Respected producer Oskido became the focal point of a heated discussion on social media after news about his nationality emerged, surprising many South Africans.
The National Orders Awards, which took place on May 19, 2026, honoured individuals who have made significant contributions to democracy and improved the lives of South Africans.
Oskido was awarded the Order of Ikhamanga in silver, recognising his accomplishments in the fields of arts, culture, literature, music, journalism, and sports.
The co-founder of Kalawa Jazmee has been celebrated for “creating opportunities for young musicians, building on his own success as a DJ, record producer, entrepreneur, and pioneer in kwaito,” and received his honours from President Cyril Ramaphosa during the ceremony.
Controversial X (formerly Twitter) user ChrisExcel102 expressed disbelief upon discovering that Oskido was not Zimbabwean, a misconception that many had long accepted as true.
“All I along I thought Oskido is a Zimbabwean.”
Born Oscar Sibonginkosi Mdlongwa, Oskido was raised by his late Zimbabwean father, politician Esaph Mdlongwa, and South African mother, Emily Sophia Molefi, in Brits, North West.
His early years were spent in Zimbabwe, where he completed his basic education. He returned to Brits in 1988 at the age of 21 to take charge of a family business before moving to Johannesburg to pursue a career in music. In 1991, he established Kalawa, a label that greatly influenced youth culture and launched numerous successful artists, including Bongo Maffin, Black Motion, and DJ Zinhle, as well as the late Winnie Khumalo, among others.
Fans took to the comments section to voice their opinions on the producer’s nationality.
Watch Oskido’s video below.
Social media discussions about Oskido’s nationality
The comments section was abuzz with speculation as users weighed in on Oskido’s nationality. Here are some of their remarks.
ChemhsTate commented:
“Before he became successful, he was Zimbabwean.”
busoKhoza_ remarked:
“He came legally. Applied for permanent citizenship, did business, complied with SARS, and after 5 years, qualified to be a citizen. He never sold drugs or sold expired food. He’s one of us now.”
pmcafrica added:
“I think his father is Zimbabwean; he was born here.”
collen_el shared:
“Grew up knowing he’s a South African born in a place called Lethlabile (Brits) in the North West from a South African Mom and Zimbabwean Dad.”
StHonorable stated:
“Anything is possible in this country.”
Numerous users highlighted the rising tensions in the nation between South Africans and foreign nationals, noting that the renewed conversation about Oskido’s background comes at a precarious time, especially after the March protests against undocumented immigration. As citizens continue to advocate for tighter border regulations, Oskido’s recent recognition has unintentionally brought the contentious topic back into view, with supporters standing firm in their defense of his right to reside in the country.
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