Episode 162: Kevin Momo’s Historic 20M Streams, Mlindo’s Comeback & Amapiano’s New Kings

In this milestone Episode 162 of Backroom Convo’s, host Lesego M dives into South Africa’s explosive Amapiano scene, spotlighting three seismic releases reshaping the global music landscape:

🔥 Kevin Momo’s Record-Shattering Week
His album Thato Ya Modimo isn’t just a hit—it’s a cultural reset. With 20 million streams in its first week, it dominated platforms globally:

• 🥈 #8 on Spotify’s Global Chart—the highest peak for a South African album this year.

• ⏱️ Most-streamed album in 24 hours (2025), proving Amapiano’s unstoppable reach.

• 🎹 29 tracks of "soulful piano melodies and rhythmic percussion" 6, cementing Kelvin Momo as a genre pioneer whose "innovative sound design pushes Amapiano forward" 6.

🎤 Mlindo The Vocalist’s Grand Return
After a hiatus, the storytelling maestro announces Uhambo - The Journey (July 18), his first album since 2022. Lesego unpacks:

• 🎶 The lead single Inkomo Zika Baba (feat. DJ Maphorisa), released June 13—a "heartfelt, dramatic tale of lobola and commitment" 13.

• 🔥 Mlindo’s reunion with mentor DJ Maphorisa: "My musical journey started with him" 13.

• 📈 Why this album chronicles his evolution from Emakhaya to newfound maturity.

👑 Sam Deep’s Genre Fusion
The trailblazer dropped Kings Of Kwapi Vol. 1 on June 12:

• ⚡ 17 tracks blending Amapiano with Kwaito—a "new hybrid" redefining SA sound 8.

• 💿 Released under Madeepana Records, spotlighting collabs with Stixx & Nvcho 4.

• 🌍 Strategic timing amid Amapiano’s global surge.

💬 Lesego’s Deep Dive
Beyond the stats, this episode explores:

• How Kevin Momo’s production "balances tradition and innovation" 6 to cross borders.

• Mlindo’s vulnerability in narrating love and sacrifice—and why his comeback matters.

• Sam Deep’s role in Amapiano’s "expansive evolution" 8.

✨ Final Take: "These albums aren’t just music—they’re blueprints for African artistry going global." – Lesego M

🔗 Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts | iHeartRadio
📱 Follow Lesego: @BackroomConvos for more unfiltered music insights!

#Amapiano #KevinMomo #MlindoTheVocalist #SamDeep #SAmusic #MusicHistory #Backroomconvo's