Khuli Chana, whose real name is Khulane Morule, was born on August 27, 1982. He is a renowned South African rapper and songwriter credited with popularizing the Motswako hip-hop style. Originating from Mmabatho in the North West Province, Khuli Chana is known for his unique fusion of Setswana and English lyrics and his significant influence on South Africa’s hip-hop scene.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Khulane Morule |
| Date of Birth | August 27, 1982 |
| Place of Birth | Mmabatho, North West, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Partner | Lamiez Holworthy (married 2019) |
| Children | Yes |
| Occupations | Rapper, Songwriter |
| Labels | Mythron Records, Raw X Studios, BLURG_SA |
| Net Worth | Approximately $2 million |
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in Mmabatho, North West, South Africa, Khuli Chana developed a passion for music early in life. He began rapping during his youth, embracing the Motswako genre—a blend of Setswana and English rooted in his hometown of Mahikeng.
While specific details about his formal education remain private, his early dedication to music laid the groundwork for his successful career.
Career
Khuli Chana started his music career as part of the rap group Morafe, which played a key role in bringing Motswako to mainstream audiences with their 2005 album Maru a Pula (The Anticipation).
After Morafe went on hiatus, Khuli Chana pursued a solo career, releasing his debut solo album Motswakoriginator around 2009/2010. The album was a commercial hit, achieving multiplatinum status and establishing him as a leading voice in South African hip-hop.
He continued to build his legacy with albums like Lost in Time (2012), One Source (2016), and Planet of The Have Nots (2018), showcasing his lyrical depth and versatility.
Khuli Chana has collaborated with prominent African artists and performed alongside international stars such as Drake. Beyond music, he is an entrepreneur, running his own label Mythrone Records, and has served as a brand ambassador for companies like Absolut Vodka.
In 2013, Khuli Chana survived a police shooting incident caused by mistaken identity. After recovering and clearing his name, he reached an out-of-court settlement worth R1.8 million.
Personal Life
Khuli Chana is married and he’s a father, he often share glimpses of his family life on social media.
His experiences, including surviving the 2013 police shooting, have deeply influenced his outlook and music. Khuli Chana is also involved in community upliftment projects and uses his platform to inspire young artists and advocate for social change.
Khuli Chana Net Worth
As of 2023, Khuli Chana’s estimated net worth is approximately $2 million (around R45 million), making him one of the wealthiest rappers in South Africa.
Discography
| Album/Project | Year |
|---|---|
| Maru a Pula (with Morafe) | 2004 |
| Motswakoriginator | 2009/2010 |
| Lost in Time | 2012 |
| One Source | 2016 |
| Planet of The Have Nots | 2018 |
| Lord Faku – The Life Of A Dyan | 2025 |
Notable singles include “Tswa Daar,” “Hape Le Hape,” “Never Grow Up,” and “Buyile.”
Awards and Nominations
- Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity (2017): Khuli Chana’s music video for “One Source” earned four awards, including one gold, two silver, and one bronze, standing out among over 43,000 global submissions.
- South African Hip Hop Awards (2014): Nominated for Most Valuable Artist and Video of the Year.
- Metro FM Awards (2017): Nominated for Music Video of the Year for “One Source.”
Khuli Chana remains a highly respected figure in African hip-hop, celebrated for his artistic innovation and contribution to the growth of the Motswako genre.
