Pretoria’s DJ KMat Shines Bright at International Music Summit in Ibiza

Pretoria’s rising star DJ KMat, real name Koketso Mathabathe, continues her meteoric rise in the global music scene after headlining the International Music Summit (IMS) in Ibiza. The 26-year-old Soshanguve-born talent has been making waves with hits like Jobe, Bafuna Mina, and MKK, and her genre-blending performance in Spain solidified her growing international appeal.

Known for calling herself a “chameleon” on the decks, KMat effortlessly transitions between amapiano, gqom, and other genres — a versatility that wowed crowds at IMS. Her set was not just a performance, but a cultural exchange, as she introduced festivalgoers to South African sounds many had never heard before.

In an interview with Sowetan, KMat revealed that her focus is now firmly on building a global presence and exploring new sonic landscapes. She shared highlights from her Ibiza trip, which was a blend of work, excitement, and unforgettable memories.

“When I found out last year that I was booked to play in Ibiza, I made sure to block out that day,” she said. “This time I knew I’d be playing for a different market — people who’d never even heard gqom before, and they were jamming to it!”

Her two-hour set — extended from the originally planned one hour — tested her spontaneity and skill. Despite the nerves, the crowd’s energy kept her going. Fans flooded her with compliments after the set, with some taking 15 minutes just to let her pass from the DJ booth to her table.

A Glimpse Into KMat’s Ibiza Experience

Aside from the music, KMat soaked up the experience with her signature flair. A self-proclaimed “water baby,” she packed her sunscreen and bold, colorful outfits — though she humorously admitted forgetting a jacket, which left her chilly during Ibiza’s cooler nights.

On the flight, KMat spent time indulging in fiction, saying, “I love when I’m lied to — but only in books. It keeps me sane.” Among the titles she’s juggling is Why Men Love Btches*, adding a playful glimpse into her off-stage personality.

One of her standout memories was meeting a Spanish handyman at her hotel who welcomed her team with ululations — an unexpected cultural crossover that left a warm impression.

As for food, KMat’s favorite meal was a seafood and fried rice combo that stole her heart, even though she admits she forgot its name.

Crowd Connection and Cultural Impact

Her performance day was, without a doubt, the most memorable moment of the trip. Playing her mellow track MOB to an unfamiliar crowd was a risk that paid off, especially when she switched to more upbeat songs and even dedicated a full hour to gqom.

“They’ve never heard the genre, but they danced to it,” KMat shared. “I had white women dancing like crazy. It was out of this world.”

Quick Facts About DJ KMat:

• Age: 26
• Hometown: Soshanguve, Pretoria
• Real name: Koketso Reabetswe Mathabathe
• Mentored by Felo Le Tee, who discovered her at Zanzou Nightclub
• Studied DJing at Boston College
• Debut EP: Luminous Flame (2022)
• Looks up to DJ Zinhle

With her fearless sound, magnetic stage presence, and growing international fanbase, KMat is not just playing music — she’s redefining what it means to be a global South African DJ. As she sets her sights on chart domination, Ibiza is just the beginning.

Are you ready to see where she spins next?