Influence Profile
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Trending in K.O’s World
Latest Single
20 Summers
Released Mar 20, 2026
Trending Globally
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Single
Story
Quick Facts
Born
1980
1980
From
South Africa
South Africa
Journey
Some stories in music don’t begin with flashing lights or instant fame; they begin quietly, in small towns where ambition feels bigger than opportunity. That is where Ntokozo Mdluli, now widely known as K.O, first started shaping the dream that would one day crown him as one of South Africa’s most consistent and influential hip-hop voices.
Born on 13 October 1980 in Soweto but raised in Piet Retief, Mpumalanga, K.O grew up balancing the realities of township life with a deep love for rhythm and words. His parents, educators by profession, emphasized schooling, which led him to study Public Relations Management at Vaal University of Technology. Yet while textbooks filled his days, music filled his nights. Together with two friends, he founded the group Teargas in 2005, and within a year, their debut album K’shubile K’bovu set the tone for a new chapter in South African hip-hop. Teargas went on to release multiple award-winning projects before disbanding in 2012.
K.O then carved his solo path, launching Cashtime Life and later his own lifestyle label, Skhanda World, which became both a music platform and a fashion statement. His debut solo album, Skhanda Republic (2014), introduced the “Skhanda” sound a fusion of hip-hop with South African street culture. It achieved platinum status and solidified him as a pioneer. Subsequent albums such as Skhanda Republic 2 (2017), PTY UnLTD (2019), and SR3 (2022) showed his ability to adapt and stay relevant.
In 2022, his single “SETE” with Young Stunna and Blxckie became a cultural anthem, topping charts, earning multiple platinum certifications, and proving K.O’s staying power. By 2025, he continued his run with Phara City, expanding his influence as both an artist and entrepreneur.
K.O’s story hasn’t been without challenges. He’s faced rumors about his health, industry criticism, and the constant pressure of reinvention. Yet, instead of retreating, he confronted speculations head-on, even publicly sharing health records to silence false claims. Beyond music, he has worked with global brands like Volvo and Martell, strengthening his role as not just a musician but also a business figure and cultural trendsetter.
Through persistence, reinvention, and resilience, K.O has proven that longevity in music is possible without losing authenticity. His journey mirrors life itself, full of struggles, triumphs, doubts, and breakthroughs, making him more than a rapper; he is a symbol of what consistency and vision can achieve in modern African music.