Early Life and Background
Oscar Sibonginkosi Mdlongwa, known professionally as Oskido, was born on November 29, 1967, in Oukasie Township, Brits, North West Province, South Africa. His father, Esaph Mdlongwa, was a Zimbabwean politician, while his mother, Emily Sophia Molefi, was South African. At a young age, Oskido moved to Luveve Township in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, where he completed his basic education at Gifford High School. He returned to South Africa at 21 in 1988 to manage a family business in Lethlabile, Brits, before relocating to Johannesburg to pursue a career in music.
Career Beginnings and Rise to Prominence
Oskido’s music career began in the early 1990s when he volunteered to DJ at Razzmatazz nightclub in Johannesburg after the scheduled DJ failed to show up. Mentored by the late Ian Sigola, he honed his skills and began producing his own music. His early works, including the ‘Mixmaster’ and ‘Big Jam’ compilations, gained popularity beyond Johannesburg. In 1994, he formed the group Brothers of Peace with Bruce “Dope” Sebitlo, releasing several albums that blended kwaito with jazz elements. Their track ‘Zabalaza’ was later remixed by Louie Vega for MAW Records, gaining international acclaim. Wikipedia
Oskido co-founded Kalawa Jazmee Records (formerly Kalawa Records), a label that launched the careers of prominent South African artists such as Mafikizolo, Bongo Maffin, and Trompies. His contributions to the South African music scene earned him a Special Recognition Award at the 2012 Channel O Music Video Awards.
Musical Evolution and Influence
Kwaito and Afro-House
Oskido was instrumental in popularizing kwaito, a genre that emerged in post-apartheid South Africa, characterized by its fusion of house beats with local sounds and languages. His productions incorporated jazz influences, setting his work apart in the kwaito scene. In the 2000s, he expanded his repertoire to include Afro-house, contributing to the genre’s growth and evolution.
Amapiano and Contemporary Sound
Embracing the emerging amapiano genre, Oskido released the album ‘Akhiwe’ in 2019, featuring collaborations with artists like Kabza De Small and MFR Souls. The album blended his signature midtempo sound with amapiano elements, showcasing his adaptability and influence in the evolving South African music landscape.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Oskido has received numerous accolades:
- Lifetime Achievement Award at the 13th Metro FM Music Awards (2024)
- Special Recognition Award at the 2012 Channel O Music Video Awards
- Lifetime Achievement Award at the SA Dance Music Awards (2012)
Entrepreneurship and Advocacy
Beyond music, Oskido is a successful entrepreneur. He owns Daruma by Oskido, a Japanese restaurant in Johannesburg, and co-founded Khwale Music Distribution, a platform that empowers African artists by allowing them to distribute music independently and retain full ownership and royalties.
Mentorship and Legacy
Oskido has played a pivotal role in mentoring emerging artists. He was instrumental in the careers of DJ Maphorisa, Black Coffee, and DJ Tira, helping them navigate the music industry and achieve success. His mentorship extends to initiatives like the Southern African Music Conference (SAMC), which provides industry knowledge to aspiring musicians.
Personal Life
Details about Oskido’s personal life are kept relatively private. He is known for his dedication to music and his community, often emphasizing the importance of hard work and perseverance. His journey from humble beginnings to becoming a central figure in South African music is a testament to his passion and commitment to the industry.
Discography Highlights
- Brothers of Peace Albums: ‘Traffic Cop’, ‘Project A’, ‘Zabalaza: Project B’
- Solo Projects: ‘Oscar Warona: Godzilla’, ‘Keep the Faith’, ‘Back to the Future’
- Collaborations: ‘Akhiwe’ (featuring Kabza De Small, MFR Souls, Toshi, Monique Bingham, Winnie Khumalo, Zonke Dikana, Tamara Dey)
Recent Works
In 2024, Oskido released ‘One Drum’, an EP celebrating African and diaspora musical traditions. The project features collaborations with artists such as Flavour (Nigeria), Sofiya Nzau (Kenya), Stephen Marley, Thee Legacy, and Kabza De Small. The EP blends genres like afrobeat, amapiano, reggae, and Afro house, reflecting Oskido’s versatility and global influence.
Conclusion
Oskido’s impact on South African music is profound and enduring. From pioneering kwaito to embracing and shaping the sounds of Afro-house and amapiano, his contributions have left an indelible mark on the industry. As a mentor, entrepreneur, and cultural ambassador, Oskido continues to inspire and influence generations of artists and music lovers worldwide.
