K.O discusses the message behind 'Phara City'

SOUTH African hip hop icon K.O recently joined host Nandi Madida on Africa Now Radio to discuss his new 14 track album, Phara City.

- ALYSSIA BIRJALAL

K.O shared his motivations behind the timing of this album release, which he believes carries a profound significance in the current socio-political climate of South Africa.

“I think the age where I’m at right now, I don't only just want to be remembered as a dope rapper ... I now want to be even more intentional, especially in the climate that we are subjected to as a country right now,” said the multi-award-winning rapper.

“I don't want to shy away from the fact that there are socio-economic issues that we are growing up under and whether we want to mask them and hide those things from the rest of the world or not, they are a reality.”

Diving into the essence of Phara, K.O explained: “Phara is basically a thug, I'm going to use the word loosely, why?, because Tupac came and he owned this thing called ‘Thug Life.’ That entire mentality he talked about is not only just the unflattering things, it describes a background that is both positive and negative.

“Pharas are largely outcasts within society, people that are actually ostracised. But if you think about it, a Phara is not only that person in today’s South Africa,” said the Sete hitmaker.