Cape Town – K.O (Ntokozo Mdluli) has unleashed more than just music; his latest album, Phara City, crystallises the uneasy reality of contemporary South Africa.
Released in tandem with a growing sense of national unease fuelled by allegations that a crime syndicate has insinuated itself into police ranks, Phara City functions as a powerful cultural statement.
In a conversation on Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh’s podcast, K.O articulated his intent: the album paints a sprawling narrative of societal extremes—street hustlers, luxury car buyers, those wounded by state-backed violence. He observes that “music is an anointment”, pointing to artists’ unique capacity to channel truths often overlooked by politicians.
Watch the interview below
An open letter in musical form to my place of birth, my heart, my South Africa—this one’s for us. #PharaCity my new album dropping June 13, 2025, is a mirror held up to our lives, reflecting the raw, beautiful chaos we navigate every day. We’re a nation of hustlers, dreamers,… pic.twitter.com/l6H5B6sZxv
— K.O (@MrCashtime) April 22, 2025
.@MrCashtime lets you in on his top 3 from his new album ‘Phara City’ 💿.
Let us know your favourite songs? pic.twitter.com/99IbPzEiol
— Sony Music Africa (@SonyMusicAfrica) June 27, 2025
Picture: X/@MrCashtime
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Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
