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King Monada
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Key Information
Khutso Steven Kgatle, better known by his stage name King Monada, is a South African singer, comedian songwriter, and record producer.[2][3] He rose to fame after the release of his 2016 single "Ska Bhora Moreki" and "Malwedhe" (2018), which peaked #9 iTunes Chart and #54 Apple Music Chart.[4] He is known for singing in the Khelobedu language,[5] which are local dialects of Northern Sotho.[6]
Life and career
[edit]Khutso Steven Kgatla was born on 25 November 1992 in Tzaneen in Limpopo. Monada has two brothers and two other siblings. He attended school at Sebone Primary School and Magoza High School where he dropped out in Grade 8 to pursue his career in music.[2] On 9 November 2018, Malwedhe was released and voted #2 on Ukhozi FM Song Of The Year.[7]
Personal life
[edit]Discography
[edit]- Molamo (2016)
- Noka Yao Goma (2020)
- wa mpona na (2022)
- Location (2023)
- Lemenemene (2023)
Achievements
[edit]| Year | Awards | Category | Results | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | LIMA | Best Khelobedu single | Won | [citation needed] |
| Song of the year | Won | [9] | ||
| Best duo/Group collaboration | Won | [9] | ||
| 2020 | Dstv MVCA | Favourite Music Artist/Group | Won | [10] |
References
[edit]- ^ "King Monada turns a big 40". briefly.co.za.
- ^ a b c Kinuthia, Peter (30 January 2020). "Here is all about King Monada: The king of Bolobedu music". briefly.co.za.
- ^ "King Monada Biography: Life, Career, and Legacy".
- ^ "Malwedhe - King Monada". top-charts.com. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
- ^ "King Monada gets people moving on the dance floor". SowetanLIVE. Retrieved 16 November 2019.
- ^ "King Monada Ex Yaka". Afrobeatza. Retrieved 30 September 2021.
- ^ "5 Essential Bolobedu House Tracks to Check Out If You Love 'Jerusalema' by Master KG". okayafricasite.
- ^ "Second queen joins Monada's castle". SowetanLIVE.
- ^ a b "Sho Madjozi, King Monada lead Limpopo Music Awards nominations". SowetanLIVE. 27 August 2019.
- ^ Staff Reporter (15 March 2020). "DStv Mzansi Viewers' Choice Awards 2020: Here are all the winners". GQ.
King Monada
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Early life and education
Childhood in Limpopo
Khutso Steven Kgatle, known professionally as King Monada, was born on November 25, 1992, in Tzaneen, Limpopo Province, South Africa.[7] He was the middle child in a family of five siblings, including older brothers Michael and Lucky.[7] His parents, Thandi Matlala and the late Elvis Kgatle, provided a stable household rooted in the local community.[7][8] Kgatle was raised in the rural village of Ga-Mokgoloboto in the Mopani District, where life revolved around the rhythms of agricultural and communal activities typical of the region.[7] His family's modest circumstances reflected the broader socioeconomic realities of rural Limpopo, emphasizing self-reliance and close-knit family ties.[9] This environment fostered an early appreciation for community interdependence, as daily life involved shared responsibilities among relatives and neighbors.[7] From a young age, Kgatle was immersed in the cultural heritage of the Bolobedu people, an ethnic group within the Northern Sotho linguistic family, speaking the Khelobedu dialect.[7] Local traditions, including communal gatherings and oral storytelling passed down through family, played a pivotal role in shaping his worldview and sense of identity.[9] These experiences in Ga-Mokgoloboto highlighted the enduring influence of Bolobedu customs on his formative years, grounding him in a rich tapestry of folklore and social rituals.[7]Early musical pursuits
King Monada, born Khutso Steven Kgatle in 1992 in the rural village of Ga-Mokgoloboto near Tzaneen in Limpopo, attended Sebone Primary School before enrolling at Magoza High School.[10][11] He dropped out in Grade 8 around 2006, citing financial hardships and a conflict with a teacher as key factors that shifted his focus toward music as a means of support.[10] Monada began his musical journey in 2005 at the age of 13, initially as a dancer with a local group called Makhalabje in Limpopo.[8][11] Self-taught on basic instruments through trial and error, he performed at village events and talent shows, honing his skills amid limited resources.[12] Before his professional debut, Monada engaged in informal collaborations with emerging Limpopo artists, including sessions with his uncle in 2006 and mentorship from producer Tsotsiman starting in 2008, who introduced him to more structured production techniques.[13] He experimented with blending house beats and electronic elements with traditional Northern Sotho and Sepedi sounds, creating early tracks on rudimentary equipment like basic keyboards and home setups.[13] These efforts culminated in his first recording, the single "Dolly My Love," released in 2010, which showcased his nascent style without formal studio backing.[8]Professional career
Debut years and breakthrough
King Monada's entry into the professional music scene began in the early 2010s, building on his self-taught skills acquired from 2005, with his first recorded single "Dolly My Love" released in 2010 under local production. By 2013, he formed early recording efforts through collaborations with Limpopo-based producer Dj Letsatsi, focusing on Bolobedu house tracks such as "Khontowa" and "Vula Vula," which circulated within regional circles via informal distributions and community events. These initial projects, often self-produced in basic studios, emphasized rhythmic percussion and Khelobedu vocals characteristic of the emerging Bolobedu sound.[8][14] The pivotal breakthrough arrived in 2016 with the independent release of his debut album Molamo, a collection of 15 Bolobedu house tracks that highlighted Monada's auto-tuned melodies and dance-oriented beats, produced primarily in Tzaneen studios with minimal resources. The standout single "Ska Bhora Moreki" from the album quickly gained airplay on Limpopo stations like Capricorn FM, propelling it from local tavern playlists to provincial rotation and marking Monada's transition to broader regional recognition. Recorded in a straightforward session involving Monada on vocals and keys alongside local collaborators for beats, the track's infectious chorus about everyday struggles resonated immediately; Monada debuted live performances at small community halls and festivals in Tzaneen and Polokwane, where audiences began mimicking its energetic dance moves.[15][1][16] In the mid-2010s, Monada continued developing his presence by releasing singles like "Wa Nnyaka" in 2017, while cultivating a modest fanbase through Facebook shares and Instagram clips of impromptu gigs at rural events and urban clubs in Limpopo. In 2018, he founded his self-managed label, King Monada Music, after departing from Open Mic Productions, enabling independent handling of royalties and promotions for subsequent releases. These efforts laid the groundwork for sustained local engagement before wider acclaim.[17][18][19]Mainstream success and recent work
King Monada's ascent to national stardom began with the release of his single "Malwedhe" on November 9, 2018. The track rapidly went viral, accumulating millions of views on YouTube and captivating audiences with its infectious Lekompo rhythm. It secured second place on Ukhozi FM's 2018 Song of the Year countdown, sparking widespread debate and highlighting its cultural impact within South African music circles. The song's streaming performance was notable, peaking at number nine on the iTunes chart and number 54 on Apple Music, which propelled Monada from regional fame to broader recognition. Building on this momentum, Monada released a series of successful follow-ups, including the 2019 single "Chiwana," which reinforced his signature sound while experimenting with Afro-pop influences to appeal to wider audiences. In 2020, he dropped the albums Noka Yao Goma and Ex Ya Drama, both of which expanded his discography and showcased evolving production styles amid the challenges of the global pandemic. These projects, distributed through his independent label, maintained his chart presence and fan engagement during a period of industry disruption. From 2021 to 2025, Monada sustained his career trajectory with consistent output and strategic expansions. The 2024 album I Know What I'm Doing marked a mature phase in his artistry, blending introspective themes with upbeat tracks. Singles such as "Baby Mama" in 2021 and "Depression" in 2025 further demonstrated his versatility, addressing personal and emotional narratives while achieving strong digital streams. He embarked on live tours, including preparatory events leading to his one-man show at Nkowankowa Stadium on December 30, 2025, which underscored his enduring draw as a live performer. Media appearances surged following his July 2025 licensing deal with Sony Music Africa, enabling global distribution and label infrastructure growth as the industry rebounded post-pandemic. On November 14, 2025, he released the album I Khant Do Dhis Enimo, exploring themes of heartbreak and depression.[20][4]Musical style and artistry
Genre development
King Monada played a pivotal role in the creation and popularization of Bolobedu house, a subgenre of house music infused with the Khelobedu dialect—a variant of Northern Sotho—characterized by the fusion of traditional rhythms from Limpopo's rural communities with contemporary electronic beats, synth pads, and off-kilter drum patterns. This style emerged as a distinctive sound rooted in his origins in Ga-Mokgoloboto village, where he drew from local cultural elements to craft infectious melodies that resonated with working-class experiences. By incorporating live guitars and upbeat sequencing, Monada's approach distinguished Bolobedu house from broader South African house variants, establishing it as a vibrant expression of regional identity within the national music landscape.[1][21] His musical evolution began with raw, village-inspired tracks around 2013, such as early collaborations featuring unpolished electronic productions that captured the energetic pulse of Limpopo's traditional dances and storytelling. These initial works laid the foundation for Bolobedu house by emphasizing authentic, dialect-heavy vocals over minimalistic beats, reflecting themes of love, hardship, and communal celebration drawn from everyday rural life. By 2016, with the release of his debut album Molamo, Monada refined this sound into more structured compositions, introducing his signature auto-tune vocals to add a melodic, emotive layer that enhanced the genre's accessibility. This period marked a shift toward polished productions, culminating in 2018 with viral hits that amplified the genre's reach through smoother electronic integrations and broader thematic depth.[1][14] Over time, Monada's innovations extended Bolobedu house into Afro-house hybrids, blending its core elements with influences from amapiano and mzansi soul to create energetic, dance-oriented tracks suitable for urban club settings. This evolution bridged rural traditions with modern electronic dance music, influencing the South African scene by inspiring a wave of artists to incorporate dialect-specific lyrics and cultural motifs into mainstream productions. His use of auto-tune not only became a hallmark of the genre but also facilitated its transition from local village festivities to national and international airplay, fostering a hybrid style that celebrates Limpopo's heritage while appealing to diverse audiences. Recent releases, including the 2024 album I Know What I'm Doing and the 2025 album I Khant Do Dhis Enimo, demonstrate further artistic growth with more introspective themes alongside his signature playful rhythms.[1][21][22]Key influences and collaborations
King Monada's musical style draws heavily from traditional Bolobedu rhythms and local Limpopo sounds, incorporating elements of Sepedi and Northern Sotho folk traditions into his house music framework. Early influences include classic South African artists such as Candy Tsamandebele, whose work he followed closely until her signing with Kalawa Jazmee, as well as Oskido and other label affiliates who shaped his appreciation for kwaito and house fusion.[23] Additionally, the duo Diphala tsa Bolobedu, consisting of DJ Lenzo and DJ Rackzen, profoundly impacted his development of Bolobedu house, providing a blueprint for blending indigenous percussion and vocals with electronic production.[23] Throughout his career, Monada has engaged in key collaborations that highlight his production role and expand his sonic palette. He frequently partners with regional producers like DJ Janisto on tracks such as "Nonyana" (featuring Mack Eaze, 2023) and "Pick n Pay" (with DJ Janisto and Dr Rackzen, 2021), where Janisto's beats complement Monada's melodic hooks to amplify Bolobedu house's dancefloor appeal.[24][25] Another notable joint effort is "Aye Kuwa" with CK the DJ (2022), a high-energy single that merges Monada's auto-tuned vocals with CK's amapiano-infused production, achieving over 27 million streams and showcasing their shared Limpopo roots.[26] Under his label, King Monada Music—founded after leaving Open Mic Productions—Monada has produced and released works with emerging regional talents, nurturing Bolobedu artists through collaborations such as recent tracks with Shandesh.[18][27] These partnerships have facilitated genre crossover, introducing Bolobedu elements to broader South African audiences through ventures like "Fufa" with rapper Gigi Lamayne (2019), which fused house with hip-hop flows, and "No Ties" alongside R&B artist Tshego (2019), blending Monada's traditional rhythms with urban pop sensibilities.[28][29] Such collaborations not only diversified Monada's reach but also elevated Bolobedu house's visibility on national platforms, inspiring a new wave of genre-blending hits like the Malwedhe-inspired remixes in compilations.[23]Personal life
Family and relationships
King Monada has been married to Lerato Ramawela since before his breakthrough in the music industry in 2016, with the couple celebrating over nine years together by 2020; she has been a steadfast partner, managing household responsibilities during his frequent tours and providing emotional support amid his ascent from modest origins in Limpopo.[30] In 2019, he took a second wife, Cynthia Nthebatse Leon, who works at the Greater Letaba Municipality and has similarly contributed to his family life by raising their children while he pursues his career; both wives coexist harmoniously, residing in a six-bedroom mansion he built in Limpopo as a symbol of his success and commitment to them.[31][32] Monada is a father to multiple children, including daughter Temoso and son Kgothatso Junior with Ramawela, and a daughter born to Leon in January 2020; he maintains an active role in their upbringing in Limpopo, often sharing glimpses of family moments to underscore his identity as a devoted family man who prioritizes parenting despite the demands of fame.[30][31] His rural roots in the region continue to shape these family values, fostering a close-knit dynamic centered on stability and tradition. In October 2025, Claudia Mathebula, a former partner and mother to Monada's seven-year-old daughter, passed away following a short illness, prompting widespread mourning within the family and an outpouring of public tributes that celebrated her humility and kindness.[33] Monada, known for his involvement in all his children's lives, joined relatives in honoring her memory, reaffirming that family endures as the foundation of his personal resilience amid such loss.[33]Public controversies
King Monada has faced several public controversies, primarily revolving around contractual disputes with event promoters and interpersonal conflicts within the music industry. In 2024, he encountered multiple lawsuits for failing to appear at scheduled performances, damaging his reputation as a reliable artist. For instance, in February 2024, Monada was accused of no-showing a gig organized by a promoter in Limpopo, leading to demands for repayment and heightened media scrutiny.[34] Similarly, promoter Eric Thoka sued him in March 2024 for not performing at a New Year's Day festival in Lebowakgomo after receiving R49,000, with the case heard at Ritavi Magistrate’s Court.[35] Another prominent case involved the Limpopo Arts Movement, where Monada allegedly breached a contract by missing the 2022 Limpopo Legends Awards despite a R35,000 fee; the matter proceeded to court in September 2024 after failed rescheduling attempts.[36] These incidents culminated in an out-of-court settlement in October 2024 with the Limpopo Arts Movement, avoiding a full trial but underscoring ongoing tensions with promoters.[37] In August 2025, Monada lost the court battle with promoter Eric Thoka and was ordered by the Nkowankowa Magistrate’s Court to refund R49,000 plus legal costs for the earlier no-show.[38] In addition to legal battles, Monada has been involved in physical altercations that drew public backlash. During a live performance in October 2024, a video surfaced showing him punching a fan who approached the stage, sparking widespread condemnation on social media and calls for accountability.[39] The incident highlighted concerns over artist-fan interactions at events, though no formal charges were reported.[40] Monada's relationships with fellow artists have also led to notable feuds, often amplified through social media and music releases. A prominent dispute erupted in early 2024 with fellow Limpopo musician Shebeshxt, involving mutual threats and diss tracks that escalated public tensions.[41] The conflict, which gained traction amid Shebeshxt's personal tragedy—the death of his daughter in June 2024—was resolved in July 2024 when Monada booked Shebeshxt for a collaborative show in August, signaling reconciliation.[41] Separately, in September 2024, Monada engaged in an online spat with Limpopo podcaster Omie Otis, accusing him of stirring rivalries among local artists via his platform.[42] Family-related issues have further contributed to Monada's controversies. In December 2022, his second wife, Cynthia Leon, was suspended from her position at the Greater Letaba Municipality over allegations of misconduct, with potential criminal charges pending an investigation.[43] This event intersected with public discussions of Monada's polygamous lifestyle, as he maintains multiple wives, though specific debates on the matter have been limited in media coverage.[44] Monada has addressed some controversies indirectly through performances and social media statements, emphasizing professional commitments amid the scrutiny.[45] In November 2025, Monada sparked public confusion and debate by claiming on social media to be celebrating his 44th birthday, despite records indicating he was born on November 25, 1992, making him 32 years old at the time.[46] Additionally, his surprise album release on November 14, 2025, titled I Khant Do Dhis Enimo, featured tracks where he opened up about personal experiences with heartbreak and depression, offering further insight into his emotional struggles.[4]Discography
Studio albums
King Monada's studio albums showcase his signature Bolobedu house sound, characterized by Auto-Tuned vocals, comedic elements, and a fusion of traditional Khelobedu lyrics with electronic beats. His discography reflects a focus on themes of love, relationships, daily struggles, and cultural pride, often drawing from Limpopo life experiences. As of 2025, public records indicate a selective catalog of full-length releases, with recent works addressing gaps in innovation through collaborations and matured production styles. The following table lists his verified studio albums, including release dates, labels, and track counts:| Title | Release Date | Label | Track Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Molamo | November 4, 2016 | Open Mic Productions | 15 |
| Ex Ya Drama | March 23, 2020 | Chymamusiq Records | 10 |
| Noka Yao Goma | June 9, 2020 | King Monada Music | 10 |
| I Know What I'm Doing | November 1, 2024 | Sony Music Entertainment Africa | 10 |
| I Khant Do Dhis Enimo | November 14, 2025 | Sony Music Entertainment Africa | 10 |
Notable singles
King Monada's notable singles have played a pivotal role in establishing his signature Khelobedu house sound, blending infectious rhythms with lyrics in Sepulana and Northern Sotho that resonate deeply in South African townships and beyond. His breakthrough track "Ska Bhora Moreki," released in 2016, launched his career as a party anthem featuring upbeat house beats and celebratory themes in his native language. The single's infectious Khelobedu house rhythms helped popularize the genre regionally in Limpopo, marking Monada's transition from local performer to national artist.[55][56] In 2018, "Malwedhe" emerged as a viral sensation, released as a standalone single on November 9, with its catchy melody and relatable storytelling driving widespread adoption in South African dance scenes. The track amassed millions of streams on Spotify, reflecting its enduring popularity and contribution to the Bacardi house subgenre's mainstream appeal. Its success underscored Monada's ability to create accessible hits that blend traditional elements with modern production, influencing subsequent artists in the Limpopo music scene.[57] "Chiwana," released on May 26, 2019, featured Monada's auto-tuned vocals over pulsating beats, peaking at notable positions on local radio charts and garnering millions of Spotify streams. The single's energetic vibe solidified his presence in the house music landscape, often performed live to enthusiastic crowds and highlighting collaborations within the South African electronic scene.[58] The 2020 release "Ase Moruti," featuring Mack Eaze, delivered a collaborative edge with its soulful hooks and dancefloor energy, achieving millions of views on YouTube's official channel. This track exemplified Monada's evolution toward feature-heavy productions, boosting its radio play and reinforcing the genre's party-centric identity during a period of growing digital consumption in South Africa.[59] "Aye Kuwa," featuring CK the DJ and released on April 29, 2022, combined amapiano influences with Monada's house roots, reaching millions of YouTube views and Spotify streams. The single's crossover appeal extended its cultural reach, with its rhythmic collaboration promoting the fusion of emerging styles in South African music.[59][58] Monada's 2025 single "Depression," released on August 1, shifted toward introspective themes amid personal challenges, amassing over 1 million Spotify streams by mid-November 2025. This release signals a thematic evolution in his recent work, incorporating emotional depth while maintaining danceable elements that connect with audiences navigating mental health discussions in contemporary South African pop culture.[57][60][61][62]Awards and honors
Major award wins
King Monada's breakthrough in the South African music scene was marked by his dominant performance at the 2018 Limpopo Music Awards (LIMA), where he secured three major victories for his hit single "Malwedhe." These included Best Khelobedu Single, Song of the Year, and Best Duo/Group Collaboration, highlighting the track's cultural impact and his rising influence in promoting Khelobedu music on a provincial stage.[63][64] Building on this momentum, Monada continued his success at the 2019 LIMA, winning Best Male Artist and Song of the Year, again for "Malwedhe," which underscored his versatility and sustained popularity in the genre.[65] These accolades affirmed his role in elevating Limpopo's music scene, with the awards recognizing his contributions to local artistry during the ceremony held in Polokwane. In 2019, Monada also won Best Song from Southern Africa for "Malwedhe" at the HiPipo Music Awards, expanding his recognition across Africa.[66] Additionally, at the 2019 Sepedi Music Awards (SEMA), he secured four awards: Best Khelobedu Music Award, Album of the Year, Artist of the Year, and Song of the Year.[67] In 2020, Monada expanded his reach nationally by winning Favourite Music Artist/Group at the DStv Mzansi Viewers' Choice Awards, a fan-voted honor that reflected his widespread appeal and the grassroots support for his Bolobedu-infused sound amid a competitive field including artists like Prince Kaybee.[68][69]| Year | Award Ceremony | Category | Work | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Limpopo Music Awards | Best Khelobedu Single | "Malwedhe" | Recognized innovation in Khelobedu music, boosting regional visibility. |
| 2018 | Limpopo Music Awards | Song of the Year | "Malwedhe" | Highlighted the song's viral success and dance craze across South Africa. |
| 2018 | Limpopo Music Awards | Best Duo/Group Collaboration | "Malwedhe" | Celebrated collaborative efforts in Limpopo's music ecosystem. |
| 2019 | Limpopo Music Awards | Best Male Artist | N/A | Affirmed his leadership among male artists in the province. |
| 2019 | Limpopo Music Awards | Song of the Year | "Malwedhe" | Extended the track's legacy as a defining hit of the era. |
| 2019 | HiPipo Music Awards | Best Song from Southern Africa | "Malwedhe" | Marked international recognition for his hit in East African awards. |
| 2019 | Sepedi Music Awards | Best Khelobedu Music Award | N/A | Honored his contributions to Khelobedu genre. |
| 2019 | Sepedi Music Awards | Album of the Year | N/A | Recognized overall album excellence. |
| 2019 | Sepedi Music Awards | Artist of the Year | N/A | Acknowledged his prominence as an artist. |
| 2019 | Sepedi Music Awards | Song of the Year | N/A | Celebrated his top song performance. |
| 2020 | DStv Mzansi Viewers' Choice Awards | Favourite Music Artist/Group | N/A | Demonstrated national fanbase strength in a viewer-driven vote. |