The veteran DJ and kwaito pioneer was honoured at the Presidential investiture ceremony in Tshwane.
By Bulelwa Hoala
South African musician and DJ Oskido, real name Oscar Mdlongwa, was on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, awarded the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver at an investiture ceremony held at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Tshwane.
Named after the Strelitzia flower, the Order of Ikhamanga is the highest presidential honour a South African creative can achieve. While National Orders broadly celebrate those who built our democracy, the Ikhamanga specifically honours the heavyweights of arts, music, and sport.
Oskido received the award for creating opportunities for young musicians, building on his own success as a DJ, record producer, entrepreneur, and kwaito pioneer.
In a post on social media, Oskido expressed his gratitude while acknowledging the collaborators who have supported his journey over the years.
“Deeply grateful to President Ramaphosa and the Presidency for this honour the Order of Ikhamanga. But I receive this on behalf of all of us. My family, Kalawa Jazmee, DJs United, every pioneer, every creative, every believer. We lift each other and God opens the doors. This is only the beginning,” he wrote.
Watch the video below:
Veteran DJ, producer, and kwaito pioneer Oskido has been in the music industry for over 26 years. He is a key figure in the rise of kwaito and the Kalawa Jazmee legacy, and has played a central role in shaping South Africa’s modern music industry.
Other notable recipients include Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus, who received the Order of Ikhamanga in Gold for his inspirational leadership in national and international rugby, and musician Jonathan Butler, recognised in Silver for his contribution to the arts as a jazz, R&B, and gospel singer, songwriter, and producer.
To see the full list of recipients, click here.
READ NEXT: ProVerb graduates with MBA after years of sacrifice and perseverance
The post WATCH: Oskido receives prestigious Order of Ikhamanga for uplifting young musicians appeared first on KAYA 959.
