Osborn
Toorn was born into a musical family, and grew up in the rather interesting
community of Reiger Park.
His
music career started at the tender age of 5, when he joined their family group “The
Inspirations”. Osborn together with this gospel group were presented with many
opportunities to travel in and around South Africa doing fundraisers for
erection of new churches, gospel outreach programs, talent searching, grooming
of individuals with singing talent and inaugurations of politicians and
individuals in the ministry. The group was presented with numerous awards, which
included:
·
Hope
South Africa -Best lifetime achievement for a
gospel group.
·
Shell Road to Fame -Best new group
In
1988 he traveled to Amsterdam with YWAM (Youth With A Mission) to promote the
gospel.
In
1990, on special request from Sol Kerzner, he led a 1000 head children’s choir,
in celebration of Sun City’s 10th anniversary.
In
1992, during the Summer Olympics, he was again presented with an opportunity to
travel to Switzerland, Spain and Barcelona where he participated in various
outreach programs.
Upon
return from their trip to Barcelona, he received an invitation to join the
Drakensberg Boys Choir, which he unfortunately could not pursue due to other
commitments by the group, such as stage plays, musicals, etc.
In
1998, he participated in the ATKV music competition and won 1st
prize in the men’s category.
Together
with the Inspirations he released 4 albums which received extensive play on
radio and television during the mid and late 80s as well as early and mid 90s.
He
has since pursued a solo career under the pseudonym O_so_T and has released singles which are currently enjoying airplay on several radio stations and
dance floors.
His
passion for music has afforded him the opportunity to work with and alongside
people such as:
Tolla van der Merwe; Chante Hinds; Andre Schwartz; Reana Nel; Jan de Wet; Robbie Klay; Sonja Heroldt; Marley
Kelley; Lionel Peterson; Rebecca Malope; Benjamin Dube; Dr. Victor & the
Rasta rebels; Israel Houghton, to mention but a few.
He has also had the pleasure of working with East Rand based house music duo, Deep Xcape. O_so_T features on two tracks produced by Deep Xcape which are on their latest edition of Soul Candi's Deep House Chronicles 9.
Being the dynamic artist that he is allows him to creatively explore different elements and sounds. O_so_T has also worked on a concept EP with up and coming dj and house producer Kinetic of Endow Rhythm Records.
The concept of the EP is lust and passion, expression through rhythm and complex tones.
The EP titled No Strings Attached, is set to be released on digital stores under Soul Candi Records.
Osborn
has been happily married for 11 years to his high school love (They met at
HSV). Together they have 2 beautiful daughters aged 10 and 5, who have also
shown a keen interest in music and the arts which he plans to nurture and groom,
and in the process pass the baton on and keep the legacy alive.
