Productions, he scored his first hit with 2018′s “Skeleton Move,” featuring Zanda Zakuza, which preceded an album of the same name. KG won several music awards, including Song of the Year from the South African Broadcasting Corporation and Best Dance song from the Limpopo Music Awards. He recorded songs with Makhadzi (his girlfriend at the time) and additional artists such as Rethabile Khumalo and Prince Benza.
“Jerusalema,” a gospel-influenced track sung by Nomcebo Zikode, was released in late 2019, and a full-length, also titled Jerusalema, was issued by Warner France/Elektra France in early 2020. “Jerusalema” gradually became an international success, exploding in popularity mid-year, after it became the subject of a dance challenge. The song charted high in dozens of countries, and its popularity was furthered when a remix featuring Burna Boy was released, as well as another mix featuring Venezuela’s Micro TDH and Colombia’s Greeicy. “Jerusalema” was awarded International Song of the Year by the NRJ Music Awards. In 2021, KG released “Shine Your Light,” a collaboration with French DJ/producer David Guetta and Senegalese-American rapper/singer Akon. ~ Paul Simpson