INTERVIEW

Khalil Harrison, whose real name is Mxolisi Nkosi, is a rising star in the music scene and is the artist behind some of your most favourite hits. Hailing from Nelspruit, he has gained attention with his chart-topping hits like “Komasava” featuring Diamond Platinumz and “Jealousy” with Tyler ICU. While he is recognized as an Amapiano artist, Khalil’s music encompasses a diverse range of influences, blending elements of hip hop and R&B into his unique sound. His musical journey began in 2012, and he has been making waves ever since.

In this exclusive interview, Press Icons delves into a candid conversation with Khalil Harrison, discussing his meteoric rise in the music industry, the influence of TikTok trends on his work, and his exciting collaborations with some of the biggest artists in the world.

What are three fun facts about you?

I tend to be quite reserved, but once I feel at ease, I can be quite talkative. I may come off as annoying to the people I’m close to, and I have a squeaky voice.

Tell us how you would describe your sound or music in just two words.

My music is unique and catchy. It combines elements of hip-hop and R&B in a way that no one else does. My flows and my writing style set me apart.

Your songs and features always go viral. What’s your secret recipe for creating such buzz?

Not Working With Any Pressure It Has To Be One Of My Recipes & Knowing Your Target Audience Is The Best Of All Too

“Jealousy” is such a culturally rooted song. What inspired the beat and lyrics behind this track.?

“We Knew From The Studio It Was Going To Be A Hit Song.”

Khalil Harrison on Jelousy

Ceeka RSA & Tyler ICU Started The Beat It Was Just A Random Studio Session So After Listening To That Beat Before It Was Finished We Decided To Call Leemckrazy Because We Belived This Beat Needs Me & Him Only As Vocalists. After We Played The Beat For Leemckrazy We Know He’s Also One Crazy Person Also When It Comes To Knowing What The Audience Would Want & Enjoy We Just Had Fun In The Studio Then Leemckrazy Came With The Name Jealousy We Agreed On The Content Behind The Name Then Just Like That We Came With A Hit And We Knew From The Studio It Was Going To Be A Hit Song.

How did your collaboration on one of 2024’s biggest hits, Komasava with Diamond Platinumz, come about?

Diamond Plutnumz Already Had The Beat Done On He’s Side & The Hook Only He Then Texted Me On Instagram Telling He Has Something That He Would Like To Put Me On It’s Gonna Be A Big Song And The Funny Part Diamond Knew When He Texted Me That I’m Texting The Right Person For This Feature The Same Day He Sent Me The Project I Recorded The Very Same Day And Sent Everything Back To Him Only To Find It’s Amazing Work Done On The Song.

What was it like collaborating with Oskido on a song?

That Was One Of The Best Moment In My Life Because Having To Be In Studio With The Legend Himself Someone I Have Been Looking Up To I Was Only Seeing Him On Tv And On Social Media Only It Was More Of A Dream Come True Like I Was Dreaming For A Second After Receiving A Call From The Legend I Knew From Then That I Am Doing An Amazing Work That Even The Legend Himself Noticed Me

We, as artists, especially in the Amapiano space, definitely need TikTok to promote our music because many people spend their time on TikTok.

Why do you use TikTok dance challenges to promote your songs? Can you share the benefits of TikTok for artists like yourself?

We As Artists Especially In The Amapiano Space We Definitely Need Tik Tok To Push Our Music Because A Lot Of People Spend Their Time On Tik Tok Like Everyday That’s Where Most Of Our Loyal And True Fans Are And Tik Tok Makes It Easy To Push Music Other Than All Socials

During our SAMA chat, you said that you don’t limit yourself to specific music genres but instead focus on creating music. How does this approach impact your ability to explore and adapt to various sounds?

In 2012, when I started my music career, I was involved in R&B, Hip Hop, and Afro Beats production and singing. Many people don’t know that I also produce music, especially my fans who only recognize me as an Amapiano vocalist. In the long run, this diverse experience will benefit me as it will allow me to work with a variety of artists, not just locally but also internationally. For example, I admire Chris Brown, and since my early days in R&B and Hip Hop, I used to remake some of his songs just to feel connected to his work. This versatility will also help me stay relevant in the music industry. – Khalil Harrison

Has the collaboration with American artist Jason Derulo and R&B sensation Chris Brown in your music influenced your success? And, could we possibly expect a Khalil x Breezy feature in the future?

I’ve noticed a big difference after collaborating with others. I’m getting more gigs and recognition from artists I look up to. I’ve even had the chance to travel to different countries. So, it’s safe to say we can expect collaborations with Khalil and Breezy in the future!

We’re excited to hear about your upcoming release! Can you share more details about your new song “Uzwile bathini”? Who’s featured on it, and what can we expect from the track?

Actually, Uzwile Bathini will serve as the lead single for my EP, which is titled Uzwile Bathini.. Tyler ICU, Mr. Nation Thingz, and DJ Exit are featured on the single. This song will be more than just a song; it will be a song that heals people. We have people who talk negatively about us, so this song is for everyone to know that people are saying those things because you are that person and you are so important that people talk about you.

What are your favourite things to do outside of the studio?

I’m more of an introvert. If I’m not in the studio, I’m playing FIFA, on my phone, or sometimes just going for games like bowling.

What tips do you have for aspiring musicians who see you as a source of inspiration?

This is not a race. We all have our turns. Be humble, respectful, and mind your own business outside of work. Also, be very focused and know your limits in everything. Don’t forget to show people the real you; do not fake your life trying to please others. You will get there, just keep working.

Khalil Harrison has recently been spotted in Dubai promoting his upcoming EP “Uzwile Bathini”. Catch him if you can!

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