Arthur Greene
Oscar Mbongeni Ndlovu, better known as Oscar Mbo, is a veteran of the deep house sub genre. The 33-year-old DJ has been producing mixes for well over a decade, but 2021 looks set to be his breakthrough year.
Until recently, Mbo’s soft electronic grooves have been beloved for years by a loyal but small fanbase. His refined sound has long been a favourite among house enthusiasts.
However, his profile has soared since his international tour in 2019, which took him to Paris and Lisbon among other European destinations.
Last year’s release of his sophomore album, For the Groovists, has also done much to place him firmly on the map of South Africa’s bustling electronic scene.
The Johannesburg-based DJ’s accomplished project is brimming with many of the country’s most celebrated acts within the genre.
Among Groovists featured artists is Kabza De Small, who joined up with Mbo for the dance track “Genesis”.
Rising house stars Kelvin Momo and China Charmeleon also feature on the album’s credits.
Despite his rhythmic and soulful music being most at home in one of Johannesburg’s nightclubs, Mbo has always had a skill for reaching listeners in the comfort of their own homes.
This has made him the perfect DJ for the pandemic era.
His monthly podcast, The Ashamed Hour, showcases Mbo’s penchant for mixes, whilst also exposing its listeners to talents from a range of different creative backgrounds.
Those who tune in to the show, which has been going since 2011, can expect to hear up to four of Mbo’s own mixes, before he invites a guest or two to perform.
He was raised in Kriel, a small mining town out in Mpumalanga, and found his passion for music there.
His vast knowledge of the genre has caught the eyes of many radio and TV shows over the years, including Metro FM, TransAfrica Radio and DJ Strategy’s TV show Hit Refresh.
Surprisingly, clips of his charismatic and oddly impressive dance moves have also found popularity on social media.
As the world gets to grips with the prospect of another year spent in isolation, expect the sounds of Oscar Mbo to keep us company.
Video source: Beauty In Everything (Youtube)
Picture source: Facebook
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