How K. O remains a dominant force in South African hip-hop
South African rapper Ntokozo 'K.O' Mdluli is gearing up for the release of his highly-anticipated album titled 'Phara City', on June 13, 2025.
Image: Supplied
It may spark debate, but renowned rapper Ntokozo 'K.O' Mdluli continues to prove why he remains one of South Africa's best artists.
With a career spanning nearly two decades, K.O has maintained a strong and relevant presence in the entertainment industry.
From his early days as part of the hip-hop group Teargas to his successful solo career and business ventures, K.O has consistently stayed at the heart of South African culture.
At the 2025 Metro FM Music Awards held in Mpumalanga, K.O walked away with the award for Best Hip Hop Song for his hit single "Too Much" featuring Nasty C.
He took to the stage twice, once during the main awards show and again at the festival after-party concert, where his performance celebrated his win and journey.
'You need to constantly be evolving and making sure that you stay ahead of the curve and try to stay up to date with everything that is playing out within the field,' he told IOL when asked about the secret to his longevity.
At his core, K.O is a strategic businessman who understands the importance of partnerships, networking, and aligning with the right brands to ensure survival in the cutthroat music industry.
Under his belt is Skhanda World, a successful record label, clothing line, and lifestyle company. He has also secured partnerships with brands such as Martell, World Sports Betting, Volvo, and Fibertime.
'It's not just about a good deal in terms of money. I go where my value is appreciated and where partnerships make the most sense,' he emphasized.
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K.O makes calculated decisions when considering collaborations, always ensuring brand alignment and a clear understanding of the product.
Growing up in a disadvantaged area in Mpumalanga, K.O understands the challenges of limited access to resources such as high-performance internet. Through his partnership with Fibertime, he is helping to drive a game-changing fibre solution designed specifically for townships.
'We've visited some of these communities, like when I was in Gugulethu, talking to customers and hearing their stories.
'It's little things like that which matter, where we're trying to make life easier for people who don't have the same access and privileges,' he explained.
At the age of 44, K.O serves as an inspiration to many young South Africans, who see him as a role model.
'If you are setting a great example and consciously striving to uplift others, that energy and influence rub off positively on people.
'I'm all about positivity and making a meaningful impact in the community. That's something I'm now consciously committed to doing right,' he said.
On June 13, K.O will release his fifth studio album, "Phara City" a project he promises longtime fans will appreciate as a return to his signature sound.
The rapper is keenly aware of evolving listening patterns and the oversaturation of music available to audiences today. He revealed that "Phara City" took more than a year to craft carefully, creating timeless moments that will give the album a lasting impact.
K.O is excited for fans to experience this body of work, which also serves as social commentary on life in South Africa, even though he typically steers clear of overt political statements.
For the album's rollout, K.O took to the streets to hear the real-life stories of people often labeled as 'Iphara', a township slang term for junkies or drug addicts.
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