Given the proximity of Zimbabwe and South Africa, there are many indications that some South African pop musicians can trace their roots to Zimbabwe.

In this way, some musicians have become so integrated into the South African music industry that people will actually think they are South African citizens. Here are some popular South African musicians from Zimbabwe that you didn’t know:

— Oskido:

Famous record producer and hit maker Oskido, real name Oscar Sibonginkosi Mdlongwa, is Zimbabwean. Dj Oskido was born to a Zimbabwean father, Esaf Mdlongwa, a politician, and a South African mother, Emily Sophia Molifi. Oskito was born in England but spent most of his early years in Luwefa, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, where he completed most of his primary education.

At the age of 21, he returned to British South Africa to run the family business in Lethable before moving to Johannesburg to pursue a career in music. Oskito has already made a name for himself in the South African music scene. He was one of the pioneers in popularizing kwaito and afro-house. With a music career spanning over a decade, Oskido has taken center stage in the South African music scene. He is the co-founder of Kalaw Jazmee Records (formerly Kalaw Records).

 — Mr. Brown:

One of the most well-known singers, songwriters, and record producers is Linol Sivela, better known by his stage name Mr. Brown. He was created in Zimbabwe’s Gweru. At a young age, he moved from Zimbabwe to South Africa.

In 2004, Brown started performing and making music in his bedroom. Later, he founded Muungu Africa, a group that later produced the popular song “Lazaro.” He has since established himself as a major player in the music business. He is currently a member of Open Mic Productions.

Mr. Brown has worked with many famous South African heavyweights such as Makhadzi, Black Motion, Master KG, Niniolu, Zanda Zakuza and Sho Madjozi. He also co-produced Master KG and Zanda Zakuza’s hit “Skeleton Move” and Nomcebo Zikode’s “Xola moya wami”.

— Sha Sha:

Singer/songwriter Charmaine Shamiso Mapimpiro, known professionally as Sha Sha, is a Zimbabwean-born South African singer from Mutare. Salsa started her music career in 2011 when she was 19 years old.

Sha Sha, who has since become known as the ‘Queen of Amapiano’, rose to prominence through collaborations with South African amapiano producers such as DJ Maphorisa and Kabza de Small. In 2020, she made history after winning Best New International Act at the BET Awards.

—Nadia Nakai:

Zimbabwean-born rapper Nadia Nakai is also one of Mzansi’s most well-known performers. The rapper and television host from Zimbabwe was born in South Africa. Her mother is from Zimbabwe, and her father is from South Africa. She has established a reputation for herself in the local music scene. Her admirers refer to her as the Queen of Braga

— Berita:

Afrosoul musician Berita Gugulethu Khumalo, popularly known in the music industry as Berita, is a Zimbabwean born singer, songwriter and music producer.

Berita spent most of her childhood in Zimbabwe before moving to New Zealand with her family. She later moved to South Africa, where she currently lives.

Her music is a fusion of soul with elements of African jazz, modern pop and South African dance. Apart from being a singer, she is also the owner of Assali Music, an independent record label. Berita is also the founder of Women in Music Industry (WOMB), an all-African organization of women in the music industry

— Gigi Lamayne:

South African rapper Gigi Lamayne, real name Genesis Gabriella Tina Manney, is of Zimbabwean descent.

Gigi Lamayne was Zimbabwean as she was born in South Africa. Her mother Sarah is from Bulawayo