By Rex Mphisa
THAT biblical verse “a prophet is not honoured in his own home” is perhaps apt for legendary musician and Luveve-born Oscar Mdlongwa popularly known as Oskido in his industry.
This comes after the legend “Oskido”, as he is known is his circles, was awarded the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
He was honoured in Pretoria on May 19, 2026, (Tuesday) for his pioneering contributions to the kwaito genre and his ongoing dedication to empowering young musicians in the industry.
SA’s Order of Ikhamanga is one of that country’s highest national honors recognising citizens who have achieved excellence in the fields of arts, culture, literature, music, journalism, and sport.
Silver is bestowed upon individuals for outstanding contributions and Oskido joins a prestigious list of honorees, including artists like Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela, Brenda Fassie, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and Johnny Clegg.
Oskido is celebrated for shaping the South African music landscape as a DJ, record producer, and entrepreneur.
He has been a pivotal force in kwaito and Afro-house music and was specifically honoured for discovering, producing, and creating platforms for numerous young musicians and iconic groups over the decades, ensuring the next generation of talent has opportunities to succeed.
Through his pioneering record label Kalawa Jazmee, the legendary DJ and producer Oskido discovered and launched the careers of many of South Africa’s most famous musicians.
His stable was the driving force behind the Kwaito revolution and successfully transitioned into Afro-house and Amapiano.
The most famous artists and groups from his stable include:Mafikizolo, a multi-award-winning Afro-pop duo who became household names across the continent with massive hits like “Ndihamba Nawe” and “Khona.”
Oskido was also the power behind Boom Shaka, a pioneering Kwaito group that introduced the late, iconic Brenda Fassie’s niece, Lebo Mathosa, to the mainstream platform.
He also made Bongo Maffin, a groundbreaking Kwaito and Afro-pop group created by fellow Zimbabwean DJ Tinomudaishe Mupemhi aka Appleseed (now Jah Seed) from Chivhu and SA nationals Tandiswa Mazwai and Stoan.
Oskido was to create Trompies, Professor, who produced Jezebel, popular DJ Maphorisa, an Amapiano kingpin nurtured under Kalawa Jazmee banner, DJ Zinhle with hit “Umlilo and Busiswa.
Born Oscar Sibonginkosi Mdlongwa in Brits, South Africa, to a Zimbabwean father and a South African mother and holding South African citizenship, Mdlongwa is reported in the SA media as not Zimbabwean.
He however spent much of his early childhood and school years in Luveve, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, before returning to South Africa as an adult to build his music career.
Your guess is as good as mine as to what country he belongs, but whats in a place? He is good at what he does!