derick.khumalo
Mbulelo Mpofu, [email protected]
MUSIC legend Oskido has joined forces with Congolese-Angolan vocalist Salima Chica for Tiki Tiki 2.0, a cross-continental Afro House collaboration that underscores the growing influence of African electronic music on the global stage.
Released through Kunye Records, the single serves as the lead release from an upcoming EP that reimagines the viral Tiki Tiki through a collection of fresh Afro House interpretations. The project also features acclaimed producers Argento Dust and Bun Xapa, combining their distinct production styles to create a dancefloor-ready anthem rooted in African musical traditions.
Inspired by the Lingala word Tekita, meaning “to shake” or “to tremble“, Tiki Tiki 2.0 explores the exhilaration of love through hypnotic vocal performances, pulsating percussion, lush melodies and modern Afro House production. The track seamlessly fuses Central and Southern African musical influences into a vibrant sound that is equally at home in intimate clubs, major festivals and international DJ sets.
The release represents another milestone in the growing collaboration between African artists seeking to transcend geographical and linguistic boundaries through music. By pairing Salima Chica’s captivating vocals with Oskido’s decades of musical expertise and the production prowess of Argento Dust and Bun Xapa, Tiki Tiki 2.0 reflects the increasingly borderless nature of contemporary African music.
For Oskido, whose real name is Oscar Mdlongwa, the project carries a deeper significance beyond its infectious rhythm.
“This project is about celebrating African unity through music. Tiki Tiki 2.0 brings together different cultures and sounds, showing how Afro House continues to evolve while staying rooted in our heritage,” he said.
The collaboration arrives at a time when Afro House continues to enjoy unprecedented international recognition, with African producers and DJs becoming regular fixtures on some of the world’s biggest festival stages and streaming playlists.
Few artistes have contributed more to that global rise than Oskido.
Widely regarded as one of Africa’s most influential DJs, producers and cultural entrepreneurs, Oskido has spent more than three decades helping shape South Africa’s contemporary music landscape. As co-founder of the iconic Kalawa Jazmee Records, he has played a pivotal role in discovering, nurturing and promoting generations of African artists while exporting the continent’s sound to audiences across the globe.
His immense contribution to South African arts and culture was recently recognised at the National Orders Investiture Ceremony held at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse, where President Cyril Ramaphosa conferred upon him the prestigious Order of Ikhamanga in Silver. The national honour recognises individuals who have excelled in the fields of arts, culture, literature, music, journalism and sport while making an exceptional contribution to South African society.
The honour further cements Oskido’s status as one of the continent’s most respected cultural ambassadors, a reputation he continues to reinforce through projects such as Tiki Tiki 2.0.
Equally significant is the role played by Kunye Records, the Afro House platform responsible for bringing the collaboration to life.
Founded by internationally acclaimed DJ and producer Shimza in 2020 during the height of the Covid-19 lockdowns, Kunye — meaning “together” in isiXhosa — began as a series of livestreamed performances designed to keep African music alive while audiences remained confined to their homes.
What started as a digital initiative rapidly transformed into one of Africa’s most influential Afro House brands, evolving into a globally recognised events platform and record label.
Today, Kunye stages events in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, London, Kenya, Ibiza and several other international destinations, showcasing African electronic music to diverse audiences while creating opportunities for emerging and established artists alike.
The label has also become synonymous with musical excellence through its partnership with music distribution company Platoon, providing a home for celebrated artists such as Thakzin, Blanka Mazimela and Darque, while attracting internationally renowned remixers including Louie Vega, Mele and Rodriguez Jr.
Its growing international reputation has seen Kunye Records earn official Apple Music DJ Mix curator status and receive recognition as Beatport’s Label of the Month, further strengthening its position at the forefront of the global Afro House movement.
Against this backdrop, Tiki Tiki 2.0 represents more than just another single. It is a celebration of African collaboration, cultural exchange and musical innovation, illustrating how artists from different regions of the continent can create work that resonates far beyond Africa’s borders.
The forthcoming EP promises to build on the momentum of the original Tiki Tiki by presenting multiple versions tailored for clubs, festivals and international dance audiences, reinforcing Afro House’s reputation as one of Africa’s fastest-growing musical exports.
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