Oskido with his Lifetime Achievement Award at the Samas

Langalakhe Mabena [email protected]

South Africa-based music legend Oscar “Oskido” Mdlongwa has added another major accolade to his decorated career after being honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 32nd South African Music Awards (SAMA32).

Oskido, who grew up in Luveve, Bulawayo, attending Gifford High School for his secondary education, received the prestigious award on Saturday night at the Sun City Superbowl in the North

West province , where the SAMAs returned for their Homecoming Edition after several years away from the province.

The ceremony was hosted by rapper Cassper Nyovest and broadcaster Zanele Potelwa, with the two keeping proceedings moving as some of Mzansi’s biggest names were celebrated.

The award recognises Oskido’s more than three decades of contribution to South African music, particularly his pioneering work in Kwaito and House Music and his role in nurturing some of the country’s biggest artistes.

The honour came after Oskido was bestowed with the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the 2026 National Orders ceremony on May 19.

Being honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award Oskido at the SAMAs caps a remarkable year for the Kalawa Jazmee boss, who has spent decades behind the decks and in the boardroom building platforms for other artistes such as Boom Shaka, Mafikizolo, DJ Zinhle, Black Coffee and DJ Maphorisa.

Accepting the award, Oskido dedicated it to the late Lebo Mathosa and reflected on the journey of Kalawa Jazmee.

He said the recognition had come at the right time, particularly after the label and its artistes had previously missed out on similar recognition.

Oskido received a standing ovation before using his moment to acknowledge the artistes, producers and fans who had walked the journey with him.

Meanwile, Grammy Award-winning singer Tyla was another major winner, taking home the AfriPure International Achievement Award for the second time.

She was honoured for her global success and the role she has played in taking South African music, including pop, amapiano and Bacardi, to international audiences.

Gospel singer HLE was among the biggest winners of the night, winning both the Female Artist of the Year award and Album of the Year for The Ground We’re On. Mzukulu also enjoyed a strong showing, winning Male Artist of the Year and Best Maskandi Album for Ng’funa Intozami.

Amadodana Ase Wesile won Duo/Group of the Year, while Paras “Sibalukhulu” Dlamini was named Newcomer of the Year. Kabza De Small won Best Amapiano Album for Bab’Motha, while

Makhadzi Entertainment took Best Traditional Music Album for Sesi Ka Rose.

The awards also saw Langa Mavuso winning Best Produced Album for Therapy: The Other Side, while Lordkez took Best R&B for You, Me & The 90’s during the industry awards.

Full list of SAMA32 winners

Album of the Year: HLE — The Ground We’re On

Female Artist of the Year: HLE

Male Artist of the Year: Mzukulu

Duo/Group of the Year: Amadodana Ase Wesile

Newcomer of the Year: Paras “Sibalukhulu” Dlamini

Record of the Year: uMafikizolo — Uyoncengwa Unyoko

Music Video of the Year: Bengicela

Best Collaboration: DJ Maphorisa & Xduppy, Kabza De Small feat. Thatohatsi, Young Stunna & Nkosazana Daughter — Abantwana Bakho

Most Streamed Song of the Year: DJ Maphorisa & Xduppy — Ngomoya

SAMRO Highest Airplay Composer Award: Nontokozo Hlengwa Mkhize — Esandleni

Best Amapiano Album: Kabza De Small — Bab’Motha

Best Dance Album: Jazzwrld & Thukuthela — The Most Wanted

Best Gqom Album: Blacks Jnr, Dankie Boi & GoldMax — New Wave

Best Traditional Music Album: Makhadzi Entertainment — Sesi Ka Rose

Best Traditional Faith Music Album: Bucy Radebe — Praise & Worship in the Wilderness, Pt. 1

Best Maskandi Album: Mzukulu — Ng’funa Intozami

Best Pop Album: Will Linley — Don’t Cry Because It’s Over

Beste Pop Album (Afrikaans): Brendan Peyper — Troumateriaal

AfriPure International Achievement Award: Tyla

Lifetime Achievement Award: Oskido

Best Produced Album: Langa Mavuso — Therapy: The Other Side

Best R&B/Soul Album: Lordkez — You, Me & The 90’s

Best Contemporary Faith Music Video: HLE

Best African Indigenous Faith Album: Amadodana Ase Wesile

— Monghali Mesia