Oskido Honoured by President Ramaphosa with Prestigious Order of Ikhamanga

South African music icon Oskido has officially cemented his place among the country’s cultural greats after receiving the prestigious Order of Ikhamanga from President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The emotional moment, which took place during South Africa’s National Orders ceremony in Pretoria, saw the veteran producer and Kalawa Jazmee co-founder awarded the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver, one of the country’s highest honours recognising excellence in arts, culture, music, literature, journalism, and sport.

Taking to Instagram shortly after receiving the award, Oskido shared a heartfelt message reflecting on the significance of the recognition:

“I receive this on behalf of all of us. My family, Kalawa Jazmee, DJs United, every pioneer, every creative, every believer.”

For decades, Oskido has played a defining role in shaping the sound of South African music. From pioneering the kwaito movement in the 1990s to mentoring generations of artists and producers, his contribution extends far beyond the DJ booth.

As one of the founding forces behind Kalawa Jazmee Records, Oskido helped launch and elevate countless careers while creating a blueprint for township music culture that continues to influence amapiano and modern African dance music today.

His impact can be heard through multiple eras of South African sound, from kwaito to house music and now amapiano, making him one of the few artists whose relevance has transcended generations.

The honour also marks a major moment for the country’s creative industry, with many viewing the recognition as a celebration of South Africa’s musical heritage and the pioneers who built it from the ground up.

Social media quickly erupted following the ceremony, with fans, artists, and industry peers congratulating the legendary producer for a career that has not only shaped music, but South African culture itself.

For many, the image of President Ramaphosa placing the medal around Oskido’s neck symbolised more than an award, it was a national acknowledgment of the soundtrack behind countless South African memories.

And if Oskido’s own words are anything to go by, this moment is far from the end of the journey.

“This is only the beginning.”