Oskido Honoured With Order of Ikhamanga in Silver as South African Music Industry Pays Tribute

DJ, record producer, entrepreneur and kwaito pioneer Oscar Mdlongwa, widely known as Oskido, has been awarded the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver by President Cyril Ramaphosa. The national honour recognises South Africans who have made outstanding contributions in arts, culture, literature, music, journalism and sport. Oskido received the award for his long-standing impact on the music industry and his role in developing new talent over several decades. The recognition highlights his influence not only as a performer and producer but also as a mentor and industry builder. His career continues to shape the direction of South African music, especially within kwaito and house music spaces.

The announcement sparked widespread celebration across the entertainment industry, with many artists publicly acknowledging Oskido’s influence on their careers. A tribute video shared on Instagram featured several prominent figures reflecting on their personal experiences with him. These included Black Coffee, DJ Zinhle, Kwesta, Nhlanhla Nciza, Berita, Shimza and EFF leader Julius Malema. Each voice highlighted a different part of Oskido’s legacy, from mentorship to business guidance and creative development. The messages painted a clear picture of an artist whose influence extends far beyond his own music catalogue.

Grammy award-winning DJ Black Coffee spoke about the confidence Oskido helped instil in him early in his journey. He described how being associated with Oskido changed the way he approached industry spaces and opportunities. DJ Zinhle reflected on her time at Kalawa Jazmee Records, crediting Oskido with shaping her early career direction. She expressed that her growth in the industry would not have been possible without his support and guidance. These testimonies reinforced the role Oskido played in building some of South Africa’s most successful modern artists.

Singer-songwriter Berita also credited Oskido with giving her a crucial early opportunity that helped launch her career. Kwesta described him as someone who has created value for many people across different parts of the industry. Nhlanhla Nciza, who has worked closely with Oskido for years through Mafikizolo, described him as a strong and consistent leader. DJ Shimza added that Oskido’s influence extends beyond his personal achievements and speaks to his broader contribution to the culture. These reflections show a pattern of mentorship that cuts across genres and generations.

Political leader Julius Malema also joined the tributes, calling Oskido the “Mandela of music” in recognition of his cultural impact. The statement highlighted how Oskido’s influence is seen not only in entertainment but also in South Africa’s wider cultural identity. His work with Kalawa Jazmee Records helped shape the sound of kwaito and house music during a key period in the country’s post-apartheid music evolution. Through this platform, he helped launch and sustain multiple successful careers. His contribution is often linked to the growth of South Africa’s modern music industry infrastructure.

Oskido’s legacy is also closely tied to his role as co-founder of Kalawa Jazmee Records, one of South Africa’s most influential independent labels. The label became a launchpad for numerous artists and helped define a distinct local sound that gained national and international recognition. His work as a producer and DJ has consistently focused on collaboration and talent development. This approach has allowed him to remain relevant across different eras of South African music. It also explains why so many artists across generations continue to reference his influence.

The Order of Ikhamanga in Silver recognises individuals who have excelled at a high level in creative and cultural fields. In Oskido’s case, the award reflects both his personal success and his contribution to developing others. His career demonstrates how influence in music can extend beyond performance into mentorship, entrepreneurship and cultural leadership. The recognition places him among a select group of South African creatives who have been formally honoured for their national impact. It also reinforces the importance of long-term contribution in shaping artistic industries.

The tributes shared by artists and public figures show a consistent theme of gratitude and respect for Oskido’s role in their journeys. From early career support to long-term mentorship, his presence has been felt across multiple levels of the industry. His influence continues to shape how new artists approach music, business and personal development. The award serves as formal recognition of a career built on consistency, collaboration and cultural contribution. Oskido’s legacy remains deeply embedded in the history and ongoing evolution of South African music.

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