From a small village in Limpopo to the biggest stages across Africa, Khutso Steven Kgatle — known to the world as King Monada — has built one of the most remarkable stories in South African music. His journey from dropping out of high school to becoming the man behind one of the continent’s most viral songs is nothing short of extraordinary. King Monada net worth, estimated at over R20 million, is a direct reflection of talent, hustle, and a sound that connects deeply with millions of people. This article covers everything about his age, early life, music career, wives, children, cars, house, and awards.
Mokgolobotho Village, Tzaneen, Limpopo, South Africa
Nationality
South African
Occupation
Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer
Genre
Bolobedu House, Amapiano, Afro Pop
Language
Khelobedu
Record Label
King Monada Music (own label)
Wives
Lerato Ramawela & Cynthia Nthebatse Leon
Children
5
Net Worth (Est.)
R20 Million+ / $1 Million+
Instagram
@KingMonada
Age and Early Life
King Monada was born on 25 November 1992 in Mokgolobotho Village, located outside Tzaneen in the Limpopo province of South Africa, making him 32 years old as of 2025. He grew up in a modest household alongside his two brothers, Michael and Lucky Kgatla. His father, Elvis Kgatla, passed away after battling illness for a long time, while his mother, Thandi Matlala, raised the family with resilience.
He attended Sebone Primary School before moving on to Magoza High School. However, his passion for music became stronger than his commitment to formal education, and he dropped out in Grade 8 to pursue a full-time career in music — a decision that would eventually prove to be one of the most rewarding choices of his life.
His musical journey began as early as 2006, when he started making music with his uncle in the village. Two years later, in 2008, he met a mentor known as Tsotsiman, who deepened his understanding of music production and performance. He collaborated with local artists including DJ Letsatsi, Master Chuza, and Skynet in the early years, slowly building his craft from the ground up.
Music Career — The Rise of a King
Early Beginnings and First Label (2015–2016)
King Monada’s professional career gained its first real structure in 2015, when producer Molao signed him to the Open Mic Record Label. This partnership gave him the platform he needed. In 2016, together with Open Mic, he released “Ska Bhora Moreki” — a song that became an instant national hit in South Africa and announced his arrival on the mainstream stage. The track was so well-received that it was seriously contended for Song of the Year honors.
Going Independent and the Malwedhe Revolution (2018)
After parting ways with Open Mic, King Monada took one of the boldest steps in his career — he launched his own record label, King Monada Music, giving him full creative and business control over his art. It was under this label that he released the song that would define a generation: “Malwedhe” (also known as “Idibala”) in 2018.
The song was unlike anything South African music had produced before. It went viral globally, fueled in large part by the “Idibala Challenge” — a fainting dance trend that swept social media platforms. Malwedhe became a continental success, generating massive digital downloads, streams, and show bookings that transformed King Monada from a local favorite into an international name.
Notable Songs
Ska Bhora Moreki (2016)
Malwedhe / Idibala (2018)
Good Life
Perfume
Tihala
Rehlalani
Multiple collaborative singles and features
Collaborations
King Monada earned the nickname “King of Collaborations” — and for good reason. His presence on any track often guarantees a hit. He has worked with:
Kabza De Small
DJ Maphorisa
Master KG
Prince Kaybee
Gigi Lamayne
Dr. Rackzen
Tshego
Double Trouble
By 2025, he has released 9 studio albums with streams running into the millions across platforms.
King Monada’s Wives — His Personal and Family Life
King Monada is openly and proudly polygamous, a lifestyle rooted in the cultural traditions of the Bolobedu community in Limpopo. He is married to two women and has never been shy about expressing love for both publicly.
Wife 1 — Lerato Ramawela
Lerato Ramawela is King Monada’s first and longest-standing wife. She met him long before he became a celebrity — before his 2016 breakthrough and years before his name was known beyond Limpopo. She has been by his side through every chapter of his rise, and in February 2022, the couple celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary, a milestone that King Monada marked publicly by asking her to marry him all over again.
Lerato is known for her incredibly private nature. Despite being married to one of South Africa’s biggest stars, she stays out of the public eye and rarely appears on social media. In 2019, King Monada gifted her a grey Volkswagen Polo, writing on Instagram that she deserved far more than a car. Together, they share two children — a daughter named Temoso and a son named Kgothatso Junior.
Wife 2 — Cynthia Nthebatse Leon
Cynthia Nthebatse Leon is King Monada’s second wife, a woman from Modjadjiskloof (formerly Duiwelskloof) in the Bolobedu district of Limpopo. She previously worked at the Greater Letaba Municipality. King Monada paid lobola for Cynthia in 2018, during the height of his Malwedhe success. Their relationship has not been without turbulence — in 2020, the couple allegedly separated over a family dispute, but they reconciled and were formally engaged in 2022. Cynthia has a daughter with King Monada, born in January 2020.
Family Life
Lerato Ramawela
Cynthia Nthebatse Leon
Status
First Wife
Second Wife
Origin
Tickyline Village, Lenyenye, Limpopo
Modjadjiskloof, Bolobedu District
Children Together
Temoso & Kgothatso Junior
Daughter (born January 2020)
Together Since
Before 2016
2018 (lobola paid)
Public Profile
Extremely private
Moderately private
King Monada has publicly praised both wives on Valentine’s Day in an Instagram post, captioning a photo of the three of them together: expressing deep love and gratitude for both women. He built a two-story house for both wives to raise their children together, a gesture that reflects both his financial success and his commitment to family unity. He is a father to five children in total.
King Monada’s House — Building a Legacy in the Village
King Monada has made it very clear that his money goes beyond flashy cars and entertainment — he invests in legacy.
He owns a six-bedroom mansion in Mokgolobotho, Limpopo, valued at approximately R3 million. He chose this location deliberately, saying it is the village that feels like home for his family.
He also built a multi-million rand family home for his mother and family, valued at around R1.5 million.
He constructed a two-story house for both his wives, where they raise their children together.
He has spoken candidly about his philosophy on wealth: “People might judge me for building such a huge house in a village that is still developing, but this is my children’s home.” He added that unlike cars, a house is a true investment — one that protects his wives and children regardless of what happens to his music career.
King Monada’s Cars — A Multi-Million Rand Garage
Few South African artists command a garage as impressive as King Monada’s. His car collection is estimated to be worth over R10 million in total.
Car
Estimated Value
McLaren 570S
R3.2 million
Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG (White)
R3 million
Ford Ranger Raptor (Orange)
R2.6 million
Mercedes-Benz V-Class
R2.2 million
Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG
R1.5 million+
BMW M4 Limited Edition
R1.2 million+
Range Rover
R1 million+
Toyota Hilux
Oldest/cherished vehicle
VW Golf 7
Standard use
Suzuki Boulevard (Motorbike)
~R135,000
In November 2024, he made headlines when he purchased the McLaren 570S for R3.2 million — just one month after buying the Ford Ranger Raptor. A picture of his full garage, reshared on social media in September 2025, sparked massive reactions across South Africa, with many praising his hard work while others marveled at the sheer scale of his collection.
Awards and Recognition
King Monada’s talent has been recognized repeatedly by the South African music industry.
Song of the Year — Limpopo Music Awards (LIMA), 2018
Best Male Artist — Limpopo Music Awards (LIMA)
Best Khelobedu Single — 2018
Favourite Music Artist — DStv MVCA (Most Valuable Celebrity Awards), 2020
Multiple nominations at national and regional award ceremonies
His hit “Malwedhe” remains one of the most-streamed and most-downloaded South African songs of the past decade.
Philanthropy
Beyond the music and the mansions, King Monada has consistently shown a caring side through charitable activity. He is regarded in his community as a philanthropist who gives back to the village that raised him. His decision to build houses in Mokgolobotho rather than moving to a city like Johannesburg is itself a statement of commitment to the development of his home region. While specific charity campaigns are rarely publicized in detail, those close to him confirm that he regularly supports community initiatives in Limpopo.
Social Media Presence
King Monada maintains an active social media presence, with his primary platform being Instagram (@KingMonada), where he shares updates about his music, family life, cars, and lifestyle. He has amassed a large and loyal fanbase, both in South Africa and across the African continent.
King Monada’s story is one of extraordinary determination. From a boy in Mokgolobotho village who dropped out of school to chase a dream, to a man who now drives a McLaren, owns multiple mansions, and fills stadiums across Africa — his journey is a testament to what raw talent combined with relentless work can produce. His openness about polygamy, his deep love for his roots, and his music rooted in the Khelobedu language make him one of the most unique and authentic artists South Africa has ever produced. With nine albums behind him and millions of streams still growing, King Monada’s best chapters may very well still be ahead.
Kallis is a contributing author at Africans Mag, focusing on culture, lifestyle, and innovation across Africa. His work highlights unique stories and perspectives that inspire readers globally.
