South African Amapiano sensation Khalil Harrison joined Nandi Madida via FaceTime on Apple Music 1 to talk about his latest single, Twalatsa (feat. DJ Exit & Tyler ICU)—a collaboration with Scotts Maphuma. During the interview, he also reflected on his album, Uzwile Bathini, the experiences that shaped him, and the song that changed his life.
Khalil Harrison on What Kept Him Motivated
Harrison shared that he had always focused on staying true to himself rather than feeling pressured by competition. He explained that his journey into music began because of a close friend who unknowingly unlocked his potential.
“I just chose to do what I did, and I didn’t look at someone else and pressurise myself, or [try] to compete with them. I chose to be me and do what my mind told me to do,” he said.
He revealed that his motivation to succeed was deeply personal, as his friend later struggled with substance abuse. “As I stayed with him, and even when I left and heard he wasn’t doing well and was into drugs, it hurt me a lot. So I wanted to carry this no matter what. I just wanted to do this thing and make it happen because I knew that this bro would’ve wanted me to do it properly,” he added.
How Losing His Mother at a Young Age Shaped Him
Harrison reflected on how losing his mother at a young age had a profound impact on his outlook and determination.
“I’m grateful for everything that happened to me, because I feel like I wouldn’t have been where I was without it. I wouldn’t have learned to focus and be serious. Respect, also. That taught me you can grow up in a very hard space, but as you grow up, you must remember that parents are there to bring you to this earth—but tomorrow, it’s about you. You’re the one who has to take over,” he shared.
The Song That Changed His Life
Harrison credited his hit song Jealousy as the turning point in his career.
“It was Jealousy, because even in a new year, it felt like that song was actually starting again. We made it in 2022, dropped it in 2023 and still, in 2025, this song was running the world. It was the song that made me realise that actually, we were doing something,” he said.
The Making of Uzwile Bathini
Harrison revealed that it took him over a year to complete his latest album, Uzwile Bathini. The process involved multiple revisions, with some songs being removed to perfect the final product.
“A lot of songs were removed. I loved what everybody did—they all gave me the energy I needed to make a project. They were there for me. They were like, ‘Okay, it’s his time to create something; let’s gather together and help him.’ Shout out to the whole Baby Blue team,” he said.
Initially, Harrison had planned to release the album in December but was advised to wait until the following year to avoid being overshadowed by other major releases.
“I wanted to drop it in December, but they were like, ‘No Khalil, drop it next year. Right now, it’s December; everybody is looking for a hit to dance to, and the competition is high. Every big artist, they’re all dropping. You don’t want your project to get swallowed,’” he explained.
With Uzwile Bathini now out, Khalil Harrison continues to solidify his place in the Amapiano scene, staying true to his journey and the music that inspires him.
