Given the proximity of South Africa and Zimbabwe, there are numerous signs that the ancestry of some well-known artists in South Africa can be traced to Zimbabwe. One might mistake some of the performers for South Africans based on the way they have assimilated into the local music scene.

Here is a look at some of the popular South African musicians you didn’t know were from Zimbabwe:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

Oskido

Zimbabwean musicianOskido (Image Credit: Twitter)

 

Oskido, real name Oscar Sibonginkosi Mdlongwa, is a Zimbabwean record producer and hitmaker. Dj Oskido was born in Zimbabwe to a politician father, Esaph Mdlongwa, and a South African mother, Emily Sophia Molifi.

Oskido was born in Britain, but he spent most of his childhood in Luveve Township, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, where he received his primary education.

He returned to Brits in South Africa at the age of 21 to operate a family company in Lethlabile before moving to Johannesburg to seek a career in music.

Oskido is well-known in the South African music industry. He is credited with popularizing kwaito and Afro-house. Oskido has established himself as a notable figure in the South African music business over the course of a decade. He co-founded the record company Kalawa Jazmee Records (previously Kalawa Records).

Mr Brown

Mr Brown is a Zimbabwean musicianMr Brown was born in Zimbabwe before relocating to South Africa (Image Credit: City Press)

 

Lynol Siwela, often known as Mr Brown, is a well-known record producer, performer, and composer. He was born in the Zimbabwean city of Gweru. He left Zimbabwe when he was young for South Africa.

In 2004, Mr Brown began singing and recording music in his bedroom. He later formed the group Muungu Africa, who created the hit song ‘Lazaro.’ Since then, he has become a musical force to be reckoned with. He is now signed to the record label Open Mic Productions.

Mr Brown has collaborated with a variety of South African heavyweight musicians, including Makhadzi, Black Motion, Master KG, Niniola, Zanda Zakuza, and Sho Madjozi, to mention a few. He also co-produced Master KG and Zanda Zakuza’s song “Skeleton Move,” as well as Nomcebo Zikode’s “Xola moya wami.”

 

Sha Sha

Sha Sha is ZimbabweanSha Sha (Image Credit: Instagram)

 

Charmaine Shamiso Mapimbiro, better known as Sha Sha, is a Zimbabwean-born South African singer from Mutare.

Sha Sha began her music career at the age of 19 in 2011.

Sha Sha, dubbed the “Queen of Amapiano,” rose to prominence through collaborations with South African amapiano producers such as DJ Maphorisa and Kabza de Small.

She created history in 2020 when she was named Best New International Act at the BET Awards.

 

Nadia Nakai

Nadia Nakai Zimbabwean rootsNadia Nakai (Image Credit: Instagram via@nadianakai)

 

Rapper Nadia Nakai is also one of Mzansi’s most popular performers with Zimbabwean background.

South Africa is where the Zimbabwean rapper and media personality was born. Nadia Nakai was born in South Africa to a South African father and a Zimbabwean mother.

She has established herself in the South African music industry. Her supporters consider her to be the Bragga queen.

 

Berita

Berita Zimbabwean musicianBerita (Image credit:Twitter via @beritaafrosoul)

 

Berita Gugulethu Khumalo, better known as Berita in the music industry, is a Zimbabwean-born singer, songwriter, and music producer who specializes in afrosoul music.

Before moving to New Zealand with her family, Berita spent the majority of her early years in Zimbabwe. Later, she relocated to South Africa, where she currently resides.

Her music combines South African dance music with contemporary pop influences, Afro jazz elements, and soul music.

She is the founder of the independent record company Assali Music in addition to being a vocalist. In addition, Berita founded the pan-African organization for women’s empowerment in the music business known as Women of Music Business (WOMB).

Bonus……

 

Gigi Lamayne

Gigi Lamayne (Image Credit: News24)

 

Rapper Gigi Lamayne, real name Genesis Gabriella, is from South Africa. Tina Manney is originally from Zimbabwe.

Gigi Lamayne is Zimbabwean by birth, despite the fact that she was born in South Africa. Sarah, her mother, is a native of Bulawayo. She also pays a visit to her family members who live in the Matabeleland North Province’s Nkayi Dimpamiwa neighborhood.

One of Mzansi’s most well-liked rappers is Gigi Lamayne. She began rapping when she was 16 years old, and she is still going strong today. She took home the Best Female honor at the 2013 South African Hip Hop Awards. She released her debut album, Set in Stone, in May of this year.