Latest news with #PharaCity
IOL News
12-08-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
K. O announces no new music until 2026: commits to 8 music videos from latest album
K.O recently announced that he will not be releasing any new music until June 2026. Image: K.O/Instagram Ntokozo Mdluli, famously known as K.O, has announced that he will not be releasing any new music until June 2026. The announcement came during a brief exchange on X with a fan, sparking both surprise and admiration from followers. The conversation began when user @Wasshanneni_ng praised K.O, tweeting, '@MrCashtime the album is dope, you never disappoint always. Greatest MC period! No debate.' K.O replied, 'Thank you, fam.' Shortly after, another fan, @MoneriMandla, urged the artist not to let his plans interfere with the album's promotion, requesting more music videos: 'Please, whatever plans you have for this year or next year, let it not interfere with this album; we need more visuals for a lot of songs here.' Responding in a quote tweet, K.O clarified his intentions: 'No new music on my end til next June. Deliberately aiming to put out at least 8 videos from this project.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading No new music on my end til next June. Deliberately aiming to put out at least 8 videos from this project — K.O (@MrCashtime) August 9, 2025 This commitment to visual content was met with enthusiasm from fans. One user expressed gratitude, saying, 'Thank you for this; maybe other people will see the value of music videos. We are tired of people dropping albums and not giving us music videos.' Others showed respect for K.O's approach, with comments like 'Big respect' and 'Yes, you are moving differently now.' This announcement follows the release of K.O's fifth studio album, 'Phara City', which dropped on June 13. Fans are still revelling in the album, especially since it has been a while since his previous studio project, 'SR3', released in 2022. K.O revealed that 'Phara City' was more than a year in the making, carefully crafted to create timeless moments with lasting impact. His deliberate pace shows his dedication to quality over quantity, preferring to take time to ensure every detail is perfect. In a recent interview discussing the motivations behind the album's timing, K.O spoke about the profound significance of 'Phara City' in South Africa's current socio-political climate. 'I think the age where I'm at right now, I don't only just want to be remembered as a dope rapper ... I now want to be even more intentional, especially in the climate that we are subjected to as a country right now,' said the multi-award-winning artist. 'I don't want to shy away from the fact that there are socio-economic issues that we are growing up under, and whether we want to mask them and hide those things from the rest of the world or not, they are a reality.'
IOL News
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
K. O unpacks ‘Phara City' and SA's crime crisis on podcast amid police syndicate scandal
As the nation stands at a critical juncture, with President Cyril Ramaphosa announcing a judicial commission of inquiry into the troubling claims of corruption in law enforcement, K.O's 'Phara City' serves as both a reminder of the challenges ahead and a rallying cry for transformative action through the arts. As South Africa stares down the barrel of a burgeoning corruption crisis ignited by revelations from General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi about a criminal syndicate infiltrating government, renowned rapper K.O , born Ntokozo Mdluli, has offered a poignant perspective through his latest album, 'Phara City'. In a recent conversation with podcaster and activist Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh, the acclaimed artist delved into the concept-driven depths of his new work, reflecting on the societal inequities and despondencies that echo in the lives of ordinary South Africans. 'Phara City' presents a musical canvas that illustrates the contrast of crime, wealth and lawlessness permeating SA's landscape. K.O's album draws inspiration from a collage of figures, ranging from street hustlers to affluent figures operating luxury car empires and now, undercharged revelations of politicised corruption surfaced by Mkhwanazi. Mkhwanazi's allegations, which include claims of government officials collaborating with crime, paint a grim picture of state-sponsored lawlessness, triggering concerns about the integrity of law enforcement. During the podcast, K.O acknowledged the album's almost prophetic arrival amid a national reckoning. 'The thing is, music is an anointment,' he stated, emphasising that artists often underestimate their voices as channels through which societal truths are conveyed. While Mkhwanazi outlines institutional abuses, K.O opts for a raw, cultural narrative - one that rings with authenticity far beyond any prepared political discourse. His music, he argues, speaks to the painful realities faced by marginalised communities, a truth that resounds louder than any press briefing. 'And depriving your own greatness… solely because you want to be one-dimensional and make people dance? That's a disservice to what our society is supposed to be,' K.O asserted, encapsulating a generation's frustration with the music industry's fixation on superficial trends rather than the harrowing experiences of its audience. He insists that artists must align with the emotional realities of their communities, especially during tumultuous times that demand more than just escapism.
IOL News
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Rapper K. O wows fans at Martell and Makubenjalo marquee at Hollywoodbets Durban July
K.O mesmerises fans at the Martell and Makubenjalo marquee. Image: Instagram/mrcashtime Rapper K.O performed at the Martell and Makubenjalo marquee at the Hollywoodbets Durban July where he took music lovers on a trip down memory lane. After his fire performance, which had everyone singing along, K.O spoke to IOL about his experience at the marquee, a new arrival at the Hollywoodbets Durban July. 'I think this is probably, the most fun marquee. I'm not gonna lie, there's a lot of dope people in there. The energy is great, and of course, Martell is the hottest thing.' Having performed at the various marquees at the Hollywoodbets Durban July for close to 20 years, K.O reflected that it was a blessing to be still able to do what he does. 'Being here, continuously getting the business and the reception that is still endless to this day, to me it's just an honour.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ In June, K.O released a new 14-track album, "Phara City", which takes a look into the current socio-political climate of South Africa. He reflected that it has been encouraging to have people receive the message he is trying to push across. 'I'm not only entertaining people, but I'm also just informing and educating the listeners because there's a lot of real things outside of just us dancing and doing all these things. 'There's a lot of real things happening in the country, and we especially the hip-hop guys, we have a voice. We have the platform to actually use our creative platform to reflect the times. 'That's basically what I was trying to do with Phara City and I hope the album will age well in the years to come.' K.O has plans to hold album launches across the country, with Durban being on the cards very soon, and plans to take on Africa as well. He also hinted at wanting to make limited vinyl copies of the album. The Martell and Makubenjalo marquee was hosted by Metro FM radio presenter and DJ Lamiez Holworthy, who rocked a custom statement white dress by Q'Mane. Holworthy worked with Q'Mane on her looks for the Metro FM Music Awards, landing her on the best-dressed lists and once again they created magic. 'I keep switching it up, it's something new all the time and it's amazing to experience it,' Q'Mane told IOL. 'That people love it, that warms my heart. Because if the people are receiving it well, then it means I'm doing great.' For its first time at the Hollywoodbets Durban July, Martell and Makubenjalo marquee has received praise from attendees for not being sold out but well organised, great entertainment from Blxckie to Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa that had them dancing the night away. IOL Entertainment
IOL News
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
From fan to collaborator: Naledi Aphiwe shares her inspiring journey with K. O
Emerging artist Naledi Aphiwe reflects on her journey with K.O. Image: Instagram. Naledi Aphiwe, the young and talented South African artist who rose to fame after being featured on Chris Brown's song 'Shooter', has been making some impressive moves in the music industry. Recently, she collaborated with seasoned rapper K.O on 'Thokoza' from his latest album 'Phara City'. Speaking to 'Independent Media Lifestyle', Aphiwe opened up about her experience of working with the hitmaker. 'I want to start by saying 'thank you' to K.O for the opportunity. I'm so privileged to have worked with him. It was actually a great experience to be with him in the studio, and I've learned a couple of things,' she said. Aphiwe added that she enjoyed working with the seasoned rapper and appreciated the valuable lessons he taught her about the music industry. What is even more exciting for Naledi is that she worked alongside other industry heavyweights, including 25K and Emtee. As a young and upcoming artist, the 18-year-old shared that she grew up listening to the artists that she now gets to work with. 'Growing up, I listened to these artists, and now I'm working with them. I'm a big fan,' said Aphiwe. When asked about her thoughts on 'Phara City', she described it as a great album with many favourites, particularly 'Phara Love' and 'Thokoza'. Her music career has been taking off, with recent collaborations with artists like Blxckie, Cici and Mawelele. As for her rumoured break-up with her ex-boyfriend and fellow collaborator Mawelele, and whether their recent music hints were just a publicity stunt, the singer evaded the question. While she did not confirm or deny the rumours, she revealed that new music is coming from them as a duo.
IOL News
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
K. O discusses his musical evolution and the message behind 'Phara City'
K.O's new album "Phara City' is currently out on all major music streaming platforms. Image: Instagram. South African hip hop icon K.O recently joined host Nandi Madida on Africa Now Radio to discuss his new 14 track album, "Phara City", which released today, Friday, June 13. K.O shared his motivations behind the timing of this album release, which he believes carries a profound significance in the current socio-political climate of South Africa. "I think the age where I'm at right now, I don't only just want to be remembered as a dope rapper ... I now want to be even more intentional, especially in the climate that we are subjected to as a country right now," said the multi-award-winning rapper. "I don't want to shy away from the fact that there are socio-economic issues that we are growing up under and whether we want to mask them and hide those things from the rest of the world or not, they are a reality." Diving into the essence of "Phara", K.O explained: "Phara is basically a thug, I'm going to use the word loosely, why??, because Tupac came and he owned this thing called 'Thug Life'. That entire mentality he talked about is not only just the unflattering things, it describes a background that is both positive and negative. "Pharas are largely outcasts within society, people that are actually ostracised. But if you think about it, a Phara is not only that person in today's South Africa," said the "Sete" hitmaker. Furthermore, he expressed a deeper ambition with this album: "I'm just throwing it out there in a very lighthearted manner where I'm taking that overly negative stench on the word itself ... It's me putting the mirror to the ordinary South African to say, 'You know what? This is your world. Do you agree?' And these are conversations and topics that I am presenting to us (and myself) through music." Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Award-winning rapper, K.O. Image: Instagram. His new single "Supernova", featuring renowned artist Casper Nyovest, is marked by its ambitious sampling of Lebo Mathosa's legendary 'I Love Music'. K.O recounted the meticulous process of securing permission for the sample, describing it as nearly 'blasphemous'. "Just the idea of sampling a song like that is near blasphemous, but we actually went out of our way to mirror the quality of the original. "We had to present this to Lebo Mathosa's estate and try and find all those composers and all the contributors who were part of the original, just to clear the sample. It was a needle in a haystack type of mission, but we eventually got it over the line! If you do touch something like this, you have to give it more than justice." On the topic of collaborations featured in "Phara City", K.O stressed the significance of intentional partnerships in creating a cohesive project. "It wasn't easy, and it takes patience as well. When you know what you want and the people that compliment the vision, the best way that you feel, you'll pursue as much as you possibly can and then see it through. "People don't know some of these things that are happening behind the scenes to get the music that they actually end up hearing! These things are in the making or in the works for months, but I think what I always try to do is to give the product a fighting chance. And I think by the collaborations that I go for, I always want to put the song first." He explained his philosophy of prioritising the song over his own contributions: "I could easily do everything on the record, make the beat and do the verse myself. But what if there's a certain emotion that someone else could bring to the table to take this thing way beyond where my natural potential was going to take it? So that's why you're seeing that line-up of all those individuals that are on there."
