Oskido on SAMA32 honour: ‘This is the beginning, not retirement’
South African music legend Oskido joined Carol Ofori ahead of SAMA32 to reflect on his extraordinary career, the rise of Amapiano and why he believes his biggest chapter may still be ahead of him.
Few names are as deeply woven into the story of South African dance music as Oskido.
The DJ, producer, music executive and businessman has spent decades helping shape the country’s sound, while playing a role in the careers of some of South Africa’s biggest artists.
Through Kalawa Jazmee, Oskido has been at the forefront of dance music and has influenced or helped open doors for artists including Mafikizolo, Boom Shaka, DJ Zinhle, DJ Maphorisa and Black Coffee.
Ahead of SAMA32 at Sun City, Oskido joined Carol Ofori on East Coast Radio as he prepared to receive both a Lifetime Achievement Award and an International Achievement Award.
For Oskido, however, the recognition is about more than collecting another trophy.
He told Carol that one of the most important lessons from his career has been to focus on building a community rather than measuring success by awards alone.
“You can come to the awards and then you lose. That doesn’t mean that you’ve lost,” he explained, adding that artists should continue building, stay focused on their journey and remain patient.
From kwaito to Amapiano and the world
Oskido has witnessed South African music change dramatically over the years, from the rise of kwaito to amapiano becoming a global phenomenon.
But he doesn’t see those sounds as separate stories.
Speaking to Carol, Oskido described Amapiano as the “firstborn of kwaito”, saying kwaito created an important foundation for the South African sounds that followed.
He also believes the country’s next wave is already developing.
Beyond Amapiano, he pointed to the growth of Afro-house and three-step as evidence of South Africa’s continued creativity and influence in dance music.
Oskido is looking beyond South Africa
That global ambition is also reflected in Oskido’s latest music.
During the conversation, he spoke about his new track, “Tiki Tiki 2.0”, featuring Angolan vocalist Salima, which has already been played internationally, including by Black Coffee.
Oskido said the focus now needs to extend beyond the South African market as local artists continue positioning themselves as part of a global music movement.
And despite receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award, Oskido has no intention of slowing down.
“Normally when you get a lifetime achievement, it’s like retirement,” he told Carol.
“For me, this is the beginning. It’s a starting line.”
After decades of helping build the sound of South Africa, Oskido clearly believes there is still plenty more music to make.
Listen to Carol Ofori’s full conversation with Oskido below