In the world of music, departures are nothing new. Artists come and go, seeking new opportunities and exploring different paths. However, when it comes to the recent departures of Roiii and Loki from Skhanda World, it left many fans and industry insiders surprised.
These young talents had risen to fame under K.O’s wing and his Skhanda World label, making their departure unexpected.
In an interview with FreshmenMag, K.O took the opportunity to shed some light on the reasons behind Skhanda World’s decision to part ways with not only Roiii and Loki, but also with other artists in the past.
He emphasized that the decision was not made lightly and was influenced by the joint venture between Skhanda World and Universal (UMG).
“It wasn’t a simple case of waking up one day and deciding who to keep and who to let go,” K.O explained. “When you have another conglomerate like Universal invested in the business, decisions are no longer solely ours as Skhanda. We have to consider their perspective as well.”
It became clear that Skhanda World’s partnership with Universal brought additional factors into play. The label had to answer to the returns on investment and other business considerations.
Universal had invested a significant amount into Skhanda World, ensuring its growth and success. Unfortunately, the expected returns didn’t materialize as planned, leading to the need for difficult decisions.
“We have so much love and respect for everyone who was part of the movement,” K.O expressed. “But at the end of the day, we have to make harsh decisions when things don’t go as planned. It’s a tough reality of the industry.”
The Skhanda World movement was once filled with promise and potential. With artists like Ma-E, DJ Mr X, Just Bheki, Loki, Roiii, and K.O himself, the collective held high expectations within the South African Hip Hop community.
However, despite the talent and initial excitement, the movement didn’t reach its full potential. It’s not uncommon for artists and labels to face challenges and setbacks.
The music industry is a complex and ever-changing landscape, and success is never guaranteed. Skhanda World’s experience serves as a reminder that even with the best intentions and talented artists, things don’t always go according to plan.
As fans, it’s important to support artists through their journey, regardless of the paths they choose. Departures can be seen as opportunities for growth and new beginnings. Artists like Roiii and Loki will undoubtedly continue to pursue their passion and make their mark in the industry, just in a different capacity.
While the departures from Skhanda World may have come as a surprise, it’s a reminder that the music business is a complex web of partnerships, investments, and decisions. K.O’s explanation sheds light on the realities behind the scenes, where factors beyond talent and passion come into play.
