The King of the 018: How King Chana is Putting Potchefstroom on the Map

In the sprawling landscape of South African hip-hop, certain cities have long held the crown. However, a new wave is rising from the North West, and leading the charge from Potchefstroom is the street-certified sensation known as King Chana.

While casual listeners might initially confuse his name with the legendary Motswako pioneer Khuli Chana, the "King of the Block" has spent the last few years ensuring his own distinct voice, and his city, cannot be ignored.

From the Block to the Booth

King Chana (often tagged with the 018 area code) has become the face of Kasi Drill in Potch. Unlike the laid-back Motswako flows traditionally associated with the North West, King Chana’s sound is aggressive, high-energy, and rooted in the dark, heavy basslines of drill music. He blends Setswana and local township slang with a grit that reflects the hustle of "the block."

His rise hasn't been overnight. Through a series of relentless freestyles and local performances, most notably his high-energy set at Trimpark, he built a loyal underground following that finally culminated in a massive 2025.

'King of the Blocko: Son of David'

In December 2025, King Chana solidified his status with the release of his latest album, King of the Blocko: Son of David. The project is a masterclass in modern South African drill, featuring 8 tracks that range from boastful street anthems to more reflective moments.

Key tracks from the project include:

• "John Cena": A hard-hitting fan favorite featuring Oray The Don.

  
  

• "Ba Tshepile Mang": A track that showcases his lyrical dexterity and has garnered significant views on YouTube.

  
  

• "Fak' Imali": A collaboration with fellow local artist Venacular that has become a staple in Potch car speakers.

Putting 018 First

What makes King Chana stand out is his commitment to his roots. He frequently collaborates with other local talents like Omars, Venacular, and Horid The Messiah, effectively building a "Potchugal" (as he and Omars call it) scene that rivals the big cities. Whether he's doing a "64 Bars" freestyle or appearing on the Village Boy series, his identity as a kid from the township is always front and center.

"I'm not just rapping for me; I'm rapping for every kid in Potch who was told the industry only happens in Joburg." King Chana (via social media)

What’s Next?

As we move through 2026, King Chana is no longer just a "local" rapper. With a growing digital footprint and a sound that is perfectly in tune with the global drill movement, he is well on his way to becoming a national powerhouse. For the people of Potchefstroom, he isn't just a musician; he’s the king who stayed to build his own throne.