In the ’90s, Oskido was the definition of cool—a club DJ dropping beats that made people lose their minds on the dancefloor. Fast forward to today, and you’ll find the same man dropping wisdom on Facebook, running businesses, and making hilarious TikTok videos. What changed? The truth is, Oskido never stopped evolving—and in his evolution, there are powerful lessons for all of us.
I first encountered Oskido’s music in 1995 while I was a first-year student at Wits Tech. Well, my first first-year. I failed and repeated in 1996, but the truth is, studying was never my priority then. I was experiencing the Jozi City Lights for the first time, and they shone bright. My soundtrack? Oskido’s Traffic Cop album and Boom Shaka, blasting through taxis and campus parties. DJ Fistaz was our campus DJ, and Thebe was just coming up, with Tempy Life. Both Fistaz and Thebe were from my high school, which made me feel an even deeper connection to the music.
Looking back, I can see that I had lost myself in the illusion of freedom, and kwaito was my anthem. It was our music, raw and unapologetic, reflecting our chaotic yet exhilarating journey into young adulthood. Oskido’s songs—Traffic Cop, Magosha, U Ya Ya Na—became part of my personal narrative. We were celebrating, consuming, and vibing to a sound that resonated with our moment in history. It felt like freedom, even if it was just an illusion.
Yet here we are today, and Oskido is still free—only this time, it’s a different kind of freedom. He is free to say and do what he wants, not because he’s chasing hype, but because he built an authentic brand around his authentic self. He was recklessly free as a young man, and now he is authentically careful, mindful of the messages he shares as an elder. Maybe it’s time to give him his flowers for his contribution to the soundtracks of our reality as urban black people. He is a true example of transformation and the ability to evolve while staying relevant.
Lessons from Oskido’s Journey
Oskido’s life exemplifies how passion, when fused with purpose, creates a lasting and positive impact on society. His story isn’t just about music; it’s about adaptability, mentorship, authenticity, and sustainability. Here’s how we can apply his lessons to our own paths:
1. Continuous Reinvention – The Power of Adaptability
Oskido didn’t get stuck in one era or one mode of expression. From a club DJ in the ’90s to a pioneering producer, a mentor, a businessman, and now a digital content creator, he has consistently evolved.
✅ Lesson: People can use their purpose to impact society by embracing change and adapting to new platforms, skills, or industries. Growth happens when we keep refining and expanding our purpose.
📌 Application: If your purpose is to educate, adapt by moving from traditional teaching to online platforms, podcasts, or digital courses, just as Oskido transitioned from records to social media engagement.
2. Sharing Knowledge and Lifting Others
Oskido didn’t hoard his success—he used his platform to uplift others. Through Kalawa Jazmee, he mentored and launched the careers of now-legendary artists like Mafikizolo, Black Motion, and Boom Shaka. His “I Believe” project further emphasizes teaching young musicians not only how to create but how to sustain their careers.
✅ Lesson: True purpose-driven success is not about individual achievement; it’s about empowering others to succeed.
📌 Application: Whatever your field—business, art, or social activism—look for ways to mentor, train, or share your insights with others.
3. Authenticity – Staying True to Who You Are
Despite changing platforms and business ventures, Oskido has remained true to his essence. Whether on TikTok, in boardrooms, or behind the DJ decks, he exudes the same positive, fun, and wise personality.
✅ Lesson: You don’t have to conform to societal expectations to make an impact. Being yourself and showing your personality is a strength, not a weakness.
📌 Application: Use your voice, your humor, your background—whatever makes you, you—to inspire and engage others.
4. Using Passion to Create Sustainable Businesses
Oskido didn’t limit himself to music. He branched into restaurant ownership and other business ventures, proving that when passion meets strategic action, it can sustain itself financially.
✅ Lesson: Purpose should be sustainable. If you’re passionate about something, find a way to structure it into a viable business or initiative.
📌 Application: If your purpose is in wellness, consider creating workshops, products, or content that generate income. If it’s education, build platforms that allow you to teach while earning.
5. Staying Positive and Resilient in All Seasons
Oskido’s journey wasn’t always smooth. The music industry is ruthless, trends come and go, and businesses don’t always succeed. But his unwavering positivity and resilience have kept him relevant.
✅ Lesson: Your purpose will face challenges, but a positive mindset and a long-term vision will help you stay the course.
📌 Application: Accept that setbacks are part of the process. Keep your vision in focus and remember why you started.
Channeling Oskido’s Light into Your Path
Oskido’s story teaches us that purpose isn’t a fixed destination—it’s a journey of reinvention, sharing, authenticity, sustainability, and resilience. Whether you are an artist, entrepreneur, educator, or activist, his model shows that purpose isn’t just about personal fulfillment but about creating ripples that positively affect those around you.
💡 Ask Yourself:
- How can I evolve my purpose instead of being stuck in one way of doing things?
- Am I sharing my knowledge with others, or am I hoarding it?
- How can I use my authentic self to inspire others?
- Have I structured my passion in a way that sustains itself financially?
- Am I keeping a positive mindset through challenges?
If we take even one of these lessons and apply it, we not only move closer to fulfilling our own purpose but also contribute to a better society—just like Oskido has done for decades. His light is not meant to be admired from afar; it’s meant to be used as inspiration for our own paths. 🌟