K.O (rapper)
Ntokozo Mdluli (born 13 October 1980), known professionally as K.O, is a South African rapper, songwriter, record producer and businessman He began his career as a member of Teargas, a hip hop group which released its debut album, K'shubile K'bovu, in 2006, followed by Wafa Wafa (2008), Dark or Blue (2009) and Num8er Num8er (2012).
Quotes
[edit]- See, the way I feel about it is, for example, if Messi (touch wood) were to pass away, Cristiano Rolando would possibly feel a certain way… he’d probably stop playing soccer
- You know, the people you actually compete with are the reason why you go a little bit harder because they keep raising the bar but in the same breath, you’re not aware that you’re positioning yourself to be great or elevated as an artist
- Whenever AKA would drop something, I’d be like, ‘Man, how do I come up with something stronger?’ Kiernan [AKA’s birth name] would always keep you on your toes. So, when such starts diminishing, whether by an unfortunate passing of a rapper or rapper’s tenacity to keep going, it makes it hard for one to keep the bar high
- I think it’s still fresh in our minds, just the fact that he’s gone and the way that he left. So Hip-Hop is not in its best state right now. But as far as us getting together and making music, I think it’s in a good place sonically
- The word ‘Phara’ has long carried street weight, often linked to outcasts and survivors
- But I’m here to flip that narrative. A Phara isn’t just someone who gets by; it’s someone who rises, builds, and dreams despite the odds
- A Phara is anyone who refuses to fold, regardless of background or circumstance
- What’s a Phara? It’s the genius of turning pain into power, hustle into legacy
- Phara City is our reality, the scars we carry, the victories we earn, the hope we hold onto
- That spirit lives in every street, in every story. That spirit lives in this album
- SA rapper K.O drops Phara City album,13 June 2025
- This song is a hustler's prayer and is very close to my heart,” he said. “I'm basically pleading with God to spare me because I still have so much that I need to do. The year [2022] has been hard on the hip hop community, and it's hard not to be conscious of how heavy the energy is around all of us. 'Emoyeni' is also a reminder that, even in trying times, we should not be ruled by fear and take a moment to celebrate
- SA: Rapper KO releases new single Emoyeni,22 March 2022
