By: Natasha Archary
K.O, Just Bheki, Roiii, and Ma-E, also known as Skhanda World join DJ Keyez on The Ultimate Kaya 959 Top 30. Incidentally, K.O was the first guest on the Top 30 and he’s back with some big drip.
Launching the SkhandaWorld clothing line in 2018, K.O shares with Keyez that the label is now sold nationwide by Studio 88.
Ntokozo Mdluli, better known as K.O also has the Skhanda World record label which has been hitting the mark with back to back hits this year. The ambitious hitmaker together with Skhanda World have a new track and upcoming album on the cards.
“Homeground” is their latest offering taken off their album “Welcome To The Planet” which dropped on Friday, 12 November.
Featuring K.O, Just Bheki, Roiii, Ma-E, DJ Mr X, and Loki the album is pitted to be one of the biggest SA drops for the year.
Welcome to the planet
Roiii who’s only 19-years old is from Pretoria West. Nicknamed “boy-toy” the artist was introduced to music by his grandfather.
DJ Mr X and Loki weren’t available to join DJ Keyez in-studio but they were a big part of the collective project. The modest K.O says he doesn’t have a blueprint for managing the group nor his record label.
He’s still learning and that’s what his growth in the industry has taught him.
“There’s always more to learn. For me, Skhanda World is a brotherhood, yes we’re business partners but there’s a deep respect amongst every member,” K.O shared with DJ Keyez.
Just Bheki was included into the group while K.O and Ma-E were working on a track. It was Just Bheki’s energy that pushed K.O to get him on board.
“Patience is what is needed when you’re getting into music. What I want to say to the younger artists is to not be impatient. I get that we’re all hoarding tracks on hard-drives that never see the light of day. It’s a process and it’s not a quick one.” – K.O
Listen to Skhanda World’s full interview with DJ Keyez:
Also read: Felo Le Tee blows up The Ultimate Kaya 959 Top 30
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Process is key
Many people don’t realise the intricacies of running a record label. There are delays and operational hurdles that could hamper the output.
“Skhanda World for example is run as an independent entity. There were a few hurdles with releasing the album because the paperwork took 5 months.” K.O explains.
The artist is signed to Sony Music and the distribution deal became complicated with their Universal Music partnership.
Ma-E’s biggest lesson in the industry has been that you can’t mix business with friendship.
“Friendships complicated the business side of music. People are so worried about hurting their friend’s feelings that it affects the business. It doesn’t end well because at the end of the day there’s work to be done.” Ma-E shares with DJ Keyez
The recognition always catches the young artists by surprise but this newfound “fame” doesn’t get to them.
All 6 of the guys remain steadfast and grounded and know there’s more to learn and are always working behind the scenes.
