Oskido: Shaping the Sound of South Africa

Meet Oskido, the South African music sensation who’s been grooving to his own rhythm for over 26 years! Born on November 29, 1967, Oskido is not just your average recording artist – he’s also a DJ, record producer, and savvy businessman.

Oskido

From the streets of South Africa to the global stage, Oskido has been a driving force in shaping the country’s music scene. Imagine being at the forefront of a musical revolution! That’s exactly what Oskido did when he helped popularize the Kwaito genre, bringing its infectious beats beyond the townships and into the hearts of young people everywhere.

But Oskido’s influence doesn’t stop there. He’s also a key figure in the rise of Afro-house, blending traditional African sounds with modern beats to create something truly unique. And if you’re into the latest music trends, you’ve probably heard of amapiano – yep, Oskido played a big part in making that happen too!

As if that wasn’t enough, Oskido is the co-founder of Kalawa Jazmee Records (formerly Kalawa Records), a powerhouse label that’s home to some of South Africa’s biggest musical acts like Mafikizolo and Bongo Maffin. Talk about a music mogul!

So, whether you’re dancing to the beat of Kwaito, feeling the groove of Afro-house, or vibing to the latest amapiano tracks, remember that Oskido is the man behind the music, shaping the sound of South Africa for generations to come. Keep your ears open and your feet tapping – with Oskido, the party never stops

Life and career

Early Years (1967-1990):

Oscar Sibonginkosi Mdlongwa, known to the world as Oskido, was born on November 26, 1967, in Oukasie township, Brits, North West, South Africa. With a Zimbabwean father, Esaph Mdlongwa, who was a politician, and a South African mother, Emily Sophia Molefi, Oskido’s childhood was a blend of cultures and experiences. Growing up in Luveve Township, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, he completed his education at Gifford High School before returning to Brits at 21 to manage a family business in Lethlabile.

Career Beginnings (1991-2006):

Oskido’s journey into the music scene began unexpectedly when he stepped in to DJ at Razzmatazz after the scheduled DJ failed to show up. With guidance from Ian Sigola and access to his vinyl collection, Oskido honed his skills and developed his own unique sound. His cassette compilations, ‘Mixmaster’ and ‘Big Jam’, quickly gained popularity, establishing him as a rising star beyond Johannesburg.

The turning point came when Oskido partnered with Bruce “Dope” Sebitlo to form the iconic Brothers of Peace group. Together, they released eight albums, including classics like ‘Makwerekwere’, which addressed issues of xenophobia, and groundbreaking Afro-house albums like ‘Project A’ and ‘Zabalaza: Project B’. Their track ‘Zabalaza’ even caught the attention of international DJ Louie Vega, who remixed it for his MAW Records label.

Not content with just his own success, Oskido played a pivotal role in launching the careers of other South African music groups like Mafikizolo, Bongo Muffin, and Trompies.

Legacy and Recent Work:

In recognition of his immense contributions to the music industry, Oskido was honored with the Lifetime Achievement award at the 13th Metro FM Music Awards.

Continuing to push boundaries and explore new sounds, Oskido remains a driving force in South African music. In July 2021, he collaborated with Msaki on the single “Sizophelelaphi”, showcasing his ongoing commitment to creating music that resonates with audiences across the globe. With Oskido at the helm, the beat goes on, shaping the sound of South Africa for generations to come.

Business ventures

Formation and Evolution

Kalawa Jazmee Records, affectionately known as KJ Records, traces its roots back to 1992 when Christos Katsaitis, Don Laka, and DJ Oskido came together to create what would become a powerhouse in the South African music industry. The name “Kalawa” was derived from the first two letters of Don and Christos’ surnames, while “Jazmee” was inspired by the ‘Wa’ in Oskido’s surname, “Mdlongwa”. Their partnership began with the signing of Boom Shaka, whose debut album, “It’s About Time,” marked the label’s entry into the music scene.

Pioneering Kwaito

Kalawa Jazmee played a pivotal role in shaping the Kwaito genre, which emerged in South Africa during the 1990s. Oskido, along with his producing partners, infused Kwaito with jazz elements, setting their music apart from the rest. Despite facing criticism, their contributions to dance music earned them recognition, including a Special Recognition Award at the 2012 Channel O Music Video Awards.

House Music and Beyond

Oskido’s influence extended beyond Kwaito into the realm of house music. His iconic ‘Church Grooves’ compilation series became a cornerstone of South African house music, while the “I Believe” project aimed to empower young musicians and DJs to become industry leaders. Alongside fellow DJs, Oskido established DJU (Deejays Unite), providing valuable industry knowledge through the Southern African Music Conference (SAMC).

In 2019, Oskido released the album ‘Akhiwe’, seamlessly blending his signature midtempo sound with the emerging amapiano genre. Collaborating with both seasoned and up-and-coming artists, the album showcased Oskido’s ability to evolve with the times while staying true to his musical roots. Not content with just music, Oskido ventured into the culinary world with the opening of Daruma By Oskido Japanese Restaurant in Johannesburg.

Impact

Kalawa Jazmee Records continues to be a driving force in South African music, nurturing talent and pushing boundaries. Oskido’s dedication to innovation and mentorship has left an indelible mark on the industry, inspiring generations of artists to come. As the beat goes on, Kalawa Jazmee remains at the forefront, shaping the sound of South Africa for years to come.

Discography

Compilations

1. Mixmaster Vol. 1 (1991–1994): Oskido’s inaugural compilation series, showcasing his eclectic mix of beats and rhythms from 1991 to 1994.
2. Big Jam Vol. 1 & 2 (1993–1995): A dynamic compilation series featuring a fusion of genres, curated by Oskido to captivate audiences.
3. Brothers of Peace (with Christos and Don Laka) (1994): Collaborative effort with Christos and Don Laka, blending their unique styles into a cohesive musical journey.
4. Brothers of Peace: Traffic Cop (1995): A standout compilation album by Brothers of Peace, featuring infectious rhythms and catchy melodies.
5. Brothers of Peace: King of Kwaito Uyagawula (1996): This album solidified Brothers of Peace’s reputation as pioneers of the Kwaito genre, setting new trends and captivating audiences nationwide.
6. Oscar Warona: Mother Paka (1997): A solo project by Oskido, showcasing his versatility and innovation in the music scene.
7. Brothers of Peace: Sphithiphithi (2000): Another milestone album from Brothers of Peace, pushing the boundaries of Kwaito and cementing their place in South African music history.
8. Brothers of Peace: Project A (2001): An ambitious project by Brothers of Peace, featuring a diverse range of tracks that captivated audiences and earned critical acclaim.
9. Oscar Warona: Godzilla (2001): Oskido’s solo venture into the world of music production, delivering powerful beats and infectious rhythms.
10. Church Grooves Vol. 1–10 (2001–2010): Oskido’s iconic compilation series, showcasing the best of South African house music and becoming a staple in the industry.
11. Brothers of Peace: Project B (2003): Building on the success of their previous projects, Brothers of Peace delivered another stellar album, captivating audiences with their unique sound.
12. Brothers of Peace: Project C (Zabalaza – The Struggle) (2003): A groundbreaking album that tackled social issues through music, earning Brothers of Peace widespread acclaim and recognition.
13. Brothers of Peace: Project D (2004): The final installment in the Brothers of Peace project series, leaving a lasting impact on the South African music scene.
14. Oskido I Believe 2013 (2012): Oskido’s solo project, embodying his belief in the power of music to inspire and uplift audiences.
15. Akhiwe (2020): Oskido’s latest compilation, blending his signature sound with contemporary influences, showcasing his continued evolution as an artist.

Star Taxi: A project by Oskido, offering listeners a unique musical journey filled with diverse sounds and rhythms.

Oscar Warona: The New Testament: A solo venture by Oskido, delivering a powerful and transformative musical experience for audiences.

Extended Play:

• Keep the Faith (2020): A captivating EP by Oskido, instilling hope and positivity through music.
• Back to the Future (2021): Oskido’s latest EP, taking listeners on a nostalgic journey while embracing the future of music.