'This is for the underdogs' — K.O pens open letter in single with Young Stunna

K.O has shared an open letter in the form of song.

The rapper released Pharadise featuring Young Stunna, the lead single from his upcoming project Phara City, set to be released on June 13.

“Pharadise is a reunion that feels like destiny. Young Stunna and I are back, reigniting the spark that birthed SETE — the 2022 juggernaut that owned South Africa’s soul. That track didn’t just break records, it broke barriers, racking up more than 14-million streams, holding the number one spot for 19 weeks, and snatching awards such as Best Video and Song of the Year at the SA Hip Hop Awards,” K.O said.

“It was more than a song — it was the sound of a generation refusing to be ignored. Now, with Lunatic on production, Afrotraction and Murumba Pitch co-crafting the vibe, Pharadise takes that legacy and runs further. It’s bold, it’s raw, it’s us.”

K.O, who first shot to stardom in the music industry with his former group Teargas, has been in the industry for 19 years, experiencing different areas of showbiz.

The album Phara City is a projection of South Africa in 2025 and the struggles and ambitions of creatives and how they “tap into their inner Phara to survive”.

“The word 'Phara' carries weight in our streets, often tied to outcasts forced to fend for themselves, sometimes by any means. I’m here to flip that script. A Phara isn’t just a survivor — they’re a fighter, a dreamer, a builder.

“We’re a nation of hustlers, dreamers, fighters — laughing through the pain, loving through the struggle, uniting through it all. This project is the soundtrack to that story, our story, scored with every ounce of my soul. Pain, love, joy, ambition — these are the pillars of Phara City. After months of doubt, grind and belief in the vision, I’m ready to share this time capsule with you.

“This isn’t just music — it’s a mirror to our lives, a map for the journey and a movement for the resilient,” said K.O, adding this album was him speaking to the people as one of them to create a movement of resilience. 

“A Phara is the mindset of making it happen against all odds. It’s the genius of turning pain into power, hustle into legacy. Add it to the urban dictionary: Phara — a relentless spirit that thrives in the face of adversity, crafting greatness from struggle.

“This is for the underdogs, the dreamers, the builders who know the odds but bet on themselves anyway. It’s for every citizen of Phara City, from the townships to the suburbs, from Jozi to Accra. This is our story — yours and mine.”