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K.O (rapper)

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Ntokozo Mdluli (born 13 October 1980), known professionally as K.O, is a South African rapper.[1] He began his career as a member of Teargas, a hip hop group which released its debut album, K'shubile K'bovu, in 2006,[2] followed by Wafa Wafa (2008),[3] Dark or Blue (2009)[4] and Num8er Num8er (2012).[5]

K.O
Birth nameNtokozo Mdluli
Also known as
  • Skhanda Gawd
  • K:Hova
  • Mr. Cashtime
Born (1980-10-13) 13 October 1980 (age 43)
Hendrina , Mpumalanga, South Africa
OriginSoweto, Johannesburg, South Africa
GenresHip hop
Occupation(s)
  • Rapper
  • record producer
  • businessman
Years active2005–present
Labels
Skhanda World
Formerly ofTeargas

After leaving Teargas, K.O pursued a solo career and released his solo debut album Skhanda Republic (2014).[6] It debuted at #1 in South Africa and was certified platinum by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RISA).[7]

K.O's second studio album Skhanda Republic 2 (2017)[8] was released in partnership with Sony Music Entertainment Africa.

His fourth studio album SR3 (2022)[9] was also certified platinum by RISA.

Early life

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K.O was born Ntokozo Mdluli in Piet Retief, Mpumalanga, in 1980.[10][11] He is the son of Thembisile Mdluli and Jabulani Mdluli.[12] He went to Vaal University of Technology where he studied for a National Diploma in Public Relations Management.[13]

While at Vaal University of Technology, Mdluli met his would-be bandmates Ezee "Ma-E" Hanabe and Bantu "Ntukza" Hanabe.[14] He completed his studies and graduated with a Public Relations Management National Diploma.[15] He spent two years unemployed before his mother sent his CV to the South African Police Service but he never followed up. "I was trying to make demos with funding from my parents and they believed in my dream but I eventually started giving up. My mother sent my CV to the SAPS but I didn't go for the interview. The day of the interview I knew I was struggling but I couldn't go through with it," K.O was quoted saying in the Sowetan.[16]

Music career

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2004–2009: Teargas

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In 2004, while he was employed in Public Relations, K.O, Ma-E and Ntukza decided to form a hip hop group called Teargas.[17] In 2005, Teargas signed with Electromode Music. "We realised it would be better to join since we were already good friends who knew each other's rhyming style", K.O was quoted by News24.[18]

In 2006 Teargas released their debut album, K'shubile K'bovu. The album was very successful.[19] The fifteen-track album featured "Chance", a hip hop song chronicling a life of a township gangster seeking redemption, was reminiscent of the early days of Kwaito.[20]

In 2008 Teargas released their second studio album titled Wafa Wafa. In the sixteen-track album, the group worked with Bongo Riot on two songs, "Champions" and "Sunshine".[21]

In 2009, they released their third studio album titled Dark or Blue.[4] In the thirteen-track album, Teargas collaborated with Tamarsha on the song titled "Life",[22] with DJ Tira and Liesl Penniken on the song titled "Party 101",[23] with Hip Hop Pantsula and Pro on the song "Goodfellaz"[24] and with Danny K on the song "T.L.C. (Tender, Love and Care)".[25]

In 2012 Teargas released their fourth and final studio album called Number Number (stylized Num8er Num8er),[5]. In the fifteen-track album, they worked with 2Face on "Turning Tables",[26] with Lilly Million on "Forgive Me",[27] with Toya Delazy on "Paradise"[28] and Ziyon on "Put U On".[29]

In an interview with the Sunday World K.O dismissed claims that Teargas split. "We have decided to individually try new things just like Mafikizolo did. We are taking a break but it does not mean we are a dead group," K.O said.[30]

2013–15: Skhanda Republic

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In 2013, K.O joined forces with Teargas bandmate, Ma-E, and music and marketing executive Thabiso Khati to form an entertainment company, Cashtime Life. K.O became its first artist.[31][32]

In 2014, K.O was featured on AKA's hit single, "Run Jozi (Godly)".[33] The verse by K.O was ranked as one of the greatest verses in South African hip hop.[34]

In March 2014, he released a second official single from his first album, "Caracara", and it went on to an even bigger success, reaching one million views on YouTube and breaking the record for most views of a South African hip-hop video. "Caracara" would then become the first SA hip hop song to win record of the year at the annual South African Music Awards (SAMA). "Caracara" was also nominated for Best Hit Single, Best Collaboration and Best Music Video at the 14th Annual Metro FM Awards.

K.O later released "Son of a Gun", a third official single from his first album.

In November 2014, K.O's first solo album, Skhanda Republic, was released.[35] In the 11 track album, K.O collaborated with Kid X on "Caracara", Nandi Mngoma on "Skhanda Love" and Ma-E, Maggz and Masandi on "One Time". Skhanda Republic would go on to win 3 SAMA awards, including the Rap Album of the year. Skhanda Republic was also nominated for Best Hip Hop Album and Best Male Album at the 14th Annual Metro FM Awards.

K.O also won the MTV Base MC of the year crown in 2014.[citation needed]

2016–19: SR2, PTY UnLTD

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In July 2017, Ntokozo signed a partnership & distribution with Sony Entertainment.[36] He released his single "No Feelings" on 21 July. Production was handled by Hylton Brooker and Gemini Major.[37] The song was certified platinum, with sales of 25,000 copies.[38] He released a single, "Don Dada", featuring Okmalumkoolkat, on 14 October.[39]

Ntokozo released his second album, Skhanda Republic 2 , in October 2017.[40] In March 2019, his single "Supa Dupa" was released as his third album's lead single.[41] The song was certified 2× gold, with sales of 20,000 copies.[42] "Say U Will" was released as the second single. He went on to follow-up with his third solo album, titled PTY UnLTD, in 2019.[43]

"Supa Dupa" is the only South African hip hop song to receive a gold plaque in the 2019.

2021–present: Skhanda Republic 3

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In September 2021, he announced his upcoming fourth album Skhanda Republic 3, and released "Playback" on October 15, 2021.[44][45]

The second single "Emoyeni" was released on March 25, 2022.[46] It was followed up by a freestyle titled "SKHANDAVILLE FREESTYLE" on July 25, 2022, which was the first single to the upcoming album and a follow-up to "No Fear (Freestyle)".

In August 2022, K.O released "SETE," featuring Young Stunna and Blxckie. The single was certified double platinum by RISA and is the fastest single to reach gold in South African streaming history. The music video was released on 1 September. The latter was certified platinum status in 16 days by RISA.

On 20 August 2022 rapper Big Zulu released a diss track aimed at K.O and other renowned South African rappers. On 22 August, K.O released a response titled "Omega".

Sjava, Msaki, Zuma, Pabi Cooper and Sarkodie will be featured on Skhanda Republic 3. It will have 14 songs.

The album debuted at number one on Spotify Weekly Top Albums SA Chart and was certified platinum by RISA. [47] It became the first album by a South African hip hop artist to debut at number one on the list.

On 2 February 2023, K.O released a song responding to amapiano artist Lady Du, who had predicted that SETE would not get certified gold. In that song, K.O also said that there would be no reunion of Teargas.

Personal life

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In May 2014, K.O lost a significant amount of weight. Rumours appeared on social media that K.O was HIV-positive.[48] His manager, Thabiso Khati, denied those rumours, stating that K.O had undergone a strict diet plan and was exercising regularly.[49][50] K.O later released a statement regarding his health and posted a picture of his blood test results on his Twitter and Instagram pages showing that he was HIV negative.[51]

Awards and nominations

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Channel O Africa Music Video Awards

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Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref
2014 "Caracara" Most Gifted Male Nominated [52]
Most Gifted Duo/Group or Featuring Artist Nominated [52]
Most Gifted Hip Hop Nominated [53]
Most Gifted Southern Artist Nominated [53]
Most Gifted Video of the Year Nominated [53]

South African Music Awards

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Year Nominee / work Award Result
2015 "Skhanda Republic" Record of The Year ("Caracara") Won
Rap Album of The Year Won
Best Collaboration ("Caracara" ft Kid X) Won
2020 "PtyUnltd" Record of The Year ("Supa Dupa") Nominated
Rap Album of The Year Nominated
Best Collaboration ("Say You Will ft Nandi Madida") Won
2021 "Lucky Star" Best Produced Music Video Nominated[54]
2023[55] SR3 Male Artist of the Year Nominated
Album of the Year Nominated
"SETE" featuring Young Stunna, Blxckie Best Collaboration Nominated
Best Produced Music Video Nominated
SAMRO Highest AirPlay Composer Won
CAPASSO Most Streamed Song Won
"SETE" featuring Young Stunna, Oxlade and Diamond Platnumz Remix of the Year Nominated

South African Hip Hop Awards

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Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2022 Best Video Won [56]
Best Collaboration Won
Song of the Year Won

Metro FM Music Awards

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K.O leads the 2023 Metro FM Music Awards nomination list with 7 nominations.
Year Category Recipient/Nominated work Results Ref.
2023 Song of the Year Nominated [57]
Artist of the Year Nominated
Best Hip Hop Artist Nominated
Best Male Artist Nominated
Best Music Video Nominated
Best Collaboration Song Nominated
Best Viral Challenge Nominated [58]

Discography

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Studio albums

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Extended plays

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  • 2Piece (2018)

As member of Teargas

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  • K'shubile K'bovu (2006)
  • Wafa Wafa (2008)
  • Dark or Blue (2009)
  • Num8er Num8er (2012)

As lead artist

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List of singles as lead artist, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album
ZA
"Caracara" (featuring KiD X) 2014 6 Skhanda Republic
"Say You Will" (featuring Nandi Madida) 2019 PTY Unltd
"Supa Dupa" 1
"Lucky Star" 2021 Non-album singles
"K:HOVA" Non-album single
"Playback" Non-album single
"Emoyeni" 2022 Non-album single
"SKHANDAVILLE (Freestyle)" SR3
"Omega (Freestyle)" Non-album single
"SETE" (featuring Young Stunna and Blxckie) 1[59] RISA: 3× Platinum[60][61] SR3
"Rockabye" (featuring Toss) 2023 Non-album single
"Y.O.U." 2024 — Non-album single

References

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  1. ^ "K.O shines after coming out from dark cloud". iol.co.za. Retrieved 17 February 2020.
  2. ^ K'shubile K'bovu by Teargas on Apple Music. 7 July 2006. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  3. ^ Wafa Wafa by Teargas on Apple Music. 24 March 2008. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  4. ^ a b Dark or Blue by Teargas on Apple Music. 11 September 2009. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  5. ^ a b Num8er Num8er by Teargas on Apple Music. 23 August 2012. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  6. ^ Skhanda Republic by K.O on Apple Music. 1 January 2014. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  7. ^ Ogala, Idia (8 December 2015). "The Source | Meet K.O, the platinum-selling emcee putting South Africa on the map". The Source.
  8. ^ SR2 by K.O on Apple Music. 13 October 2017. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  9. ^ SR3 by K.O on Apple Music. 16 September 2022. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  10. ^ Julie Kwach (3 June 2020). "K.O bio age, full name, wife, family, songs, album, cars, house, net worth, profile". briefly.co.za.
  11. ^ "K.O". Mtvbase.com. Retrieved 17 February 2020.
  12. ^ "Ntokozo Mdluli". ghafla.com. Retrieved 17 February 2020.
  13. ^ "K.O doing more than Ok". sowetanlive.co.za. 29 November 2014. Retrieved 17 February 2020.
  14. ^ "DJ Qness Gathers His Biggest Collab Team Yet As He Drops 'Starry Sky' with Locnville And K.O". SA Music News Magazine. 18 May 2018. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  15. ^ Faeza. "Mzansi celebrities and their university qualifications". Drum. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  16. ^ "K.O. doing more than ok". SowetanLIVE. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  17. ^ "See Teargas in Soweto". SowetanLIVE. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  18. ^ "Teargas and world domination". News24. Retrieved 4 June 2024.
  19. ^ Motau, Dimakatso. "K.O's aiming high!". Daily Sun. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  20. ^ "Another Chance with Teargas". Life. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  21. ^ "Bongo Riot". Genius. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  22. ^ Life feat. Tamarsha by Teargas on Apple Music. 11 September 2009. Retrieved 4 June 2024.
  23. ^ Party 101 feat. Tira & Liesl by Teargas on Apple Music. 11 September 2009. Retrieved 4 June 2024.
  24. ^ Goodfellaz feat. Pro & HHP by Teargas on Apple Music. 11 September 2009. Retrieved 4 June 2024.
  25. ^ T.L.C. feat. Danny K by Teargas on Apple Music. 11 September 2009. Retrieved 4 June 2024.
  26. ^ Turning Tables by Teargas & 2Face on Apple Music. 23 August 2012. Retrieved 4 June 2024.
  27. ^ Forgive Me by Teargas & Lilly Million on Apple Music. 23 August 2012. Retrieved 4 June 2024.
  28. ^ Paradise by Teargas & Toya Delazy on Apple Music. 23 August 2012. Retrieved 4 June 2024.
  29. ^ Put U On by Teargas & Ziyon on Apple Music. 23 August 2012. Retrieved 4 June 2024.
  30. ^ "Teargas Go Away". swazidata.com. Retrieved 17 February 2020.
  31. ^ "K.O Essentials on Apple Music". Apple Music - Web Player. Retrieved 4 June 2024.
  32. ^ Thakurdin, Karishma. "Ntukza and Ma-E rubbish feud rumours". Life. Retrieved 4 June 2024.
  33. ^ "Yanga Chief on 'not being credited' on AKA's 'Run Jozi'". TimesLIVE. Retrieved 4 June 2024.
  34. ^ "K.O's 20 Best Verses Ranked - Okayplayer". www.okayafrica.com. Retrieved 4 June 2024.
  35. ^ Skhanda Republic by K.O on Apple Music. 1 January 2014. Retrieved 4 June 2024.
  36. ^ Tshabalala, Comfort (26 July 2017). "WATCH: K.O SIGNED WITH SONY FOR ONLY 1 ALBUM – Daily Sun". Daily SUN.
  37. ^ Zeeman, Kyle (27 July 2017). "K.O to bare his soul on new comeback album". Times LIVE.
  38. ^ Jabulani, John (14 October 2021). "K.O Receive Plaques For 3 Songs On His Birthday". Ubetoo.
  39. ^ Kekana, Chrizelda. "K.O speaks of what makes a 'Don Dada, 'Pholas' with Pro". Independent Online. Retrieved 31 October 2016.
  40. ^ "K.O reveals Release Date + Album Cover for new album 'Skhanda Republic 2' | YoMzansi". YoMzansi. 2 October 2017. Retrieved 2 October 2017.
  41. ^ "Listen to K.O's new single, Supa Dupa | JustNje". JustNje. 8 March 2019. Retrieved 8 March 2019.
  42. ^ Darangwa, Shingai (14 October 2021). "K.O presented with three platinum plaques on his birthday". Independent Online.
  43. ^ Mkhabela, Sabelo. "K.O's New Album 'PTY UnLTD' is Here – OkayAfrica". OkayAfrica. Retrieved 27 September 2019.
  44. ^ Ntsinde, Mandisa (15 October 2021). "K.O Gets Certified Platinum & Drops A New Single, "PLAYBACK"". Zkhiphani. Retrieved 15 October 2021.
  45. ^ "K.O Drops New #PLAYBACK Song [Listen] | Hype Magazine". Hype Magazine. 14 October 2021. Retrieved 17 May 2022.
  46. ^ Maliba, Amanda (25 March 2022). "K.O in high spirits with Emoyeni and upcoming album". SowetanLIVE. Retrieved 17 May 2022.
  47. ^ "SA: K.O's SR3 album certified platinum". 3 July 2023.
  48. ^ "K.O officially speaks about his HIV rumour". Zkhiphani. 27 May 2014. Retrieved 7 September 2014.
  49. ^ "'Not HIV positive': K.O from Teargas". Sowetan LIVE. 27 May 2014. Retrieved 7 September 2014.
  50. ^ Venge, Tinashe (22 May 2014). "KO's manager slams AIDS rumours". Zalebs. Archived from the original on 8 September 2014. Retrieved 7 September 2014.
  51. ^ Radebe, Palesa (28 May 2014). "SA rapper tests HIV rumour mill". IOL. Retrieved 7 September 2014.
  52. ^ a b "Cassper Nyovest rules the Channel O Music Video Awards nominees". Sunday World. 5 September 2014. Archived from the original on 6 September 2014. Retrieved 7 September 2014.
  53. ^ a b c "Cassper Nyovest leads the Channel O awards race!". DRUM Magazine. Retrieved 7 September 2014.
  54. ^ "Samas 27: Nominations are out and men are leading the nods". The Citizen. 19 May 2021. Retrieved 20 May 2021.
  55. ^ Gaanakgomo, Constance (3 October 2023). "K.O and Supermega lead #Sama29 nominations with six and seven nods". TimesLIVE. Retrieved 4 October 2023.
  56. ^ "K.O wins big at SA Hip Hop Awards". SundayWorld. 12 August 2022. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
  57. ^ "K.O tops nominees list for Metro FM Music Awards with the late AKA and Sjava not too far behind". www.iol.co.za. 31 March 2023. Retrieved 31 March 2023.
  58. ^ "All the winners from The Metro FM Music Awards 2023". All the winners from The Metro FM Music Awards 2023. Retrieved 26 May 2023.
  59. ^ "Entertainment Monitoring Africa :: Local Chart: Juice back". Entertainment Monitoring Africa. Retrieved 15 September 2022.
  60. ^ Phukubye, Ofentse (27 September 2022). "MrCashtime's 'Sete' Single With Blxckie And Young Stunna Reaches Double Platinum". Slikour On Life. Retrieved 27 September 2022.
  61. ^ Pongwana, Nonhlanhla (15 October 2021). "K.O receives 3 platinum plaques, making it the ultimate birthday gift". Briefly. Retrieved 26 November 2022.
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