South African music legend Oskido received one of the country’s highest cultural honours on Tuesday when President Cyril Ramaphosa awarded him the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver during the 2026 National Orders ceremony in Tshwane.
The honour celebrates South Africans who have made a lasting contribution to arts, music, culture, literature and sport. According to the Presidency, the Order of Ikhamanga recognises citizens whose work has helped shape South Africa’s cultural identity and national heritage.
For many South Africans, the honour marks a fitting recognition of Oskido’s influence on the country’s music and cultural landscape.
Ubuntu — the proudly South Africa spirit
In many ways, the honour mirrors Oskido’s own journey.
Just like the ikhamanga flower is uniquely associated with South Africa, Kwaito also emerged from South African townships during a defining moment in the country’s history. The genre became the soundtrack of a new generation after apartheid, blending local languages, township slang, dance culture and everyday South African experiences into music that people could instantly recognise as their own.
As one of Kwaito’s pioneers, Oskido helped shape that sound into a movement.
Through Kalawa Jazmee Records, he not only produced hits but also opened doors for younger musicians, DJs and performers who would later become stars in their own right. That commitment to community and uplifting others is part of why many believe the honour fits him so naturally.
Speaking after receiving the award, Oskido reflected on the people who walked the journey with him, reflecting Africa’s spirit of Ubuntu.
“This is not my award only. I’ve walked the path with other people,” he said while thanking Kalawa Jazmee Records and fellow Kwaito legends.
He added: “For me it shows that you’re always going to be rewarded when you open doors for other people.”
His words carried the spirit of ubuntu, the African belief that success and humanity are rooted in community. In many African traditions, a person’s legacy is measured not only by what they achieve personally, but by how many others they help rise along the way.
Several cultural figures recognised
Oskido was among several artists and cultural figures recognised this year, reflecting the wide reach of South Africa’s creative legacy. Fellow music stars honoured with the Order of Ikhamanga included Jonathan Butler for his contribution to jazz, R&B and gospel music, and Wouter Kellerman for using music to inspire and unite communities across cultures.
Several late cultural icons were also recognised posthumously for preserving South African storytelling, jazz and artistic heritage for future generations.
View the full list of 2026 National Orders recipients on the South African Presidency website.
WATCH: President Cyril Ramaphosa presents National Orders
Video: The Presidency
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