Oscar Sibonginkosi Mdlongwa, fondly known as Oskido, has been in the industry for longer than some of the Idols SA contestants have been alive – 26 years! He’s dedicated a bulk of his life to ensuring that South Ah has music to groove to and that the music industry has incredible talent to source from.
Co-founder of Kalawa Jazmee, the record label has been and still is home to the nation’s musical treasures such as Mafikizolo, DJ Zinhle, Bongo Maffin, Trompies, Spikiri, Mahoota and so many more (too many to mention in just one article)! And in recent times, has opened up it’s doors to South Africa’s budding artists from Idols SA!
Season 16’s Top 5; Zama (S16 winner), Mr Music, Brandon, ZanoThando and Ndoni, were the first of many Idols to come that now call Oskido’s label ‘home’, and what incredible work they’ve done so far in such a short space of time! Oskido has said, “..We are excited to bring a Kalawa Jazmee blueprint that has produced new talent that went on to be superstars,” and those words alone should be enough to make any Idols SA finalist tickled pink at the thought of potentially joining the herd.
Oskido’s accolades stretch further than just director of Kalawa Jazmee, he’s been on the country’s airwaves for more years than you have fingers – while he currently hosts his prominent show ‘Oskido I Believe’ on Metro FM on Saturdays, 19:00 - 20:00, he once called popular youth radio station, Yfm, home. In all his years on radio, he’s exposed listeners to trailblazing artists and music and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
His contribution to South Africa’s kwaito and afro-house discovery is unmatched; as a member of Brothers of Peace, Oskido and Sebitlo released and produced eight albums over a 10 year span, including the kwaito classic ' Makwerekwere' which discouraged Xenophobia on foreigners (vital fact, Oskido’s late father was Zimbabwean, so this song could be seen as much more than just something to heat up the dance floors but could also serve as a personal message to his fellow South Africans to stop Xenophobia). Such moves are the very key movements that helped catapult him far enough to bring other artists along the journey to fame with him.
Having earned himself several awards such as a Metro FM Lifetime Achievement Award, you may ask yourself, “What hasn’t Oskido done?!” Well, he’s yet to guest judge on Idols SA tonight and we’re so excited to hear his expert opinion on the Idols SA Season 17’s finalists performances! Welcome back home Oskido!
Season 17 of Idols SA broadcasts on Sundays at 17:00 on Mzansi Magic, channel 161. Get exclusive updates and a behind the scenes look at all the action right here on our site. Don't forget to join the conversation by following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #IdolsSA. Catch up on Idols on DStv.