DJ Oskido - Profile (Biography, Career and Songs)

Oscar Sibonginkosi Mdlongwa, widely known as Oskido, is a prominent figure in the South African music industry. With a career spanning over 26 years, Oskido has made significant contributions as a recording artist, DJ, record producer, and businessman. He has played a pivotal role in shaping the musical landscape of South Africa, particularly in popular youth culture.

Oskido is recognized as one of the pioneering artists who helped popularize the Kwaito genre of music beyond the townships of South Africa. His influence extends beyond Kwaito, as he has been central to the rise of Afro-house and has been instrumental in opening doors for the emergence of the new genre known as amapiano.

As a co-founder of Kalawa Jazmee Records (formerly Kalawa Records), Oskido has been instrumental in nurturing and promoting South African musical talent. The record label has been home to renowned musical acts such as Mafikizolo, Bongo Maffin, and numerous other influential groups.

Oskido's passion for music continues to drive him in his career. He remains an active performer and consistently collaborates with fellow artists, including Winnie Khumalo and Monique, ensuring that his music remains a vibrant force in the South African music scene.

Oskido has ascended the ranks in South Africa's music industry to become an influential and respected voice in the country's music and entertainment landscape. His contributions have not only shaped the industry but have also provided a platform for emerging talents. Notable artists like Mafikizolo, Boom Shaka, and Dj Zinhle have emerged from his co-founded music label, Kalawa Records.

Early Life

Oscar Sibonginkosi Mdlongwa was born on November 26, 1967, in Oukasie township, Brits, North West, South Africa. His father, Esaph Mdlongwa, was a prominent Zimbabwean politician and a member of the Movement for Democratic Change party in Zimbabwe. His mother, Emily Sophia Molefi, hails from South Africa.

Oskido spent a significant part of his early life in Luveve Township, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, where he completed his basic education after graduating from Gifford High School in Bulawayo. At the age of 21 in 1988, he returned to Brits, South Africa, where he managed a family business in Lethlabile, Brits. However, his passion for music led him to Johannesburg, where he embarked on a journey to pursue a career in the music industry.

Despite his Zimbabwean surname, Oskido does not identify himself as being of Zimbabwean origin. He attributes his success to hard work and determination, emphasizing that it was not an easy path. Throughout his career, Oskido has collaborated with acclaimed artists such as Christos Katsaitis and Don Laka, as well as affiliating himself with the renowned record label Jazmee.

Career

 Oskido's career took off when he volunteered to perform at Razzmatazz after the scheduled DJ failed to show up. Ian Sigola, who has since passed away, played a pivotal role in mentoring him in the club scene by lending him his vinyl records. After experimenting with songs and crafting his own unique sound in the studio, he released cassette compilations such as ‘Mixmaster’ and ‘Big Jam.’ These releases significantly boosted his popularity beyond Johannesburg.

Later, Oskido crossed paths with Bruce "Dope" Sebitlo, a prominent South African music artist, and they formed the group "Brothers of Peace." Under this banner, Oskido and Sebitlo collaborated on a total of eight albums between 1994 and 2004. Notable among these albums is the kwaito classic 'Makwerekwere,' which aimed to discourage xenophobia toward foreigners. Additionally, they produced ‘Traffic Cop’ and the groundbreaking ‘Project A’ and ‘Zabalaza: Project B’ albums, which played a pivotal role in pioneering the Afro-house genre. The title track of 'Zabalaza' gained international recognition when Louie Vega licensed and remixed it for his MAW Records label.

Oskido was also instrumental in forming groups like Mafikizolo, Bongo Muffin, and Trompies, contributing to the growth of the South African music industry.

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

Furthermore, on July 23, 2021, Oskido released a single titled "Sizophelelaphi" in collaboration with Msaki.

Business Ventures

Oskido has been actively involved in various business ventures, and his influence extends beyond his music career.

Kalawa Jazmee Records

Oskido is one of the co-founders of Kalawa Jazmee Records, formerly known as Kalawa Records. This record label was established in 1992, initially by Christos Katsaitis, Don Laka, and Oskido himself. The label's name was derived from the first two letters of Don and Christos' respective surnames, with the "Wa" coming from Oskido's surname, "Mdlongwa." Kalawa Jazmee Records has played a significant role in shaping the South African music industry and has been home to numerous top musical acts. Some of the prominent artists associated with the label include Mafikizolo, Bongo Maffin, DJ Zinhle, and many others.

Kwaito Revolution

Oskido was a pioneer in the Kwaito music genre, which originated in South Africa during the 1990s. He was among the first artists to incorporate vocals into the slow-tempo house beats, helping to popularize Kwaito music. His unique approach to Kwaito, influenced by jazz elements, set him apart from other artists in the genre. Despite facing criticism, Oskido's contribution to the development of dance music in South Africa earned him a Special Recognition Award at the 2012 Channel O Music Video Awards. He was also part of the Kalawa Jazmee crew honored at the SA Dance Music Awards in the same year.

House Music

Oskido is renowned for his successful 'Church Grooves' compilation series, which made a significant impact on South African house compilations, becoming a staple in the industry for two decades. In 2012, he launched the "I Believe" project, which includes his radio show on Metro FM. This initiative, created in collaboration with Madlozi and the NYDA, aims to empower young musicians and DJs to become successful professionals in the music industry.

Deejays Unite (DJU)

In the mid-2000s, Oskido, along with Greg Maloka, DJ Fresh, Vinny Da Vinci, and DJ Christos, founded Deejays Unite (DJU). This group played a crucial role in providing valuable industry knowledge to young musicians and DJs through the annual Southern African Music Conference (SAMC). The conference has paved the way for aspiring artists like Black Coffee, DJ Tira, and Euphonik, offering them opportunities in the music industry.

Amapiano Influence

In 2019, Oskido released the album 'Akhiwe,' which combined his distinct midtempo sound with the emerging amapiano genre. The album featured collaborations with well-known artists, including amapiano pioneers Kabza De Small and MFR Souls, as well as vocalists such as Monique Bingham, Winnie Khumalo, Zonke Dikana, and others. 

Restaurant Business

In addition to his music and entertainment ventures, Oskido ventured into the restaurant business. He opened "Daruma By Oskido Japanese Restaurant" in Waterfall Corner, Johannesburg, offering a unique culinary experience to patrons.

Personal Life

He is currently married to his second wife, Mathapelo, after parting ways with his long-time partner and first wife, Kibi. With Mathapelo, Oskido has a son.

In total, Oskido is a father to three children from different relationships. He has two daughters, Mandy Mdlongwa and Naledi Mdlongwa, who are from his first marriage to Kibi. Additionally, he has a son named Bass.

Songs

Here's a list of Oskido's albums and extended plays.

Albums

Mixmaster Vol. 1 (1991–1994)

Big Jam Vol. 1 & 2 (1993–1995)

Brothers of Peace (with Christos and Don Laka) (1994)

Brothers of Peace: Traffic Cop (1995)

Brothers of Peace: King of Kwaito Uyagawula (1996)

Oscar Warona: Mother Paka (1997)

Brothers of Peace: Sphithiphithi (2000)

Brothers of Peace: Project A (2001)

Oscar Warona: Godzilla (2001)

Church Grooves Vol. 1–10 (2001–2010)

Brothers of Peace: Project B (2003)

Brothers of Peace: Project C (Zabalaza – The Struggle) (2003)

Brothers of Peace: Project D (2004)

Oskido I Believe 2013 (2012)

Akhiwe (2020)

Star Taxi

Oscar Warona: The New Testament

Extended Plays

Keep the Faith (2020)

Back to the Future (2021)