Oscar Mbo: South African DJ’s Music, Fashion, and Fatherhood Journey

Catching up with Oscar Mbo is always a refreshing experience. The South African DJ, producer, and podcasting pioneer brings a natural warmth and energy to every interaction. Known for blending deep house with strategy and style, Oscar has evolved into one of the most multifaceted talents in the country’s music and fashion scenes.

In 2025, he welcomed his second child with long-time partner Lerato Phasha. The announcement marked a proud chapter in his personal life, as he embraced fatherhood with joy and responsibility. A viral TikTok video posted in late May captured him sharing a tender moment with his newborn, highlighting the softer, more intimate side of the artist.

Professionally, Oscar continued to solidify his impact with the release of Vuka on December 16, 2024. The track, designed to align with the motivation and goal-setting energy of the new year, saw a significant surge in popularity by early January 2025. It topped charts for two months and served as a national anthem of encouragement. Its success was no accident, backed by a carefully timed rollout and strategic marketing efforts that reflected his deep understanding of music industry trends.

Beyond his own music, Oscar also plays a mentoring role in the industry. He provides guidance on release timing and marketing strategy, helping peers avoid pitfalls and maximize exposure. His insights are grounded in ongoing research and a global perspective, shaped by observing market behavior and learning from international creatives.

While deep house remains his foundation, Oscar is expanding his sonic identity. He has recently begun exploring Afro-inspired styles and the growing three-step sound, aiming to diversify his catalogue and reach younger audiences. His musical evolution reflects both artistic growth and a desire to remain relevant in a fast-changing industry.

Oscar’s influence extends well into the fashion world. In 2024, he was honored as Best Dressed Celebrity at the GQ Best Dressed Awards and named Best-Styled Artist of the Year at the Metro FM Awards. These accolades came on the heels of a successful collaboration with Steve Madden, a campaign that sold out and introduced his style to a broader audience. With further global fashion partnerships on the horizon, his presence in the style space continues to expand.

Despite his rising profile, Oscar remains grounded. He recently surprised his father with a brand-new Toyota Hilux, sharing the emotional moment online. The gesture resonated with fans and showcased his deep appreciation for family and roots, reinforcing the values that continue to shape his journey.

Oscar Mbongeni Ndlovu, widely known as Oscar Mbo, has spent the past decade building a legacy across music and media. Since launching The Ashmed Hour podcast in 2010, he has cultivated a loyal audience while exploring deep house, deep tech, Nu Jazz, broken beat, and lounge music. His debut EP Life & Love (2019) introduced his signature sound, while his SAMA-nominated album For The Groovists (2020) positioned him as a key figure in South African electronic music. Performances in global cities like Paris and Lisbon, along with features on platforms like Metro FM and Kaya FM, have further expanded his reach.

In addition to his artistic endeavors, Oscar uses his platform to address pressing societal issues. He has spoken out about gender-based violence and called for greater unity and compassion across South Africa. This sense of responsibility reflects his commitment not just to entertainment, but to community leadership.

Oscar Mbo’s journey is one of creativity, growth, and purpose. Whether making music, setting fashion trends, or creating space for dialogue on national issues, he continues to lead with integrity. His story is far from over, and his next moves—both personal and professional—are anticipated with great interest.