Oskido, is a South African DJ, record producer, recording artist, businessman, and radio presenter who has profoundly shaped the nation’s electronic music landscape over three decades. Born Oscar Sibonginkoski Mdlongwa, he pioneered kwaito in the 1990s, refined Afro-house, and embraced modern amapiano while co-founding Kalawa Jazmee Records to launch icons like Boom Shaka, Mafikizolo, and Bongo Maffin. His mentorship of talents such as Black Coffee and DJ Tira, capped by the 2024 Metro FM Lifetime Achievement Award, underscores a legacy of innovation and cultural infrastructure building.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Oscar Sibonginkoski Mdlongwa |
| Date of Birth | November 26, 1967 |
| Place of Birth | Oukasie Township, Brits, North West Province |
| Nationality | South African |
| State of Origin | North West Province, South Africa |
| Partner | Mathapelo Mdlongwa (married 2015) |
| Children | Mandy, Naledi (from previous marriage), Bass (with Mathapelo) |
| Occupations | DJ, Record Producer, Recording Artist, Businessman, Radio Presenter |
| Labels | Kalawa Jazmee Records (Co-founder) |
| Net Worth | R27.3 Million (USD $2-2.6 Million approximately) |
Early Life and Education
Oskido was born on November 26, 1967, in Oukasie Township near Brits, North West Province, South Africa, to a Zimbabwean politician father, Esaph Mdlongwa, and South African mother, Emily Sophia Molefi.
He grew up in Luveve Township, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, blending township and Zimbabwean influences before completing high school at Gifford High School there. Returning to South Africa at age 21 in 1988, he briefly managed a family store in Lethlabile before moving to Johannesburg’s vibrant Hillbrow nightclub scene.
Career
Oskido broke into music selling sausage rolls outside Razzmatazz nightclub, stepping in to DJ when needed and gaining mentorship from Ian Sigola. He slowed American house beats for local dancers, releasing early cassettes like Mixmaster (1991-1994) and Big Jam (1993-1995).
Partnering with Bruce “Dope” Sebitlo as Brothers of Peace (1994-2004), they pioneered kwaito with eight albums, including Makwerekwere (1996) addressing xenophobia and Zabalaza (2003), remixed globally by Louie Vega.
In 1992, he co-founded Kalawa Jazmee Records with Don Laka and Christos Katsaitis, signing Boom Shaka and expanding to nurture Mafikizolo, Bongo Maffin, and others through mergers and mentorship.
From 2001, Church Grooves compilations (10 volumes) elevated house music, while the 2012 “I Believe” radio show and DJU’s Southern African Music Conference professionalized emerging talent like Black Coffee and DJ Tira.
Recent works like Akhiwe (2019), One Drum (2024) with global collaborators, and Next Gen (2025) blend amapiano and international sounds, bridging generations.
Personal Life
Oskido’s first marriage to Kibi produced daughters Mandy and Naledi before ending in 2015. He later wed Mathapelo, fathering son Bass.
His wide network includes close collaborators and mentees like Black Coffee and DJ Tira, showing his dedication to passing on knowledge.
Discography
Oskido’s catalog spans compilations, albums, and EPs across genres.
Brothers of Peace Albums (1994-2004): Brothers of Peace (1994), Traffic Cop (1995), King of Kwaito Uyagawula (1996), Sphithiphithi (2000), Project A (2001), Project B (Zabalaza – The Struggle) (2003), Project D (2004)
Church Grooves Series (2001-2010): Volumes 1–10
Contemporary Works: Akhiwe (2019), Keep the Faith EP (2020), Back to the Future EP (2021), One Drum (2024), Next Gen (2025)
Other Notable Releases: Mixmaster Vol. 1 (1991-1994), Big Jam Vol. 1 & 2 (1993-1995), Oscar Warona: Mother Paka (1997), Oscar Warona: Godzilla (2001), Sizophelelaphi featuring Msaki (2021)
Awards and Nominations
2012 Channel O Music Video Awards – Special Recognition Award for advancing kwaito, house, and Afro-house.
2012 SA Dance Music Awards – Crew honor with Kalawa Jazmee for production and artist development.
2024 Metro FM Music Awards – Lifetime Achievement Award for three decades of innovation and mentorship.
His work earns global media, academic, and peer recognition as a foundational builder.
Net Worth
Oskido’s R27.3 million net worth (about USD $2–2.6 million) stems from Kalawa Jazmee royalties, DJ gigs, radio income, production deals, and ventures like his Johannesburg Japanese restaurant.
