The South African Music Awards (SAMAs) will bestow the prestigious RiSA Chairperson’s Award on Oscar “Oskido” Sibonginkosi Mdlongwa in acknowledgement of his extraordinary contributions as a music executive, producer, entrepreneur, and cultural pioneer.
His pioneering achievements will be recognised at next weekend’s #SAMA30.
For over three decades, Oskido has been a trailblazer, influencing and shaping the soundscape of South Africa’s most iconic music genres, including kwaito, house, gqom, and Amapiano.
A radio personality behind the growth of hip-hop in particular, he refuses to be left lagging behind and has joined throngs of entertainers as a TikToker.
His relentless creativity, innovation, and dedication have earned him a revered place in the hearts of music lovers and the industry at large.
“I am deeply humbled and honoured by this recognition. It’s a reflection of not just my work but the incredible support and collaboration I’ve had throughout my career. From Kalawa Jazmee to the artists, DJs, and industry professionals I’ve worked with, we’ve built something truly special together.
“This award is a reminder that our contributions can have a lasting impact, and I’m grateful to have played a part in shaping the future of South African music,” an elated Oskido shared.
Oskido’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a cornerstone of South African music, as a co-founder of Kalawa Jazmee record label, is testament to his indomitable spirit.
He has seamlessly evolved with the industry, influencing not only the music we dance to but also the very fabric of the South African music business.
Whether pushing the boundaries of kwaito in the 90s or championing the rise of Amapiano today, Oskido has remained at the forefront of innovation, constantly inspiring a new generation of artists and producers.
In the mid-2000s, Oskido, alongside industry giants Greg Maloka, DJ Fresh, Vinny Da Vinci, and DJ Christos, co-founded Deejays Unite (DJU) – a collective aimed at shaping the future of South African music.
From this visionary collaboration, they launched the Southern African Music Conference (SAMC), a groundbreaking platform that would revolutionise the music industry by offering invaluable business insights to aspiring musicians and industry professionals.
Through SAMC’s expertly curated music business workshops, the conference became a vital stepping stone for many rising stars. It ignited the careers of now-iconic figures such as Black Coffee, DJ Tira, and Euphonik, who have since become global ambassadors of South African music.
Reflecting on the #SAMA30 RiSA Chairperson’s Award, Oskido shared: “There have been many highlights in my career, but I’d say the most defining moment was the founding of Kalawa Jazmee Records. It wasn’t just about creating a label it was about building a platform for South African talent to shine.
“Seeing artists grow and become household names, knowing that we were helping to shape the sound of South African music, especially through kwaito, was a moment of true realisation that we were making history.”
Nhlanhla Sibisi, RiSA CEO commended Oskido’s enduring influence: “Oskido’s contribution to the South African music industry cannot be overstated.
“His influence spans across multiple generations and his visionary leadership has not only given rise to some of the biggest names in our industry but has also ensured the sustainability of our creative economy. We are proud to honour him with the RiSA Chairperson’s Award.”
“As we celebrate Oskido’s legacy, we recognise not only his remarkable achievements but also the lasting impact he has made on the South African music industry. His story is one of resilience, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to elevating local talent, ensuring that South African music continues to thrive both at home and abroad.”
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