K.O (Rapper) Biography: Music & Studio albums

Ntokozo Mdluli, Born on October 13, 1980, in Piet Retief, Mpumalanga, widely recognized by his stage name K.O, emerged as a pivotal figure in South African rap. his musical journey took flight as a member of the acclaimed hip hop group, Teargas. The ensemble’s repertoire boasted notable albums like “K’shubile K’bovu” (2006) and “Dark or Blue” (2009).

Birth name	Ntokozo Mdluli
Also known as	Skhanda Gawd K:Hova Mr. Cashtime
Born	13 October 1980 (age 43) Hendrina , Mpumalanga, South Africa
Origin	Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa
Genres	Hip hop
Occupation(s)	Rapper record producer businessman
Years active	2005–present
Labels	Cashtime Life (former) Sony Music Africa Skhanda World
Formerly of	Teargas

Early life

He is the son of Thembisile and Jabulani Mdluli. After completing his matric, he pursued a National Diploma in Public Relations Management at Vaal University of Technology.

During his time at Vaal University, Mdluli met his future bandmates, brothers Ezee “Ma-E” Hanabe and Bantu “Ntukza” Hanabe. Despite facing initial challenges in finding employment after graduation, he remained determined to pursue his passion for music. His mother’s support played a significant role, even sending his CV to the South African Police Service, although he didn’t pursue the opportunity. Eventually, K.O embarked on his musical journey, fueled by his unwavering dream and family’s belief in his talent.

Personal life

Despite rumors suggesting otherwise, K.O clarified in an interview with the Sunday World that Teargas has not disbanded but rather members are exploring individual endeavors, akin to Mafikizolo’s trajectory. “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 stated in the interview.

In May 2014, K.O experienced a noticeable weight loss, prompting speculations about his health on social media, including rumors of him being HIV positive. However, his manager Thabiso Khati refuted these rumors, explaining that K.O had undergone a strict diet regimen and regular exercise routine. To dispel any doubts, K.O took to social media to share his HIV-negative status, posting his blood test results on Twitter and Instagram.

Discography

Studio albums

1. Skhanda Republic (2014)
2. Skhanda Republic 2 (2017)
3. PTY UnLTD (2019)
4. Skhanda Republic 3 (2022)

Extended plays

1. 2Piece (2018)

With Teargas

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

As lead artist

• Caracara (featuring KiD X) (2014)
• Say You Will (featuring Nandi Madida) (2019)
• Supa Dupa (2020)
• Lucky Star (2021)
• K:HOVA (2021)
• Playback (2021)
• Emoyeni (2022)
• SKHANDAVILLE (Freestyle) (2022)
• Omega (Freestyle) (2022)
• SETE (featuring Young Stunna and Blxckie) (2023)
• Rockabye (featuring Toss) (2023)
• Y.O.U. (2024)