From Music Icon to Business Mogul: How Oskido Built a Multifaceted Empire

From Music Icon to Business Mogul: How Oskido Built a Multifaceted Empire. Oskido, born Oscar Bonginkosi Mdlongwa, is a name synonymous with South African music. From being a pioneer in the kwaito and house music genres to becoming one of the most influential entrepreneurs in the country, Oskido’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, authenticity, and strategic diversification. His rise from humble beginnings to building a business empire is a story that inspires not just aspiring musicians but entrepreneurs across all sectors.

Here’s a closer look at how Oskido transformed his passion for music into a thriving enterprise while diversifying into other ventures that have solidified his legacy.

Building a Music Legacy Rooted in Identity

Oskido’s journey began in the early 1990s when he co-founded the music group Brothers of Peace and later formed the iconic label Kalawa Jazmee Records. The label became the launchpad for numerous South African artists, including Mafikizolo, Boom Shaka, and Thebe.

Key Strategy:Oskido stayed true to South Africa’s cultural roots, blending traditional elements with modern sounds to create music that resonated with audiences. This authenticity established Kalawa Jazmee as a cultural institution in the music industry.

Strategic Marketing: Understanding the Pulse of the Market

Oskido’s ability to anticipate and adapt to industry trends has been pivotal. He embraced the shift from traditional distribution methods to digital platforms, ensuring his artists and label remained relevant.

Key Milestone:Kalawa Jazmee’s partnership with emerging streaming platforms allowed them to reach a broader audience, solidifying the label’s dominance in an ever-changing market.

Overcoming Challenges in a Competitive Industry

The music industry is notoriously challenging, and Oskido faced his share of obstacles, including navigating piracy and adapting to digital disruptions. His ability to pivot during tough times was critical to his sustained success.

Key Approach:Rather than lamenting the challenges of digital transformation, Oskido embraced it by mentoring younger artists, creating innovative music collaborations, and using digital tools to promote and distribute music.

Diversification: Building Beyond Music

Oskido’s journey into diversification began with a clear understanding of the importance of multiple income streams. Leveraging his influence and success in the music industry, he strategically ventured into other businesses, creating a portfolio that reflects both his passion and business acumen.

• Daruma by Oskido: Inspired by his travels and love for culinary experiences, Oskido launched Daruma by Oskido, a Japanese-inspired restaurant in Johannesburg. The restaurant’s success is a testament to his ability to identify market opportunities and bring unique concepts to South Africa’s dining scene.
• Real Estate Investments: Oskido has also expanded into real estate, focusing on properties in South Africa’s growing urban hubs. This long-term investment strategy secures financial stability and reflects his ability to diversify across industries.
• Artist Management and Publishing: Beyond producing music, Oskido ventured into artist management and publishing. This move allowed him to support artists throughout their careers, ensuring both creative freedom and financial stability for them, while adding another revenue stream to his empire.

Oskido’s ventures are rooted in a blend of passion and strategy. His exposure to diverse cultures during his music tours inspired ventures like Daruma, while his experience in the entertainment industry highlighted gaps in artist management and publishing. The decision to enter real estate and merchandising was driven by a commitment to securing his legacy and creating generational wealth.

Growth: Expanding His Empire

Oskido’s empire continues to grow, with Kalawa Jazmee evolving into a full-fledged entertainment powerhouse. His influence now spans beyond music into lifestyle and entrepreneurship, making him a role model for many.

Future Vision:Oskido’s focus on nurturing the next generation of artists and entrepreneurs ensures his legacy will endure for decades. One of his earlier artists, DJ Maphorisa expressed gratitude towards Oskido as he revealed how Oskido was instrumental in him venturing into property investment and diversifying his business portfolio.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Oskido’s story is one of vision, hard work, and the power of staying true to your roots. From revolutionizing South African music to building a diversified business empire, his journey demonstrates what’s possible when passion meets strategy.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, Oskido’s success is a reminder that authenticity, resilience, and innovation are the cornerstones of building a legacy. Whether you’re in the music industry or another field, his blueprint offers valuable lessons for creating a thriving business and making an impact that resonates far beyond your immediate sphere.