He called it, manifested it and affirmed.
2023 was the year he cemented his musical magic with the rise of the three-step Afro-tech sub-genre.
With his 10-track collaborative ‘Yes God’ project boasting the likes of Dearson, Kabza de Small, Kelvin Momo, Chymamusique, Thakzin and Mörda among others, Oscar Mbo topped the charts and kept groovists going.
Born Oscar Mbongeni Ndlovu, the house-music-head has clearly not put a close to his ‘Yes God’ season as his wins continue to run over.
Showing up fashionably suited-up at the MetroFM awards ceremony, which was held at Mbombela stadium, little did he know that he’d be among the stars celebrated on the night.
He was among the first to clinch a black award trophy for being the best styled artist of the year which recognises the best fusions of style and music.
“This is my first time attending the awards, ever and it’s nice on my debut to win an award, it’s amazing,” he tells Drum backstage after winning.
Ever since he started his house music podcast, The Ashmed hour, Oscar has gradually risen to greatness with international tours, a notable endorsement deal with Diesel and features on radio and TV shows such as Hit Refresh on Vuzu.
For over ten years, he has paced himself to receive his flowers.
He tells Drum the secret behind allowing his work and fashion sense to speak the loudest, especially over the past year.
“Consistency. Not much has been different in the last couple of years, it’s always been about being consistent and being able to be a different brand and be able to do different stuff as an artist, as a DJ, producer. That’s what keeps me going. The work that I’ve done over the years has just needed a lot of discipline and a lot of repetitive moments of doing the same thing over and over again until it gets to the right people.”
Unlike many artists, Oscar has ensured that his fashion statements leave a lasting impression, even after his DJ sets.
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He tells Drum that being ever-so fashionable is very important to him but has its easy and difficult moments.
“It’s one of the easiest things for me, at the same time also very difficult. For someone looking from a distance, it looks like a lot of effort but for me it’s easy because I love fashion, I love looking good. I play, I work in front of a live audience, week in, week out so I always try to be a presentable person because it’s who I am.”
“It gives some sort of identity to people who are looking, whether they are supporters or not, it’s very important and it has definitely played its role [in my success],” he chuckles as he holds out his award to Drum.
Despite his love for fashion, music not came knocking first and will remain his eternal love.
“I’m overwhelmed. Over the years, I’ve never been a mainstream artist but the people who’ve always supported me have given me hope.”
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“When the chips are down, they are the ones who make me feel like an amazing artist, they make me want to tap into other departments more and more. They make me curious about how far I can go so it’s all love to them. I doubt I’d be standing here today without them. For me to now be in the forefront and be listed with the people I’m listed with, it’s such an honour,” the 33-year-old adds.
Above and beyond winning his first award in his home province, Oscar who was raised in Witbank is more excited about the future of three-step.
“Three-step is the sound we need in South Africa, it is here to stay. When we started playing it, people were doubting, asking what it is but now it’s amazing because everyone’s become welcoming to it, we’re getting awards for it. I’m looking forward to more people tapping into it and growing it globally.”
