Legacy Meets Legacy: K.O Honors AKA in the Powerful New Single “King Size”

Last week,(29 October 2024), the Swave Store in Rosebank was transformed into a hub of music and nostalgia as K.O, one of South Africa’s iconic hip-hop artists, held an exclusive listening and viewing session for his latest single, “King Size“. Hosted by Sony Music Africa, the event gave industry insiders a chance to connect with K.O and experience his latest work up close. In attendance were media and hip-hop enthusiasts, all eager to witness this new chapter of K.O’s career, marked by his collaboration with the late legendary rapper, AKA.

This single is a posthumous tribute to AKA, uniting two monumental figures in South African hip-hop. “King Size” has a sound that resonates deeply, combining K.O’s signature style with AKA’s powerful legacy. As K.O put it, “This release is like the last dance. If you’ve followed our journey, you know the competitive spirit that existed between us. This is a record I’ve held on to, and now feels like the perfect time to release it as a farewell to a genius, a giant, a king, and someone who inspired me both as an artist and a fan.”

A Decade of “Skhanda Republic”: Celebrating K.O’s Legacy

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Just two days after the intimate listening session, K.O hosted a landmark 10-year anniversary celebration of his influential album Skhanda Republic, a defining work that set new standards in South African hip-hop. Held on 1 November 2024, the event featured electrifying performances by South Africa’s brightest talents, including Cassper Nyovest, Maglera Doe Boy, Mr. JazziQ and special appearances from Ma-E and MAGGZ. We were fortunate enough to attend, experiencing firsthand the energy and admiration K.O has cultivated over his career.

The Skhanda Republic event was more than a concert, it was a tribute to the evolution of South African hip-hop, bringing together veterans and new talents, united in celebrating a genre that K.O has been instrumental in shaping.

Inside the Interview: K.O Reflects on Growth, Authenticity, Collaborating with AKA and work with Ted Magerman

In a Q&A session during the “King Size” launch, K.O offered an intimate glimpse into his artistic journey. Asked about his growth over the years, he shared that being a “fan first and artist second” is what has fueled his evolution. His enthusiasm for observing new talent and drawing inspiration from peers has kept him dynamic, allowing him to update his craft consistently: “I consider myself almost like a gadget with software that always stays updated,” he shared.

When asked about blending hip-hop with traditional South African sounds, K.O spoke to the importance of authenticity: “You don’t want to find yourself sounding like a Chinese artist…you have to draw the line and say, ‘I’m a South African artist.” His approach has always been rooted in representing South African identity, bridging hip-hop with kasi (township) influences that speak to both local and international audiences.

Reflecting on working with AKA, K.O expressed gratitude for the memories they shared: “First of all, no one anticipated the tragedy that happened… it was a normal studio session, one of many.” This collaboration, though bittersweet, became a testament to the bond they shared and the legacy they’ve built. “King Size” is now a timeless tribute to both artists, representing the unity and resilience of South African hip-hop.