African House music stars return to London
The renowned South African spin-master duo of DJ Cleo and Oskido is set to make a comeback in the UK.
Cleophas Monyepao, better known as DJ Cleo
Cleophas Monyepao, better known as DJ Cleo and Oscar ‘Oskido’ Mdlongwa are primed to bring a variant of African Pop to London following a fervent wave of West African “Afrobeats” that has swept the UK of late.
Oscar 'Oskido' Mdlongwa
UK tour producers, Samuel Benard Events will be bringing the two iconic stars to perform in London and Birmingham on the Bank holiday weekend of next month (5-6 May respectively) under the brand name House Infusion.
According to the tour programme producer, Jordan Link, DJ Cleo and Oskido are set to bring a different taste of House music on the UK scene.
He said: “Its an accepted fact that Kwaito/House is a genuine force across the entire African continent; and that all the buzz about Afrobeats in London does owe some credit to this genre which sprouted out of South Africa.
“Its also a fact that Oskido is one of the founders of this art form, while Cleo represents a bridge between the past and the future. One would need to see these two maestros in concert to experience the magic of African House music,” Link added.
Oscar 'Oskido' Mdlongwa
Zimbabwe-raised Oskido is a bona fide pioneer and co-inventor of the urban music genre now popularly known as Kwaito and has toured extensively across the world working with established acts such as Bongo Muffin, Oliver Mtukudzi and Spikiri. New School DJ, Cleo has produced for the likes of Mandoza, Pitch Black Afro, Brown Dash, Zola and Brickz while his bulging catalogue of platinum-selling Es’khaleni LP series have defined Kwaito/House.
Cleo and Oskido will be supported by a troupe of UK-based urban music stars including award-winning rapper Money B, Dancehall songstress Tenza Foster (formerly of chart-topping Slough trio FYA), dynamic Reggae producer/singer, Jusa Dementor and the dance group Drima Boiz.
Links confirmed, “We have a packed line up that includes a few upcoming stars such as Mangesto, Phoobe Lola, AllStars and Boyz ReTonaz. The touring program will incorporate a fashion showcase by Leah African Designs and BlackAmoor Clothing.
“We’ll also be donating part of the show’s proceeds to the charity, Girl Child Network. So attendees have every reason to feel charitable in the fact that by attending a show, they are helping change the world, a girl at a time,” he added.
The House Infusion Tour kicks off in London at the Oasis Banqueting Hall (5 May 2012) and ends the following evening at Birmingham’s The Drum Concert Hall.
