Oskido: Biography, Kwaito, Age, Wife, Children

Oskido (born 29 November 1967), is a South African DJ, producer, and entrepreneur. He is widely regarded as the “Godfather” of South African dance music and a pioneer of kwaito genre.

Biography: DJ Oskido

Full Name: Oscar Bonginkosi Mdlongwa

Stage Name: DJ Oskido

Place of Birth: Brits, North West

Date of Birth: 29 November 1967 (Age - 58)

Occupation: DJ, Producer, Entrepreneur

Known For: Pioneer of Kwaito Music

Spouse(s): Mathapelo Mdlongwa, Kibi Mdlongwa (Divorced -2015)

Children: At least 4

Nationality: South African

Early Life and Background

Oskido was born on 29 November 1967 as Oscar Bonginkosi Mdlongwa in Oukasie township, Brits, in the North West province of South Africa. He is the son of Zimbabwean politician Esaph Mdlongwa and South African mother Emily Sophia Molefi.

He was raised in Luveve Township in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. This is where he obtained his basic education after attended Gifford High School. He returned to South Africa at the age of 21. Upon arrival Oscar started running a family business in Brits before relocating to Johannesburg to pursue a career in music.

DJ Oskido Career Beginnings

When he reached Johannesburg he stayed in Hillbrow and worked at Razzmatazz nightclub. His job was to sell boerewors rolls. One day he got an unexpected opportunity to DJ when the scheduled performer failed to show up. This marked marked the beginning of his professional DJ career.

After that Oscido began producing Mixmaster and Big Jam cassette compilations. Which gained widespread popularity in South Africa’s underground music scene and helped establish his reputation as a tastemaker.

Musical Contributions and Legacy

Oskido is widely recognized as one of the pioneers of kwaito music genre which began in the early 1990s. He redefined his own unique music style by slowing down house music tempos and incorporate local vocals and lyrics.

He later co-formed the influential group Brothers of Peace (B.O.P) alongside Bruce “Dope” Sebitlo. This group went on to release a series of multiple albums that contributed significantly to the development of Afro-house music. Apart from contributing to Kwaito genre, Oskido helped to launch music careers for well known DJs and musicians like Boom Shaka, Bongo Maffin, Mafikizolo, and Black Coffee.

Though he made a name for himself in the kwaito industry, he managed to adapt to new music genres such as Afro-house and Amapiano music. This made him to remain relevant until today.

Business and Media Ventures

Oskido is not just a musician and DJ but he is also a businessman and radio host. He hosted several radio shows such as I believe Metro FM and other shows on YFM. He also ventured into hospitality business when he established Daruma Japanese Restaurant in Johannesburg and his Groove Lounge pop-up restaurants.

Then in 2014 he became the judge for The X Factor South Africa season 1.

Legacy

Oskido is recognized for pioneering Kwaito music genre and paving a career for well known DJs and musicians like Black Coffee, Boom Shaka, Bongo Maffin and Mafikizolo.

In May 2026 Oscar “Oskido” Mdlongwa was honoured by President Cyril Ramaphosa when he bestowed on him the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver. He was recognized and honoured “for creating opportunities for young musicians as an offshoot of his own success as a DJ, record producer, entrepreneur, and kwaito pioneer”.

Personal Life of Oskido

Oskido is married to Mathapelo Mdlongwa. The couple gave birth to a son named Bass. In May 2024, Oskido posted a lighthearted moment with his daughters Mandy, Naledi, and another daughter, jokingly referring to them as his “three wives”.

Relationship History

Oskido was previously married to Kibi Mdlongwa before their separation in 2015. With Kibi, Oscar was blessed with two daughters, Mandy and Naledi. 

After the end of his marriage with Kibi, Oskido later revealed that he had found love again and married Mathapelo.