Okmalumkoolkat real name Smiso Zwane (31) was born in Umlazi, Durban.
He moved to Johannesburg where he met Doctor SpiZee, with whom he formed a duo called Dirty Paraffin.
Pronounced (okay-mah-loom-cool-cat) the name was inspired by Malume (Uncle) Cool Cat from Ukhozi FM.
“He had a craze show on Saturdays on Ukhozi FM. He is the first celebrity that used to come to my house when I was younger and when I got to Joburg I found out there are no uncles to show us the way and I decided to be the uncle,” he retells.
The muso’s musical lyrics are always hilarious and funny and he says they show who he is.
“I am glad my job allows me to share humour in music and still be taken seriously. I talk about serious stuff but I cover it up with a lot of humour to keep in interesting.”
He is currently working on a mix tape and numerous projects in the album.
The 31-year-old says he loved going to music industry events but he is not a fan anymore.
“I don’t like being around a lot of industry people because I feel like it is very pretentious sometimes. I used to go there before I started making music, before they knew who I was so I know how it is and I avoid it.”
His family has been very supportive of my career.
“When I tell my mum I am going to Berlin or wherever I am not sure if she believes me because it is not the same thing as going to work 9 to 5. My little sisters listen to my music and help explain things at home.”
Fun Facts:
- Okmalumkoolkat was featured on Cassper Nyovest’s Gusheshe which was met with positive reviews.
- He is currently signed to Austrian label Affine Records under which he has released his debut EP, Holy Oxygen.
- He also featured in Amantombazane with Riky Rick, Kwesta, Kid X, Nadia Nakai and Ginger Trill.
- He was also part of the remix Bump the Cheese Up with Reason, AKA and Tol A$$ Mo.
- Nice Shandees and Bob Mabena are other songs he has been featured in.
- In 2012 Okmalumkoolkat worked the London production trio LV on their album, Sebenza released under Hyperdub.
