BET Award Nominee and SAMA Award-winning rapper K.O took Jozi on a trip down memory lane with a legendary performance live at the Constitutional Hill. The Skhanda Gawd mobilized fans and supporters of South African Hip-Hop alike, proving that the love for his nostalgic hits still runs deep. His certified platinum discography over an 18-year-long career makes him one of South Africa’s brightest musical acts. Mr Cashtime’s success is a testament to how far South African Hip-Hop has come. For day-one fans of either K.O or SA Hip-Hop, his show proves how much further we can go when we go together.
Known as Ntokozo Mdluli by birth, he rose to solo fame after taking a break from the hip-hop group Teargas. K.O then released his second album Shanda Republic in 2014, certified platinum by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA). His hit single ‘Caracara‘ ft KiD X peaked at number 6 on the SA music charts. In the same year, he was featured in the late AKA’s hit single ‘Run Jozi‘, which was certified gold. K.O stylishly fuses township vernacular with a groovy beat, a SA hip-hop staple that he represents so well.
The live show treated roaring fans to costume changes and stage pyrotechnics. Skhanda World label signees Loki. and Roiii warmed the stage with performances of ‘Shoda Ngami‘ and ‘La Vida Loca‘, respectively. During his set, K.O brought rising star Toss on stage to spit bars from their recent single ‘Rockabye‘. Closing off the show with his super hit ‘SETE‘, it was clear that he is reaching icon status as an artist and businessman. The crowd’s diversity is evidence of his impact on music lovers from all walks of life.
His penmanship and musicality seem caught between hip-hop’s most divisive ranks: GOAT and underrated. Quotables such as “You can’t take the ghetto outta me” and “Antisocial noma bethi ngizenza ncono” are examples of phraseology worth celebrating. Despite comparisons to Kwesta, Riky Rick and AKA, K.O is a dominant rapper who can contend fiercely in any lane. Nevertheless, an artist’s success is the result of a group of people who are in agreement about the art’s value. In the case of K.O and his artistry, nearly 2 decades of hits give him a timeless, priceless valuation.
In addition to celebrating K.O’s legacy in SA Hip-Hop, the support from local brands and media was heartwarming. MTV Base and Studio 88’s support for K.O was clear, giving hope for another such event to happen in the future. The size of the South African music industry versus the immense talent it hoards is oftentimes mismatched. Nevertheless, the support for an artist as consistent, creative, and colourful as K.O is a huge encouragement. Artists looking to follow in his iconic footsteps can rest assured. They, too, will receive support if they invest in their career’s longevity, just like K.O.
Check out our recap video from the event below:
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