K.O is undoubtedly the most consistent artist in the game
K.O’s greatest strength is his adaptability in the evolving music industry while staying true to his roots. From his days as a member of Teargas to solo hits like “Caracara” and “Sete,” he proves that he is always one step ahead.
Not many artists can pull off what K.o has done —transcending trends and time with such finesse. Born Ntokozo Mdluli, the mastermind behind South Africa’s biggest hip-hop hits, has built a legacy that stretches over a decade, yet his hunger for more remains as sharp as ever.
“I’m always evolving, man. You have to stay hungry and ahead of the curve,” he says. His music, visuals, merchandise and business moves are crafted with such intention that even the OGs in the industry aspire to emulate him.
To maintain that level, you’ve got to keep your feet firmly on the ground. “I don’t walk around like a celebrity; I refuse to be a slave to that concept because I want the freedom to make mistakes like everyone else. I’m a normal human being, and that’s something I prioritise above my work.”
The hip-hop genre thrives on egos and commanding attention, but K.O exudes a quiet confidence rooted in his impressive credentials. When discussing the top five South African hip-hop classic albums from the 2000s, he expresses the esteem of being listed among some of SA’s greatest rappers. “I have two classic albums under my name.
Firstly, Skhanda Republic — the album that has ‘Caracara’ and ‘Skhanda Love’ — and Dark or Blue album with Teargas. Being able to be in that list is amazing because we’re talking AKA’s Levels, Cassper Nyovest’s Tsholofelo, and Pro Kid’s Dankie San. I think it’s a toss-up between Cassper Nyovest’s “Doc Shebeleza” and Emtee’s debut album, Avery. Either way, I’m there twice,” he says, with a hint of pride.
Unlike many artists who become consumed by their success, K.O is his own toughest critic. “I’m able to put a mirror in front of myself, sit down, and listen to my music with brutal honesty.”
This approach leaves little room for error, but it’s not something you can master overnight. “With experience, I’ve learned to churn out a lot of quality music because I now understand what makes people tick.”
But what really makes Mr Cashtime (as he is fondly known) stand out isn’t just his knack for topping the charts; it’s his grasp of the music business. By launching his own record label, Skhanda World, K.O took charge of his music career and started nurturing the next wave of artists. He wants to ensure his legacy goes beyond just his own music — as he puts it, “It’s aboutcreating a platform for others, giving back to the culture that made me.”
The rapper and businessman, born and raised in Piet Retief, Mpumalanga, holds a National Diploma in public relations management from Vaal University of Technology.
With this qualification, K.O entered the industry with a keen understanding of branding, and how to separate his professional image from his personal one. “Some people wonder why I don’t showcase my life or engage in controversy for visibility, but I want my work to speak for itself. I’m not in this game to sell my private life.”
Although he didn’t enjoy school, he persevered to make his parents proud. However, he never faltered in his dream of becoming a hip-hop artist, despite the limited influences around him when he first began. Kwaito may have held dominance in the country at the time, but the whispers and nudges of hip-hop were too strong to ignore.
In 2004, the award-winning rapper hit the spotlight as part of the rap group Teargas, along with Ma-E and Ntukza. They played a huge role in making local hip-hop popular, mixing deep lyrics with catchy hooks that appealed to a wide range of fans.
“Ma-E and Ntukza were already using the name Teargas before I joined the group, and I was pursuing my solo career under the name Collapse. When the opportunity for a record deal arose, we realised we couldn’t have two separate deals — one for me and one for the guys.
We were like brothers, so it only made sense to sign the deal as Teargas,” he explains. Their trio’s debut album, K’shubile K’bovu, dropped in 2006, welcoming a new wave of hip-hop. With hits like “Chance” and “Mhlobo Wami,” Teargas became a household name, and K.O’s contribution to the group’s success is undeniable.
His signature laid-back flow and introspective lyricism stood out, setting the stage for what would become a successful solo career.
“I’m always mindful of where I came from — that kid in Mpumalanga, locked in the back room, rapping to himself. Probably the only one in the community into hip-hop. I didn’t want to let go of that ‘illusion’ of being a rapper in South Africa,” he says.
To be on the GQ cover, you need serious credentials. When I saw it was Mr Cashtime in collaboration with Martell? Makes sense. One of the oldest cognac houses, Martell, founded in 1715, has stayed relevant by blending heritage with modern innovation, adapting seamlessly over the centuries.
“It feels like being part of a family,” says K.O “What’s most reassuring about the deal is that we built camaraderie and synergy even before it became official.”
I’ve done hundreds of interviews with high performers across various industries and I’ve noticed one common thread: their tendency to downplay their contributions. I expected a bold statement from the rapper like, “Yeah, I’m the greatest of them all,” but instead, he offered a refreshing perspective.
“I’m aware of my talent; I’m conscious of it. But I’m not too obnoxious about it.” He understands the importance of managing one’s ego in a way that doesn’t alienate others. While some may not mind ruffling feathers, K.O opts to maintain good relationships with those around him.
Being in the game as long as K.O is one thing, but staying relevant and impactful is quite another. “I’ve been intentional about every step from the beginning. I realise that this is an aspect many artists often overlook.”
His collaboration with AKA on “Run Jozi (Godly)” and “Fire Emoji Remix” marks a powerful moment in the South African hip-hop scene, highlightingtheir influence on the genre.
“No disrespect to anyone, but when I look at the current hip-hop landscape, I don’t see any polished iron that I can use to sharpen myself. You know what they say, iron sharpens iron, bro. I appreciate what everyone is doing, and I love it, but the tenacity that AKA brought to the game is truly unmatched,” he says.
AKA recorded his verse with K.O just two days before he passed away in February 2023. “I think [this song] is going to stand the test of time. Not to downplay anything he did before, but this was probably his sharpest moment.” This recording might’ve been AKA’s final recording session since he had just wrapped up his album Mass Country. The pair had an incredible synergy together.
“This song is more than just a last little thing we did. To me, it feels like our last dance.” It’s called ‘King Size’, and it was the first of many songs we wereplanning to include in the EP we were working on.” K.O is convinced thatwhen AKA’s fans, the Megacy, hear the song, it’ll be like it was recorded just yesterday.
The Winner’s Delusion
To achieve K.O’s level of success, a touch of luck and a certain level of delusion are essential, particularly in the highly competitive music industry.
“Just having talent isn’t going to cut it anymore. There’s so much competition out there; you really need that special something to stand out from the crowd.” Over the years, we’ve witnessed artists come and go, while some linger until fans express their dissatisfaction with their music.
“One must be somewhat obsessed with their craft. It should be solely about the product you deliver, nothing else.” The transition from a group to a solo career can be daunting for many artists, and for K.O, he found inspiration from the journeys of those who took the leap before him.
“While attending the Rhema Bible Church, I formed a camaraderie with Bouga Luv [Kabelo Mabalane], understanding his story and witnessing his evolution. This made me think, ‘I could be a Bouga Luv type of guy, or perhaps a Khuli Chana emerging from Morafe.’
I began to see myself in that light, which allowed me to shed my old skin. After leaving Teargas, I embarked on my exciting solo career. Perhaps I’m speaking from a selfish perspective, but a few years later, I had to hit pause and start a record label.” K.O has had to reinvent himself time and time again. To him that’s just part of the game.
“The one thing that runs through this entire process is the spirit of resilience, along with the importance of keeping God at the centre of everything I do. I remind myself that if I have a disagreement with someone, I need to acknowledge it honestly and say, ‘Yes, that’s what happened’.
That has also contributed to my longevity,” he says. The “One Time” hitmaker achieved a significant milestone in his career with the release of his debut solo album, Skhanda Republic, in 2014. The album showcased a fresh sound that blended hip-hop with Afro-pop, earning critical acclaim and multiple awards and nominations, including the SAMA for Best Hip-Hop Album.
K.O’s ability to adapt and evolve has been a defining factor in his successful transition. “When the going gets tough, I always think of that delusional kid from Mpumalanga who is now living his dreams, and it motivates me to keep pushing forward.”
Eventually, the rapper pivoted into fashion. “Even as a young kid, I wanted to be the standout one. At family gatherings, I aimed to be the most suave person in the room. When I linked up with friends, I wanted to be the freshest one there. Eventually, when I entered the music scene, I carried that mindset with me, even among my brothers. I began to notice fans of Teargas emulating my style, from my clothing choices to how I accessorise.”
K.O decided that instead of promoting clothing brands he wasn’t affiliated with, he would focus on empowering himself, releasing his own range of T-shirts and tracksuits, called Cashtime Life, with Teargas.
A few years later, they launched a complete Skhanda World range — while performing in other African countries, the group would often spot people in the crowd wearing their Cashtime Life T-shirts. But they faced some issues with production and distribution.
“One mistake we made with Cashtime, for example, was thinking we had penetrated every household with our movement, but that wasn’t the case. We faced a massive piracy issue because we couldn’t keep up with the demand.”
“In refining the business aspect, we struck a deal with Studio 88, which now boasts around 300 stores in the region. It made perfect sense for us to partner with them, and as a result, we’re achieving remarkable sales — it’s truly a beautiful situation. This journey has taught me so much, and it all began with a little kid wanting to impress his cousins and family.”
The rapper also owns a clothing store called Swave (a short-hand for Skhanda World Avenue) in Rosebank, Johannesburg, which features a fantastic juice bar, coffee shop and sneaker laundry. “I’m proud of the establishment — it’s a dope concept.”
The Man Behind The Brand
While we’re familiar with K.O’s impressive music career and business ventures, there’s much less known about Ntokozo Mdluli. “I probably live the most boring life, but I love it,” he admits. Away from the limelight, Ntokozo enjoys tending to his garden and engaging in everyday activities, including hitting the gym.
When asked what he stands for as a man, he explains, “I stand for, first and foremost, sharing my blessings with others — using my blessings to uplift those around me. When your cup runs over, it’s better to share than to let it spill and go to waste. At face value, that’s where it begins.
At my core, I deeply value family, love, peace and harmony. I strive to be a good neighbor and a positive member of society by embodying nobility and kindness, and by uplifting others.”
K.O has given many artists a platform, even signing them to his record label. However, he prefers that the work he does gets the spotlight, not him. “I rarely share my grievances on social media. I keep my opinions to myself.
When I’m in front of the camera, I focus on lifting up the next man or woman, regardless of whether our personal views align. As people of color, we’ve been held back for so long — it’s crucial that we uplift each other first.
It saddens me when other races support us while our own people often do the opposite.” Many people take pride in being the first or only person from their background in certain spaces, but K.O finds that it’s more than that. “I was fortunate to have mentors who generously gave their time and guidance throughout my journey, and now I’m grateful to be in a position to offer the same to others.”
When you’ve been in the game for a long time, it’s inevitable that you’ll have disagreements with some people, which is why the “Let Me Cook” artist values being brand savvy. “Unfortunately, the industry is small, so it’s crucial to be brand-savvy.” For K.O, this means making your brand bulletproof and doing everything you can to avoid tarnishing it in any way.
It’s impressive how the rapper has managed to do that for all these years. “These are things we don’t typically plan for, but it’s about being in tune with yourself and taking responsibility for your actions. For instance, when I get into a car, I know there are things beyond my control, but I still ask for protection: ‘God, please watch over me, guide me with every step and every turn I take.’”
K.O maintains a certain poise, always aware that he’s accountable not just to himself but to his brand, which employs others and represents more than just him. In an industry thriving on constant pressure and politics, this attitude is important — especially when so many artists choose to step away.
“I came in through Teargas, as part of a group, and we had four successful albums. But then, suddenly, group dynamics came into play, and I had to pivot from there because this is the only path I know.”
Though he’s been in the industry for eighteen years, it remains heavily influenced by audience reactions and the pressure to constantly reinvent yourself is at the forefront. The question of relevance always comes up.
“I think relevance is misunderstood. We often get it twisted, striving to stay relevant. But being relevant doesn’t mean being in people’s faces all the time.” K.O makes an example of Kendrick Lamar: “He’s been in the game for over a decade with just four albums, if I’m not mistaken, while his peers have dropped more albums. Yet, whenever Kendrick releases something, it’s a moment.
So, relevance is about making an impact every time you show up, and being comfortable with stepping away when needed. You need that downtime.”
Stepping out of the spotlight at the height of your career might be seen as career suicide. There’s always the fear that, by the time you return, people may have forgotten you. K.O is not too worried. “I’m at ease with not always leading the conversation. It’s important to let others have their moment too.
As artists, we can be the most delusional beings, carrying insecurities and chips on our shoulders.” That’s an insightful observation — not every artist reaches that level of self-awareness. “Experience and observing others have taught me this: I don’t need people in the room when my music plays. If it resonates in my absence, even better — it reveals the true impact of my work.
If they turn it off when I’m not around, that too speaks volumes. Over time, I’ve gained the confidence to accept when someone says, ‘I don’t like it.’ I no longer see it as negative feedback but rather as an honest reflection of what my music evokes.”
Even so, the negativity found on social media and online can be toxic. “When I find myself facing negativity, especially during conversations on social media that weigh heavily on me, I remind myself, ‘This too shall pass.’ As cliché as it sounds, that’s how I navigate life.
When I encounter a stumbling block, I hold onto that mantra. I also recognise that even the best moments are fleeting. I believe that victory is inevitable as long as we walk by faith. That mindset keeps me grounded — I’m delusional in my faith. My track record of what God has done for me empowers me to keep moving forward.”
Mr Cashtime has always seen himself as more than just a rapper. “The goal was always to build something that outlived trends.” This vision led to his ground-breaking solo debut that set the standard for a new sub- genre, ‘Skhanda rap’ — a fusion of hip-hop and South African street culture.
It’s a genre-defining moment that not only carved out a space for K.O but also inspired a wave of new artists. But what about Ntokozo? Is he being overlooked because of K.O’s contributions to the industry? He says, “That’s how it should be. I’ve always promoted the brand, K.O, rather than myself as Ntokozo.”
It All Adss Up
K.O can’t believe this is his first GQ cover. “I’ve been in the game for eighteen years and this is my first GQ cover? Someone must have been sleeping on the job,” he laughs. “Everything becomes clearer with time, and I’m grateful it’s happening right now. I believe I have a story that people can learn from.”
Of course, people often see the end product and overlook the hard work and sacrifices that brought him here. “What they don’t realise is that I have three siblings and we shared the same bed while growing up.”
The rapper is in a positive space where everything has aligned. “I don’t know how many times I went back to the drawing board, but I knew that if I didn’t bet on myself, no one else would. That gamble paid off.”
This article originally appeared in GQ print November 2024 issue. It has been edited for online use.