Khuli Chana Net Worth 2025: Real Name, Age, Bio, and the Shocking Shooting Incidents

Celebrities News / November 12, 2025 / Melly Brown

In the vibrant world of South African hip-hop, few names resonate as powerfully as Khuli Chana. As a pioneer of the Motswako genre—a unique blend of hip-hop, house, and local languages—he’s not just a rapper but a cultural icon. From his gritty beginnings in Mmabatho to sharing stages with global stars like Kendrick Lamar, Khuli’s journey is one of resilience, talent, and triumph. But behind the mic, his life has been marked by highs, lows, and even life-threatening drama, including two harrowing shooting incidents.

In this in-depth 2025 update, we’ll dive into Khuli Chana’s real name, age, bio, net worth, and the shocking details of his shooting ordeals. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about one of Mzansi’s rap legends, this guide has it all. Let’s break it down.

Who Is Khuli Chana? Real Name, Age, and Early Life

Khuli Chana bio 2025 Khuli Chana isn’t just a stage name—it’s a persona built on authenticity. His real name is Khulane Morule, a nod to his roots in the North West province of South Africa. Born on August 27, 1982, in Mmabatho (now part of Mahikeng), Khuli grew up in a township environment that fueled his passion for music.

As of November 2025, Khuli Chana is 43 years old—a milestone that reflects his evolution from a young Motswako trailblazer to a seasoned artist mentoring the next generation. His early life was steeped in the sounds of kwaito and local hip-hop, but it was the Motswako movement that captured his heart. Motswako, meaning “mixture” in Setswana, fuses English, Setswana, and street slang into rhythmic storytelling—a style Khuli helped popularize alongside peers like HHP (Hip Hop Pantsula).

Fun fact: Before music, Khuli dabbled in modeling and even considered a career in sports. But the pull of the mic was too strong, leading him to drop his first mixtape in the early 2000s.

Khuli Chana’s Career Bio: From Mixtapes to Global Stages

Khuli Chana’s bio reads like a hip-hop success story scripted in the townships. Signing with Gallo Records in 2004, he burst onto the scene with his debut album Khuli Chana in 2007, featuring hits like “Tsa Mabe” and collaborations with heavyweights like Siya Shezi. His sophomore effort, Lost & Found (2011), solidified his status with tracks like “Angishayisheli” and “One Time,” earning him SAMA (South African Music Awards) nods.

Over the years, Khuli has dropped gems like Yumkani (2013), Dark or Destiny (2017), and The Voice (2020), blending introspective lyrics with infectious beats. He’s opened for international titans such as Kendrick Lamar, Big Sean, and 2 Chainz, proving Motswako’s global appeal. Beyond music, he’s ventured into acting (appearing in shows like Lockdown) and entrepreneurship, launching his own clothing line and mentoring young artists.

Key Career Highlights:

Pioneered Motswako: Credited with elevating the genre from underground to mainstream.
Collaborations: Worked with AKA, Cassper Nyovest, and international acts like Rick Ross.
Awards: Multiple SAMA wins, including Best Hip-Hop Album.
Social Impact: Khuli uses his platform for youth empowerment and anti-violence campaigns.

In 2025, he’s as relevant as ever, reuniting with early collaborator Village Girl for a nostalgic Motswako track and performing at high-profile events like the Oriflame 2025 gala in Lisbon, where he reflected on his journey from Mahikeng to international stages.

Khuli Chana Career

Khuli Chana Net Worth 2025: How Much Is the Rapper Worth?

Khuli Chana’s net worth in 2025 is estimated at $2 million to $2.3 million, a testament to his enduring hustle in music, endorsements, and business ventures. This places him among South Africa’s top 20 richest rappers, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Cassper Nyovest and Nasty C.

Breakdown of His Wealth:

Music Sales & Streaming: Core income from albums and Spotify/YouTube royalties. His channel alone generates around $13K annually.
Live Performances & Tours: High fees for gigs, including international slots.
Endorsements: Deals with brands like Oriflame and fashion labels.
Other Ventures: Clothing line, production credits, and reality TV appearances.

While not in the billionaire league of global rappers, Khuli’s wealth reflects smart investments and a fanbase that spans continents. Expect his net worth to climb with upcoming projects—stay tuned!

Khuli Chana’s Personal Life: Family, Partner, and Children

Away from the spotlight, Khuli Chana keeps things low-key but loving. He’s a proud father to a daughter born around 2013, often sharing glimpses of fatherhood on social media. His partner details remain private, but he’s been linked to Dineo Ranaka in the past, emphasizing family as his anchor amid fame’s chaos.

Khuli’s Setswana heritage shines through in his lyrics, often touching on township struggles, love, and perseverance—making his music deeply personal.

The Shocking Shooting Incidents: Khuli Chana’s Brush with Danger

Khuli Chana’s life took a dark turn with two separate shooting incidents, both stemming from mistaken identity and highlighting South Africa’s complex issues with police and crime.

The 2013 Police Shooting

In October 2013, Khuli was driving in Johannesburg when police mistook him for a fleeing suspect in a high-speed chase. Officers opened fire on his car with an automatic rifle, striking him in the arm. Miraculously, he survived with non-life-threatening injuries and was recovering at home days later. The two officers faced internal charges, and Khuli reached a confidential settlement with the police in 2016. Speaking out, Khuli called for police reform, turning trauma into advocacy.

The 2017 Midrand Shooting

Just four years later, in July 2017, history repeated itself. While meeting a DJ friend on New Road in Midrand, Khuli was caught in crossfire—again believed to be a case of mistaken identity. He sustained injuries but was reported recovering well, heading to a club gig shortly after. These events underscore the rapper’s resilience, as he channeled the pain into music about survival and street realities.

Khuli Chana Latest News 2025: What’s Next for the Motswako King?

2025 has been a banner year for Khuli. He’s set to star in Mzansi Wethu’s new reality series Man & The Mic, premiering in December, alongside Kwesta and Donald—offering raw insights into male artists’ lives. Fresh off a Los Angeles trip where he linked with Sway Calloway for a Motswako reunion with Village Girl, Khuli’s influence shows no signs of fading.

He’s also been spotted at Cape Town Fashion Week with Lamiez Holworthy, blending music with style. Fans are buzzing about potential new music—could a full Motswako revival album be on the horizon?

Final Thoughts: Why Khuli Chana Remains a Hip-Hop Hero

At 43, with a net worth hovering at $2-2.3 million, Khuli Chana—real name Khulane Morule—embodies the grit of South African rap. From pioneering Motswako to surviving shootings that could have derailed anyone, his bio is a blueprint for turning adversity into art. As he gears up for Man & The Mic and more global stages, one thing’s clear: Khuli’s story is far from over.