North-West University (NWU) alumnus and BCom graduate Osman "Hypnosis" Mkhondo’s new single Slay Queen - featuring Decency and the legendary Thebe - is causing a stir on MTV Base and across the South African airwaves.

Originally from Pretoria, Hypnosis is a music composer, producer, engineer and songwriter who has won prestigious creative arts awards.

These awards include being a nominee for the South African Music Awards for remix of the year, Soul Candi Remix Competition winner, Gauteng Songs Producer winner and MIO producer competition winner.

Hypnosis has produced music for the likes of Cassper Nyovest, Dj Zinhle, Lady Zamar, Dj Christos, Oskido, Malumz on Decks, Dj Fistaz, Donald, and many more. To top it all, Hypnosis also worked with R-Kelly and One8 on the song Hands across the world with Sony Music.

To date, Hypnosis has released two albums: The Best of Me (Collector’s Edition) and I am a man. The best of me was rated number one on Google Play for two weeks in September 2019.

Honing his skills at the NWU

Hypnosis’s music career started in 1997 while still at secondary school when he produced his first track, and 2002 marked the first commercial release of one of his songs.

While studying at the NWU, Hypnosis joined the NWU DJ Society which saw the birth of the Alliyah Rendition Beat which he produced in the Sedibeng residence.

“Being part of the DJ Society from 2002 to 2005 was the foundation of my craft. I met many artists like DJ Cleo, who is now a close colleague,” he says.

Hypnosis says his degree is of great value to him in the music industry.

“My degree has been the epitome of my career and is still adding so much value. I now handle my own intellectual property matters pertaining to music, and I draft and mediate my own and other musician’s contracts,” he explains.

“Since my degree also focussed on financial reporting and auditing, I am able to handle financial decisions and matters with great ease.

“Studying at the NWU got my music career where it is today, and hence I decided to convert my degree to an LLB degree, which I am completing this year. Education is key for the development of art and talent.”

On the road to stardom

His road to stardom is marked with great names from the industry. DJ Fistaz Mixwell contributed to his big breakthrough with the album Impressive. He has also worked with Cassper Nyovest on a song which he pitched to the late HHP. Furthermore, he produced a song featuring Donald, and a song featuring Dr Malinga.

Hypnosis has produced albums which sold over a million copies combined. He co-produced a song titled Follow me with DJ Cleo, which has won the most purchased digital audio. He also co-produced Love is Blind, the song that led Lady Zamar to her Universal Music deal.

Hypnosis has also produced projects for Rhythmic Elements, Stephaie Cooke, Alton Miller, Abicah Soul, Amere Light, Reel Deep and Fiztaz Mixwell.

He also runs the consulting firm KhonMod & Lyn Associates (www.khonmod.co.za) which is home to many artists and labels when it comes to copyright and contract mediation.

 NWU alumnus and BCom graduate, Osman “Hypnosis” Mkhondo is making waves in the South African music industry.

Watch the music video of Osman "Hypnosis" Mkhondo’s new single Slay Queen - featuring Decency and the legendary Thebe.