Osman Mkhondo aka Dj Hypnosis beat over a hundred contestants to emerge winner of the Music Industry online (MIO)’s house beatmakers competition for South African house producers. The winners were announced Thursday night at Hush Night Club in Rosebank, at an event hosted by Blaque Magazine.

The House Beatmakers competition was launched two months ago by Lolhiphop Records and Calea Productions on the MIO platform, to find a new producer for popular house singer, Genevive. The competition drew over 180 entries from established and aspiring producers from across Southern Africa. Judges included Lolhiphop Records founder and singer Wax Dey, House and R&B superstar RJ Benjamin, as well as MIO’s own Phash.

“Competing producers were judged on the musicality, commercial value and relevance of their entries, but the ultimate aim was to find a producer whose beats encapsulate the essence of Genevive’s personal style as an artist, in the hope of establishing a long-term working relationship,” says Wax.

Genevive shot to fame with hit songs such as ‘I don’t care’ with Dj Giggs Superstar and ‘I got love for you’ with Dj Rowick Deep. She has teamed up with Lolhiphop Records and Calea Productions to work on her debut album, and five producers from the MIO competition will be featured on the much anticipated album.

The other winners include Lwazi Nonyukela (Rev Kasi), Kunaal Jinabbai (Dj Kuchi), Lefa Sema (Yours Truly) and Nathan Daniels (David’s Harp).

“I am very excited by the quality of music and producers in the competition,” said an excited Genevive. “It was great reviewing all the entries, and now I really look forward to working with the winners on my album.  I especially look forward to collaborating with Dj Hypnosis, whom I also admire, on my next single and music video.”

The announcement party featured performances from Dj Rowick Deep and Genevive herself.