Co-founded by Oskido over 25 years ago, Kalawa Jazmee has been on the frontlines of homegrown music genres like kwaito, deep house, and amapiano. They’ve also had huge mainstream success with acts like Boom Shaka, Bongo Maffin, Trompies, Thebe, Mafikizolo, DJ Zinhle, and Sunday’s live show guest Vigro Deep.
Now they’ve come on board as the official label partner for Idols SA! They’ll be representing the winner, so whoever you vote for season 16’s crown will be mentored by the one-and-only Oskido!
While Christos Katsaitis (the Ka- in Kalawa) and Don Laka (the La-) were initially involved in the label with Oskido (then going with the surname Warona – the Wa-), then simply called Kalawa, they subsequently left, and when Trompies came on board, Mandla ‘Spikiri’ Mofokeng, Zynne ‘Mahoota’ Sibika, Emmanuel ‘Mjokes’ Matsane and Bruce ‘Dope’ Sebitlo became directors and the label was renamed Kalawa Jazmee.
And while they’re no longer on the label, it was a launchpad for some massive acts. Early into his career, Oskido mentored Black Coffee, and Kalawa was the first stable for Black Motion, Busiswa, Uhuru, and Heavy K.
It’s also home to Oskido’s music, both solo projects and his work with Bruce Sebitlo as Brothers of Peace, which has reached dancefloors the world over via a licensing deal with Louie Vega’s MAW Records label.
Kalawa Jazmee is the best and biggest indie label in Mzansi and we can’t wait to see what they have in store for the Idols SA winner!
Season 16 of Idols SA broadcasts on Sundays at 17:00 on Mzansi Magic Channel 161. Get exclusive updates and a behind the scenes look at all the action right here on our site. Don't forget to join the conversation by following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #IdolsSA.