Meet Oskido’s protege Bass

Mbongeni Msimanga
THE history of names is so ancient that no one really knows how the story began but fact is we all have names, most of them meaningless, but just names.
Since the beginning of time and as far as history is concerned, people have had names. It is therefore, impossible to do more than guess at how the earliest given names were chosen but the issue is that names are not just a form of identity, they have meanings too. And the meanings vary. Some denote the time people were born such as Nkululeko and Zimbabwe for people who were born at independence, Hitler for people who were born during the Second World War while some serve as a reminder to the parent of the things that shaped their lives during the period the child would have been born.

Names have therefore been used as an expression of time, events, tragedies, joy and at times how the child or whatever is being named came by. Cattle in rural areas are usually named after the source of the money that bought the beasts such as Madhiri, Wenera and many other names that one may know or think of.

Perhaps this could be a plain and simple explanation to why people are given the names they have today. But for a musician to name his child Bass, not as a second name but the real name is too much of a coincidence and to say it has no bearing with the line of their trade is to say one has no imagination whatsoever.

Yes, as a musician one may be tempted to think that they may have enjoyed the bass guitar so much during the period and wanted to continue having those memories each time they look at the child. Or the child may have been born in an affair that the bass guitar played an important role in moulding.

We may go on and on with true or wild imaginations all in an effort to unpack the names but 20 years ago, renowned house music maestro — Oscar ‘‘Oskido’’ Mdlongwa named his first-born son Bass.

It was probably because he loved the bumping tunes that dominated the sound of his kwaito house outfit, Brothers of Peace (BOP), which he formed with Bruce Sebitlo in the early 90s.

Perhaps Oskido named his son Bass because he wanted him to follow in his footsteps of being a music producer. Indeed Bass lived to his father’s wish.

Bass, not being judged on the merit of his father, has made a significant impact in the South African music industry.
Seemingly, Bass has gone on to be an investment not only to his father, but the South African music industry as a whole.

With only a few years in the industry, he has so far rubbed shoulders with the biggest musicians in the South African showbiz scene and the likes of Casper Nyovest, Speedy, Stone, Nadia Nakai to mention a few, having either produced or collaborated with this young and new music kid.

In an interview with Sunday Leisure, Bass said his father gave him the guidance that had so far made him successful in his short stint in the music industry.

As they say, experience is the best teacher; the young muso said he was creating a path that was different from that of his father as he was more into rap music.

Talk about not wanting to ride on his father’s fame, but simply following the wise words of a legend whose music is appreciated by many across the world, Bass said he was his own man and no longer just a boy in the music industry.

“For him being there in the music industry has been a blessing for me. He has given me guidance and it is good for me. Some people are talented in this industry, but simply fail because they do not have the guidance that can make them successful.

“I am creating a different path and I am more into rap. I blend in different sounds music and we simply have to move with the times and not concentrate on one genre of music,” he said.

Bass could probably be the next big thing in the South African music industry and has not been swayed by the pomp and fun associated with being a celebrity.

Amid the drugs and women, Bass remains adamant in carrying a family legacy that will usher in a new sound for the next generation South African and international scene.

“There are a lot of drugs and women in the entertainment circle. But the lifestyle is all up to you. Ego’s always come up and society always looks at you in a different way. I don’t fall for things easily as I have a future in hand. My business is just to make good music,” he said.

For him, music has always been a calling and as he started playing the piano at the age of five and from them, he has never turned back.

“I remember if my school report was bad and I wanted to ease out, I would simply go and lock myself in room and play the piano. For me music has always been my calling,” he said.

Bass said he enjoys the relationship he has with Casper Nyovest’s latest album, Refiloe he produced two songs Upper life and Munatiso that features Doc Shebeleza.

The muso has also worked with prominent South African artistes, Speedy Black Diamond, Kwesta, Uhuru, and Professor.

On the international scene, the young muso said he was set to collaborate with international artist Dru Hill later this year and has also worked with Whiz Kid.