Oskido
Rumbidzai Mbewe, Sunday Life Correspondent
BACK in 1991 who would have thought that the guy selling boerewors rolls outside Club Razzmatazz in Hilbrow, South Africa would become a house hold name in the music industry. About 26 years later he is no longer selling rolls but is selling dreams and a brighter future for the younger generation in the kwaito music business.
Since the day he replaced the DJ who did not pitch up for a gig at Club Razmatazz, Oscar Mdlongwa also known as Oskido, has built an empire for himself, leaving a legacy for his children. The kwaito legend will this month drop a new album titled 50 Degrees as he celebrates his silver jubilee. His album is set to be launched on his birthday on 29 November.
Taking it to twitter, the legend talks of the amazing experience that he had working with his son. The big question that comes to mind is could Oskido be grooming his son to step in his shoes when he leaves the empire in future?
“Being back home has got me thinking…one of the biggest blessings that came with working on my new album was collaborating with my son on the first single AmaGrootman,” he said.
Oskido said he has been in the music industry for a long time before his son was even born thus the opportunity of working with him in his new album was a magical moment that he cherishes. “He wasn’t even born at the beginning of my career. To have lived long enough to make music with him is a blessing and I could never find words to describe. Life has come full circle,” he said.
The kwaito legend said being in the music business half of his life has taught him a lot of things. He said he has had his fair share of experiences in life as youth and that made him appreciate life hence it groomed him to be the man he is today.
“I have been young and excited, reckless and unruly but…as I stand as a father, musician and businessman today, I’m humbled by the network I’ve built and the people that continue to believe in my advocacy. Your dreams are relevant,” he said.
Recently the artiste revealed to The Times Live that together with the co founders of Kalawa Jazmee, DJ Christos and Don Laka, they will be building a new music hub in Johannesburg. He said they won’t be building an office only on sit but they were going to build accommodation facilities, a music academy, a number of studios and a hall.
Kalawa Jazmee, the legendary music label that birthed much of South African music and gave us artistes such as Trompies, Bongo Maffin, Mafikizolo and Boom Shaka.