K.O, also known as Ntokozo Mdluli, is one of South Africa’s most influential hip-hop artists. Known for his unique voice, incredible wordplay, and ability to merge hip-hop with traditional African elements, K.O has been a mainstay in the industry for years. He rose to fame as part of the iconic hip-hop group Teargas, and after the group disbanded, he successfully established himself as a solo artist. Over the years, K.O has delivered countless hits that have shaped the sound of South African hip-hop. Here are the top 10 K.O songs of all time.
1. “Caracara” feat. Kid X
Released in 2014, “Caracara” is undoubtedly one of K.O’s biggest songs. The track marked a new era in South African hip-hop with its fusion of traditional Kwaito elements and modern rap. The catchy beat and infectious hook took the country by storm, and the song became an anthem. “Caracara” not only dominated the airwaves but also became a cultural phenomenon, earning K.O multiple awards and cementing his place as a solo artist. This track is considered one of the most important songs in the evolution of South African hip-hop.
2. “Skhanda Love” feat. Nandi Madida
“Skhanda Love” is one of K.O’s most successful love songs. Released in 2014 as part of his debut solo album Skhanda Republic, the song features the soulful voice of Nandi Madida and tells a story of a deep, unconditional love. The chemistry between K.O and Nandi on this track, combined with its smooth production and heartfelt lyrics, made it an instant hit. “Skhanda Love” is a perfect blend of romance and hip-hop, showing K.O’s versatility as an artist.
3. “Supa Dupa”
“Supa Dupa,” released in 2019, is one of K.O’s standout solo tracks. The song’s catchy beat, playful lyrics, and K.O’s effortless flow made it an immediate success. “Supa Dupa” showcases K.O’s confidence and swagger, with lyrics that reflect his status as one of the top artists in the game. The song’s vibrant energy and memorable hook made it a fan favorite and a staple at parties across the country.
4. “Don Dada”
“Don Dada” is another hit from K.O’s catalog that highlights his dominance in the South African hip-hop scene. Released in 2017 as part of his SR2 album (the sequel to Skhanda Republic), “Don Dada” is a boastful track where K.O reaffirms his position as a leader in the genre. The hard-hitting beat, aggressive flow, and catchy chorus made this song a huge hit, and it remains one of K.O’s most iconic tracks to date.
5. “No Feelings”
In “No Feelings,” K.O delivers a smooth, laid-back track that is as introspective as it is catchy. Released in 2017, the song features K.O’s signature Skhanda sound but with a more mellow, contemplative vibe. “No Feelings” explores themes of emotional detachment and resilience in the face of adversity. The song’s stripped-down beat and K.O’s reflective lyrics resonated with fans, making it one of his most memorable tracks.
6. “Mission Statement”
“Mission Statement,” released in 2014, is one of K.O’s most impactful songs. It was his first solo single after leaving Teargas, and it set the tone for his solo career. In this track, K.O lays out his goals and ambitions, while also addressing critics and naysayers. The song’s gritty beat, confident delivery, and powerful lyrics made it an instant classic. “Mission Statement” is a testament to K.O’s determination and work ethic, and it remains a fan favorite.
7. “One Time”
Released in 2016, “One Time” is a celebratory track that showcases K.O’s ability to create feel-good music. The song has an upbeat, danceable rhythm with K.O delivering playful, braggadocious lyrics. “One Time” was a hit at parties and on the radio, further establishing K.O as a versatile artist who can switch between serious, introspective tracks and fun, lighthearted bangers with ease.
8. “Call Me” feat. Runtown
“Call Me” is a collaboration between K.O and Nigerian artist Runtown, released in 2017. The song blends African sounds with modern hip-hop, creating a track that appeals to a wide audience. Runtown’s smooth vocals paired with K.O’s distinctive rap style made this song an international hit. “Call Me” is one of K.O’s most successful cross-border collaborations, showcasing his ability to make music that transcends genres and cultures.
9. “Gangsta Love” feat. Nandi Madida
“Gangsta Love,” released in 2023, sees K.O reuniting with Nandi Madida for another beautiful love track. Similar to “Skhanda Love,” this song tells a story of a love that is unbreakable, despite the challenges it faces. The combination of K.O’s smooth rapping and Nandi’s angelic vocals made this track an instant hit. “Gangsta Love” showcases K.O’s softer side and his ability to craft songs that are both romantic and relatable.
10. “Sete” feat. Young Stunna & Blxckie
One of K.O’s most recent hits, “Sete,” released in 2022, took the country by storm. Featuring Amapiano star Young Stunna and fellow rapper Blxckie, the song blends K.O’s Skhanda style with the popular Amapiano sound, creating a track that is both fresh and nostalgic. “Sete” topped the charts for weeks and became one of the most-streamed songs in South Africa. Its infectious beat, smooth vocals, and relatable lyrics made it a fan favorite and cemented K.O’s ability to stay relevant in an ever-evolving music landscape.
Honorable Mentions:
• “Let me cook”: A fan favorite for its raw energy and confidence.
• “Feature on AKA’s Run Jozi”: A lyrically charged track that shows K.O’s depth as a lyricist.
• “Too much”: 2024 collaboration with Nasty C
K.O’s music journey is a testament to his versatility, consistency, and ability to stay ahead of the curve in the South African hip-hop industry. From his early days with Teargas to his groundbreaking solo career, K.O has delivered some of the most iconic songs in South African music history. Whether it’s party anthems like “Caracara” and “Supa Dupa” or introspective tracks like “No Feelings” and “Mission Statement,” K.O’s catalog is filled with timeless hits that will continue to inspire future generations.
