Oskido
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Oskido Biography
| Full Name | Oscar Sibonginkosi Mdlongwa |
| Date of Birth | 29 November 1967 |
| Place of Birth | Oukasie Township, Brits, North West, South Africa |
| Occupations | Recording Artist, DJ, Record Producer, Businessman |
| Years Active | Over 26 years |
| Record Label | Kalawa Jazmee Records (Co-founder) |
| Genres | Kwaito, Afro-house, Amapiano |
Life and Early Career
Born on 29 November 1967 to a Zimbabwean father, Esaph Mdlongwa, a politician, and South African mother, Emily Sophia Molefi, Oskido spent much of his childhood in Luveve Township, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. He completed his basic education at Gifford High School in Bulawayo before returning to South Africa in 1988 to manage a family business in Lethlabile, Brits. Soon after, he relocated to Johannesburg to pursue his passion for music.
Oskido’s entry into the music scene was somewhat serendipitous when he volunteered to DJ at Razzmatazz after the scheduled DJ failed to appear. Guided by the late Ian Sigola, who lent him vinyl records, Oskido developed his unique sound by reworking songs and producing his own mixes. His early cassette compilations, ‘Mixmaster’ and ‘Big Jam’, helped him gain recognition beyond Johannesburg.
Musical Contributions and Collaborations
Oskido’s partnership with Bruce "Dope" Sebitlo as the group Brothers of Peace was highly influential. Between 1994 and 2004, they released eight albums, including the kwaito classic ‘Makwerekwere’, which addressed xenophobia, and Afro-house pioneering albums like ‘Project A’ and ‘Zabalaza: Project B’. The title track ‘Zabalaza’ gained international acclaim when remixed by Louie Vega for MAW Records.
Beyond his own music, Oskido played a pivotal role in establishing iconic South African groups such as Mafikizolo, Bongo Maffin, and Trompies. His influence extends to nurturing new talent and shaping the soundscape of South African dance music.
Business Ventures and Kalawa Jazmee Records
In 1992, Oskido co-founded Kalawa Jazmee Records alongside Christos Katsaitis and Don Laka. The label’s name is derived from the first two letters of the founders’ surnames: Ka (Katsaitis), La (Laka), and Wa (Mdlongwa). Initially signing Boom Shaka, the label quickly became a powerhouse in South African music, later merging with Trompie’s Jazmee label in 1995 to form Kalawa-Jazmee Records.
Today, the label is managed by a team including Oskido, Don Laka, Bruce "Dope" Sebitlo, and others. Kalawa Jazmee has been instrumental in launching and sustaining the careers of numerous top artists such as Bongo Maffin, Mafikizolo, Professor, DJ Zinhle, and Busiswa. The label remains at the forefront of youth culture and South African music innovation.
Kwaito and House Music Legacy
Oskido is recognized as one of the first artists to produce Kwaito music by adding vocals to slow-tempo house beats, a genre that came to define the post-apartheid generation. His work, often infused with jazz elements thanks to collaborator Don Laka, set his sound apart and faced initial criticism before gaining widespread acclaim.
His contributions to dance music earned him a Special Recognition Award at the 2012 Channel O Music Video Awards and recognition at the SA Dance Music Awards. Oskido’s ‘Church Grooves’ compilation series, launched in 2001, revolutionized South African house music compilations and became a staple for two decades.
In 2012, he launched the "I Believe" project and radio show on Metro FM, aimed at transforming young musicians into successful entrepreneurs. Alongside other industry veterans, he co-founded DJU (Deejays Unite), which through the Southern African Music Conference (SAMC) has helped launch careers of stars like Black Coffee and DJ Tira.
Recent Works and Ventures
In 2019, Oskido released the album ‘Akhiwe’, blending his signature midtempo sound with the rising amapiano genre. The album features collaborations with amapiano pioneers Kabza De Small and MFR Souls, as well as vocalists like Monique Bingham, Winnie Khumalo, and Zonke Dikana. The project also introduced younger talents such as Drum Pope and Mapiano.
That same year, Oskido expanded his entrepreneurial footprint by opening Daruma By Oskido Japanese Restaurant in Waterfall Corner, Johannesburg, showcasing his versatility beyond music.
Q&A
Q: What role did Oskido play in popularizing Kwaito music?
A: Oskido was among the first to produce Kwaito tracks by adding vocals to slow-tempo house beats, helping the genre gain popularity beyond South African townships. His jazz-infused style set his music apart within the genre.
Q: What is Kalawa Jazmee Records and why is it significant?
A: Kalawa Jazmee Records is a record label co-founded by Oskido in 1992. It has been a major force in South African music, launching and supporting influential artists and shaping the sound of Kwaito, Afro-house, and amapiano.
Q: How has Oskido contributed to the development of new talent?
A: Through initiatives like the "I Believe" project, DJU, and the Southern African Music Conference, Oskido has mentored and provided platforms for emerging artists and DJs to succeed in the music industry.
Conclusion
Oskido’s enduring influence on South African music is undeniable. From pioneering Kwaito and Afro-house to embracing and promoting amapiano, his artistic vision and business acumen have shaped the country’s musical landscape. As a mentor, producer, and entrepreneur, Oskido continues to inspire new generations, ensuring his legacy remains vibrant in the evolving world of South African music and culture.
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