South African rapper Ntokozo ‘K.O’ Mdluli has officially unveiled his highly-anticipated album titled “Phara City”, which is set to be released on June 13, 2025.
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Renowned South African rapper Ntokozo ‘K.O’ Mdluli has officially unveiled his highly-anticipated album titled “Phara City”, which is set to be released on June 13.
The news has ignited excitement among fans who have followed his illustrious career since the inception of the iconic music group Teargas.
K.O first gained recognition alongside Teargas, celebrated for their electrifying performances and thought-provoking lyrics that placed them at the forefront of the South African music scene.
However, it was his solo career that transformed him into a household name.
His debut album, “Skhanda Republic”, unleashed in 2014, showcased his unique fusion of hip hop, kwaito, and R&B.
This innovative sound earned him an array of accolades and a devoted fan base eager for more.
Continuing to evolve, K.O's recent singles, including the chart-topping hit “Sete”, have demonstrated his lyrical prowess and ability to adapt to the ever-changing musical landscape.
Now, with “Phara City”, the artist aims to further cement his legacy.
In an emotional post shared with fans on Instagram, K.O described the album as “an open letter in musical form” to his beloved homeland, South Africa.
He revealed that this project transcends a mere collection of tracks; it is “a mirror held up to our lives,” reflecting the “raw, beautiful chaos” navigated daily by South Africans.
The themes of resilience and unity resonate deeply within the album, as K.O states, “We’re a nation of hustlers, dreamers, fighters - laughing through the pain, loving through the struggle, uniting through it all.”
He assures fans that the album is crafted with the utmost dedication, encapsulating the collective narrative of the nation.
Taking a moment to reflect on the journey leading to the album’s inception, K.O shared insights into the challenges he faced, including months of self-doubt and relentless dedication to his vision.
He expressed heartfelt gratitude towards his fans who have supported him over the past 19 years, saying, “After months of doubt, grind, and belief in the vision, I’m ready to share this time capsule with you.”
As anticipation builds for the album's launch, K.O has also announced the release of a new single, “Pharadise”, featuring Young Stunna, set to drop this Friday, April 25.
This collaboration rekindles the powerful synergy between the two artists, reminiscent of their previous blockbuster hit “Sete”.
K.O described “Pharadise” as a destined reunion, one that aims to build upon the immense success of their prior work, which broke records and earned accolades at the SA Hip Hop Awards.
About the upcoming tracks, K.O noted the importance of the term “phara” within the streets, often associated with outcasts navigating tough circumstances.
He explained, “A phara isn’t just a survivor - they’re a fighter, a dreamer, a builder. They’re you, pushing through the odds.”
He elaborated further, “Phara City is our reality - think Gotham’s grit or Sin City’s edge, but it’s ours. It’s the socio-economic scars we wear, the victories we claw for, and the hope we refuse to let die.”
K.O expressed that the album embodies the essence of every underdog in SA, weaving in narratives that connect from the townships to the suburbs.
The anticipation surrounding K.O's new album is palpable, as he describes it as a reflection of “19 years of setting the pace in South African hip hop and beyond.”
The music is intended to resonate with every citizen of ‘Phara City’ - “this is our story - yours and mine.”
