Oscar Mbo Launches FortheGroovists App

Oscar Mbo Unveils FortheGroovists App to Bring Fans Closer Than Ever

Urban Lifestyle attended the exclusive launch of internationally acclaimed DJ, producer and cultural tastemaker Oscar Mbo’s groundbreaking FortheGroovists app at Artistry Johannesburg on Thursday, 25 June 2026.

Powered by Vodacom and developed in partnership with The Suede Room, the premium digital platform represents a significant shift in how artists connect with their audiences. Rather than relying solely on traditional social media platforms, FortheGroovists creates a dedicated digital home where fans can experience Oscar Mbo‘s world through exclusive content, behind-the-scenes access and direct engagement.

The launch event, hosted in partnership with D’USSÉ, brought together members of the media, industry executives, creatives and music lovers to celebrate what many described as a landmark moment for South African digital entertainment.

A Platform Built for the Groovists

Opening the event, moderator Buhle Mvalo welcomed guests by highlighting the significance of the occasion.

“Today is more than just an app launch; it’s an exciting occasion, a day where one of our industry legends and pioneers changes the game.”

His words set the tone for an evening centred around innovation, ownership and community.

Unlike conventional social media, FortheGroovists has been designed as a destination where Oscar Mbo‘s most loyal supporters can enjoy premium content without algorithms deciding what they should or shouldn’t see.

Subscribers gain access to:

• Exclusive behind-the-scenes videos and photography
• Studio sessions and creative processes
• Early music previews before streaming release
• Curated playlists
• Live streaming sessions
• Competitions and exclusive rewards
• Brand collaborations
• Lifestyle content beyond the music

The platform ultimately gives fans unprecedented access into the life of one of South Africa‘s biggest house music exports.

Oscar Mbo: “The Internet Changed My Life”

During a panel discussion, Oscar Mbo reflected on how the internet shaped his career long before streaming and viral content became mainstream.

He recalled uploading homemade mixtapes from his university residence, before sharing them through Facebook at a time when most people used the platform primarily for social interaction.

Within months, his audience had exploded.

“I come from the internet generation,”.

he explained

Rather than waiting for opportunities, Oscar used digital platforms to build his audience organically.

That experience inspired the creation of FortheGroovists.

Looking back on his journey, he explained that while social media helped build his career, it has limitations.

“My socials are very work-focused,”.

he said

Many fans only see the polished performances, promotional campaigns and announcements.

The new platform changes that.

“The vision is to bring me closer to my people.”

Oscar wants fans to experience everything from life on tour to family moments, travel experiences and the preparation that happens before stepping onto a stage.

Speaking about the app, he said:

“Groovists, this app isn’t just about the music—it’s the backstage pass to my entire world. From the roar of the main stage to quiet moments with my family, from suitcase-packed travel days to what I’m wearing before I walk into the club. For the first time, I’m letting fans see every beat of my life—the highs, the hustle and everything in between.”

Three Years in the Making

The project may appear new, but discussions began back in 2023.

According to Tshepo Moshoeshoe, Chief Operating Officer and Co-Executive Producer at The Ashmed Hour Records, negotiations focused heavily on ensuring Oscar maintained ownership of both his content and his relationship with fans.

He explained that numerous companies had shown interest in developing a platform around Oscar’s growing popularity.

However, the team wanted more than a commercial partnership.

They wanted a solution where the artist retained meaningful control.

“Our concern was always asking what the artist would gain from the partnership,”.

Tshepo explained

After years of negotiations, they found the right partners in Vodacom and The Suede Room.

The result is a platform that prioritises artist ownership while giving fans an authentic experience.

Technology Meets Entertainment

Business Unit Director at The Suede Room, Jemaine Jacob, outlined how the platform has been designed to remain accessible across different audiences.

Rather than limiting access to a smartphone application, FortheGroovists offers multiple ways to subscribe and engage.

Fans can access the platform through:

• Mobile application
• Web browser
• USSD subscription for users with limited data

This approach ensures accessibility regardless of device or connectivity.

Jemaine also revealed exciting features planned for future updates.

These include:

• Integrated e-commerce
• Merchandise sales
• Early ticket purchases
• Exclusive event access
• Personalised fan interactions
• Paid personalised video messages
• Expanded competitions and rewards

The vision extends far beyond content consumption.

It aims to create an ecosystem where fans can interact directly with Oscar while supporting his growing lifestyle brand.

Long-Form Content Without Distractions

One feature Oscar is particularly excited about is the opportunity to create longer, uninterrupted content.

He acknowledged that today’s social media encourages increasingly shorter attention spans.

While platforms like Instagram and TikTok thrive on brief videos, FortheGroovists offers a space where fans can enjoy documentaries, travel diaries, career reflections and extended storytelling without constant interruptions or advertisements.

For Oscar, it represents a chance to share the full journey behind the music rather than just the highlights.

A New Era of Artist Ownership

FortheGroovists also reflects broader changes taking place across the global entertainment industry.

Artists are increasingly seeking platforms that allow direct communication with their communities rather than depending entirely on algorithms.

The app embodies three key principles:

• Authenticity through direct communication.
• Premium experiences reflecting Oscar Mbo’s luxury lifestyle and creative vision.
• Digital innovation combining technology, entertainment and community.

It positions Oscar Mbo not simply as a successful DJ but as a modern entrepreneur building a sustainable digital ecosystem around his brand.

Urban Lifestyle’s Take

Having attended the official launch, it was evident that FortheGroovists is more than another celebrity application.

It represents a carefully considered evolution of artist-fan relationships in South Africa.

With Vodacom’s technological backing, The Suede Room’s digital expertise and Oscar Mbo‘s vision, the platform has the potential to redefine how local artists engage with audiences in an increasingly digital-first entertainment landscape.

As creators continue searching for meaningful ways to own their content, strengthen communities and diversify revenue streams, FortheGroovists may well become the blueprint for the next generation of African entertainment platforms.

For the Groovists, the backstage pass has officially arrived.