In 2014, South African producer Gaba Cannal started his journey of being a keystone of soul-infused amapiano and house music. Known for his majestic blend of emotive melodies with deep grooves, Gaba Cannal is carving the sound that’s strengthening amapiano globally. Additionally, his journey is one of artistry, dedication, and an undying commitment to evolution. With a catalog boasting 15 projects since 2020 alone, his productive output is a testament to his creative passion. Now, with the release of his album Baw’Yena in November 2024, Gaba Cannal solidifies his legacy as a visionary with plans to redefine the possibilities of sound with soulfulness.
Born as Khaka Yena, Gaba Cannal is a world-class DJ and producer, effortlessly provoking the heart with beautiful hooks. The first time I heard his 2022 hit ‘Healer Ntliziyo Yam,’ I knew that a diamond of an artist had made his way into my personal playlist. Since the pandemic, South African amapiano and house music themes have taken sharp pivots toward love, hope, and faith. Therefore, this shift away from the common sex, drugs, and rock ‘n roll trope makes music more than just a bad influence. For this reason, listening to Baw’Yena feels like a healing experience. We had a chat with the multi-platinum-selling producer about his collaborators, creative sources, and the community that keeps him going.
Zain SA and Russell Zuma are some of your most recognized collaborators and vocalists. I guessed the voices correctly in ‘Bawo’ and ‘Uthuleleni Thixo’. How did you meet and when did you realize that it was time to turn the bromance into a business of making beautiful music?
Weird how I met both of them. Russell I met him the day we were shooting [the music video for] “Healer Ntliziyo Yam”. [Before then], we were just communicating via Whatsapp and just exchanging projects. Healer was the first Acapella I got of him from George Lesley. Zain I met at a gig in East London. He is quite big in the Eastern Cape so after his set, we had a chat and only after five/six months, we started working on something.
You do not shy away from expressing the power of prayer, patience, and peace in your music. “Thath’ indawo’ is a powerful introduction into what you unpack in the rest of the album. What inspired you to brand yourself that way and to feature Rev Nkomfa Mkabile in that intro?
It’s more about what influences me and what I believe in. I’m a full Christian, and people like Rev Nkomfa are people I grew up listening to at home. It’s more about who I am than anything.
At this time of the year, people are searching for an anthem for the festive season and to start the new year. Which song from the album is your anthem for the festive season and new year? What makes it so special?
I honestly have a different idea when it comes to anthems, lol. Normally, I say that I don’t have an ear for a hit song but an ear for good music, and then people can decide for themselves. But I love Track 2 Uthuleleni and Track 14 Golden. I just have a new favourite every time I listen to this project, and it sounds different all the time.
View this post on Instagram
At the heart of Gaba Cannal’s artistry lies an ability to connect with listeners on a deeply emotional level. Baw’Yena, which roughly translates to ‘elder’, perfectly matches the album’s mature themes of accountability, forgiveness, and faith. However, output as high as his has a tendency to tire artists and slow them down. Nevertheless, Gaba has an intelligent, loyal audience that appears appreciative of his gift as much as he is about the support. Consequently, this 15th project since 2020 is not merely an album. It is a journey that celebrates the roots of South African music and culture with intention and great care.
The year 2020 was by far your busiest year, with an impressive 7 albums released. Baw’Yena is the only album you released this year. Has releasing less helped you focus on touring? Do you find that you have more creative energy when you release music more or less frequently?
It kind of did [help] but also put so much pressure on me. You know how the piano industry moves. Everything is fast and changes all the time. But, just being consistent and believing in my sound has made it easier. Releasing more, especially in this day and age, is kind tricky cause every single week 5-10 artists drop music. It makes it very difficult to consume music. So I would advise to release less but put in the good work in those few albums/projects.
uMnikelo, Izenzo, and Alright appear to be early favourites according to your first week streaming numbers. How do you judge your success? Are numbers important to you or can you live without knowing them as long as you believe your music is brilliant?
Honestly, I didn’t think Umnikelo would do so well. “Izenzo and Alright” I definitely had my head up high because of the musical circle I have. The guys were really pumping those 2 songs before I even dropped. Numbers are really, REALLY important, but I always advise upcoming [artists] not to rely on them as much cause they might really discourage one’s creativity. Three/four years ago I was on less than +-100K monthly listeners on Spotify. Today, I’m on +500K. Things take time.
“Production is on 100%”, “Gaba Cannal is a special man”, and “The Gabadiya” are just a few words of praise from your fans in your comment sections. How does it feel to see your fans making your music such a big part of their lives the way they have?
It’s honestly overwhelming. It’s just too much, and I appreciate it a lot. The fact that I’m just putting my gift out there,e and people approve of it? That’s the most incredible feeling I can never get used to.
Gaba Cannal’s impact on the South African music scene and beyond cannot be overstated. From his early days in 2014 to the release of Baw’Yena, his music has been a vessel of transformation, transporting listeners into a world where rhythm, soul, and groove collide. As he continues to blaze the trail in soul amapiano and house music, Gaba Cannal stands as a beacon of creativity and perseverance. His work is more than a legacy—it is a living testament to the power of music to inspire, heal, and connect.
Gaba Cannal’s album Baw’Yena is available now on all streaming platforms.
