Zakes Bantwini
{{short description| South African singer, record producer and businessman}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Zakes Bantwini
| image =
| image_size =
| caption =
| birth_name = Zakhele Madida
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1981|5|26|df=y}}
| birth_place = KwaMashu, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| module = {{infobox person
| embed = yes
| spouse = {{marriage|Nandi Madida|2016}}
| father = Jeffrey Khanyile
| mother = Nomthandazo Madida
| nationality = South African
| occupation = {{flatlist|
- Singer
- songwriter
- businessman
- record producer
}}
| children = 2
| agent =
| signature =
| years_active = 2004–present
| awards =
| module = {{Infobox musical artist
| embed = yes
| instruments = {{flatlist|
- Vocals, Piano, Bass Guitar
}}
| genre = {{flatlist|
}}
| label = {{flatlist|
- Mayonie Productions
- Sony Music Africa
- Mayonie Agency
- IMG
- AEM
- Universal Music Group
}}
| website =
}}
}}
}}
Zakhele Madida (born 26 May 1981 in KwaMashu F-section, KwaZulu-Natal), known professionally as Zakes Bantwini, is a South African singer, record producer and businessman.{{cite web|url=https://citizen.co.za/lifestyle/your-life-entertainment-your-life/entertainment-celebrities/1133005/zakes-bantwini-turns-35-years-young/&grqid=g_pSMrr7&s=1&hl=en-ZA|title=Zakes bantwini turns 35 years|publisher=citizen.co.za|access-date=2020-03-02}}{{cite web|url=https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/celebrity-news/a-trip-through-zakes-bantwinis-world-1599395&grqid=g_pSMrr7&s=1&hl=en-ZA|title=A trip through zakes bantwinis world|publisher=iol.co.za|date=2013-10-30|access-date=2020-03-02}}
Early life
Zakhele Madida was born and raised in KwaMashu F-section in the province of KwaZulu-Natal.{{cite web|url=https://briefly.co.za/37691-zakes-bantwini-biography-age-real-place-birth-baby-wife-songs-album-record-label-instagram.html&grqid=gAMj_MkK&s=1&hl=en-ZA|title=Zakes Bantwini|publisher=briefly.co.za|access-date=2020-03-02}} He went to Shayamoya Junior Primary School and later attended Nqabakazulu High School.{{cite web|url=https://www.iol.co.za/dailynews/kwamashu-school-gets-brand-new-laptops-17614985&grqid=hmRQ9ldX&s=1&hl=en-ZA|title=KwaMashu School gets brand new laptops|date=2018-10-24|access-date=2020-03-02}} At the age of 14 years, he had his first child.{{cite web|url=https://www.channel24.co.za/The-Juice/News/LocalSA/zakes-bantwini-reveals-he-had-his-first-child-at-14-20190527&grqid=hlYAtraD&s=1&hl=en-ZA|title=Zakes Bantwini reveals he had his first child at 14|date=2019-05-27|publisher=channel24.co.za|access-date=2020-03-02}} Despite facing the challenges of being a teenage father, he still went on to finishing his matric. After matriculating, he went on to study at Natal Technikon (now known as Durban University of Technology) where he received a national certificate in Light Music. This is also where he formed his own record label - called Mayonie Productions - while completing his final year.{{cite web|url=https://afternoonexpress.co.za/guests/zakes-bantwini/1223&grqid=V5y70Epp&s=1&hl=en-ZA|title=Zakes Bantwini|publisher=afternoonexpress.co.za|access-date=2020-03-02}} Madida received a diploma in Jazz and Music Performance after completing his studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in Durban.{{cite web|url=http://enewsletter.ukzn.ac.za/Story.aspx?id%3D132%26storyid%3D1775&grqid=f3lLS_Do&s=1&hl=en-ZA|title=Musician Zakea bantwini graduates with diploma — UKZN|access-date=2020-03-02}} He also studied a Social Entrepreneurship Programme at Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria.{{cite web|url=https://www.pressreader.com/south-africa/sunday-world-8839/20150426/282024735807594|title=Sunday World: Zakes Bantwini|via=PressReader|date=2015-04-26|access-date=2020-03-02}}
Career
=2011–2016: ''The Fake Book and Real Book: My Music Bible'' =
In April 2011, his single "Clap Your Hands" was released, featuring Xolani Sithole.
In 2013, Madida released his studio album The Fake Book and Real Book: My Music Bible. The following year, the album was nominated in the Best Dance Album Category at the 20th SAMA Awards.{{cite web|url=https://www.w24.co.za/TrueLove/Archive/zakes-bantwini-heads-up-sony-music-20170728&grqid=dq2wiVu1&s=1&hl=en-ZA|title=Zakes bantwini heads up Sony Music|publisher=w24.co.za|date=2017-07-28|access-date=2020-03-02}} On 23 June 2017, he released the album Love, Light & Music 2.{{cite web|url=https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/bantwinis-love-light-and-music-2-11482560&grqid=d9wm2dTS&s=1&hl=en-ZA|title=Bantwinis love light and Music 2|publisher=iol.co.za|access-date=2020-03-02}}
In 2020, Bantwini remixed Lauv's single "Modern Loneliness".{{cite web|title =SA: Zakes Bantwini remixes Lauv's Modern Loneliness {{!}} Music In Africa |url=https://www.musicinafrica.net/magazine/sa-zakes-bantwini-remixes-lauvs-modern-loneliness|publisher =Music In Africa |first=Ano|last=Shumba|date=19 May 2020 |access-date =19 May 2020}}
= 2021–present: ''Ghetto King'' and ''The Star Is Reborn'' =
At a Kunye Event, his single "Osama" with Kasango was teased. The song was scheduled to be released on 17 September 2021.{{cite news|title=Osama - the unreleased Zakes Bantwini song that has SA going wild {{!}} Channel |url=https://www.news24.com/life/arts-and-entertainment/music/osama-the-unreleased-zakes-bantwini-song-that-has-sa-going-wild-20210826-2|date=26 August 2021|first=Nikita|last=Coetzee|work=News24}} On September 2, 2021, it was reported that the release date of "Osama" would be rescheduled to 10 September 2021.{{cite web|title=Zakes Bantwini moves 'Osama' release date|url=https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/music/local/zakes-bantwini-moves-osama-release-date-519e0337-d80e-4207-9fbc-ea584e8d8ca0|first= Jamal |last=Grootboom |date=September 2, 2021|work=Independent Online}} The song peaked at number one on Radio Monitor Charts and spent 10 weeks on it.{{cite news|title=Zakes Bantwini's Osama holds top spot on RadioMonitor airplay chart for a record-setting 10 weeks {{!}} Channel |url=https://www.news24.com/life/arts-and-entertainment/music/zakes-bantwinis-osama-holds-top-spot-on-radiomonitor-airplay-chart-for-a-record-setting-10-weeks-20211110-2| publisher =Channel| location=South Africa| first=Nikita |last=Coetzee | access-date=2021-11-10}} In late 2021, he headlined to Miss South Africa 2021.{{cite web|title=Zakes Bantwini among artists set to perform at 2021 Miss SA pageant|url=https://www.ecr.co.za/news/entertainment/zakes-bantwini-among-artists-set-perform-2021-miss-sa-pageant/|access-date =12 October 2021|publisher=East Coast Radio}}
In early December 2021, Zakes' third studio album Ghetto King was released worldwide.{{cite web|title=New Music Friday: Zakes Bantwini releases much anticipated third studio album, Ghetto King |url=https://www.gq.co.za/culture/entertainment/new-music-friday-zakes-bantwini-releases-much-anticipated-third-studio-album-ghetto-king-13f9cdb7-2289-4ea7-96c7-a41c5eb060c2| publisher=GQ| date=2021-12-03| access-date =2021-12-03}} The album was met with positive reviews from music critics.{{cite web|title=Album Review: Zakes Bantwini - Ghetto King {{!}} Magnetic Magazine |url=https://www.magneticmag.com/.amp/2021/12/album-review-zakes-bantwini-ghetto-king/| publisher=Magnetic Magazine| access-date=2021-12-04|date=2021-12-03|first=Ryan|last=Middleton}} It features Khetha, BlaQRhythm, DeeTheGeneral, Drega, Karyendasoul, Mthunzi, Nana Atta, Nomkhosi, Skillz, and Skye Wanda.
In early February 2022, Apple Music featured Zakes as their 'Isigubhu' cover star.{{cite web|title=Zakes Bantwini is Apple Music's 'Isgubhu' cover star
| publisher=Independent Online | access-date=2022-03-09|date=2022-02-04|first=Alyssia |last=Birjalal|url=https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/music/local/zakes-bantwini-is-apple-musics-isgubhu-cover-star-bbdafd78-890b-44e4-90b1-73d7cef1b161}}
The Star Is Reborn, Zakes fourth studio album, was released in December 2023. On The Star is Reborn, Bantwini worked with Karyendasoul, Drega, Masuda resulting in a genre-spanning record that incorporated electronic dance music styles and afro tech.
It was supported by the lead single "Mama Thula" featuring Skye Wanda, Thakzin, Drega, and Suffocate SA.
Business ventures
In 2004, he established Mayonie Productions, which is known for music such as "Bum Bum", "Wasting My Time" and "Clap Your Hands".{{cite web|url=https://channelo.dstv.com/page/artists/zakes-bantwini-2/character&grqid=43jimLls&s=1&hl=en-ZA|title=Zakes Bantwini — Mayonie Productions|publisher=channelo.dstv.com|access-date=2020-03-02}}{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/clap-your-hands-feat-xolani-sithole-single/428590822|title=Clap your hands — Zakes Bantwini|publisher=music.apple.com|date=2020-03-02}}
Madida released his debut album The Good Life in 2008.{{cite web|url=https://citizen.co.za/lifestyle/your-life-entertainment-your-life/entertainment-music/93108/zakes-bantwinis-new-album-best-yet/&grqid=ZTL48rdG&s=1&hl=en-ZA|title=Zakes bantwinis new album is the best yet|publisher=citizen.co.za|access-date=2020-03-02}} Two years later, he released the album Love, Light and Music, which included songs like "Clap Your Hands" and "Wasting My Time".{{cite web|url=https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/zakes-bantwini-celebrates-love-light-and-music-in-new-album-10486667&grqid=qqWePxD6&s=1&hl=en-ZA|title=Zakes bantwini celebrates love, light and music in new album|publisher=iol.co.za|access-date=2020-03-02}}
= L'vovo Derrango =
In 2005, Madida helped launch the career of Kwaito artist Thokozani Ndlovu, who was later known by his stage name L'vovo Derrango. Under Mayonie Productions, Derrango released his debut album which was self-titled (Lvovo Derrango). The album gained him recognition as he was nominated at the SAMA Awards for the Best Kwaito Album. In 2007, he won the Best Kwaito and Song of the Year award at the MetroFM awards.{{cite web|url=https://briefly.co.za/18768-lvovo-zakes-bantwini-role-played-career.html&grqid=g7OlXgTc&s=1&hl=en-ZA|first=Simo|last=Mbambo|title=Lvovo thanks Zakes Bantwini for the role he played in his career|publisher=briefly.co.za|access-date=2020-03-02}}{{cite web|url= https://thevoiceofsa.com/ent/music/lvovo-wins-metro-fm-award-a-month-before-the-ceremony.html&grqid=0czjOtqH&s=1&hl=en-ZA|title=Lvovo wins Metro FM award a month before the ceremony|publisher=thevoiceofsa|date=2015-01-28|access-date=2020-03-02}}
Personal life
Madida has three children from previous relationships and two with his wife Nandi Madida (formerly Nandi Mngoma).{{cite web|url=https://www.dailysun.co.za/Celebs/zakes-bantwini-had-his-1st-child-at-14-20190524&grqid=cINrgN2B&s=1&hl=en-ZA|title=Zakes bantwini had his first child at 14|publisher=dailysun.co.za|access-date=2020-03-02}}{{cite web|url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/tshisa-live/tshisa-live/2019-01-21-watch--surprise-nandi-madida--zakes-bantwini-confirm-theyre-having-another-child/&grqid=Vzve2uSD&s=1&hl=en-ZA|title=Surprise! Nandi Madida & Zakes Bantwini confirm they're having another child|publisher=timeslive.co.za|date=2019-01-21|access-date=2020-03-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190121195226/https://www.timeslive.co.za/tshisa-live/tshisa-live/2019-01-21-watch--surprise-nandi-madida--zakes-bantwini-confirm-theyre-having-another-child/|url-status=unfit |archive-date=2019-01-21 }}{{cite web|url=https://www.ecr.co.za/shows/damon-beard-/nandi-mngoma-zakes-bantwini-get-married/&grqid=Vzve2uSD&s=1&hl=en-ZA|title=Nandi Mngoma and Zakes Bantwini get Married|access-date=2020-03-02|publisher=ecr.co.za}}
Discography
= Albums =
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
!scope="col"|Title !scope="col"|Album details |
| scope="row" |The Good Life
|
|
|---|
| scope="row" |Love, Light and Music
|
|
| scope="row" |Mountain Deluxe Volume 4
|
|
| scope="row" |The Fake Book and Real Book: My Music Bible
|
|
| scope="row" |Love, Light and Music 2
|
|
| scope="row" |Bossa Paris Nights
|
|
| scope="row" |Ghetto King
|
|
| scope="row" |The Star Is Reborn
|
|
= Singles =
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|+ List of singles, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name ! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Title ! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Year ! scope="col" colspan="1"| Peak chart positions ! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:12em;"| Certifications ! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Album |
| scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:100%;"|ZA |
|---|
| scope="row" | "Osama" {{small|(with Kasango)}} | 2021 | 1 |
|
| scope="row" | "Asanda" {{small|(with Kususa and Argento Dust)}} | 2022 | — |
| Ubomi |
| scope="row" | "Jeteme" {{small|(with Kekelingo and Mpho.Wav)}} | rowspan=2| 2023 | — | | Pula |
| scope="row" | "Mama Thula" {{small|(with Skye Wanda, Thakzin and Suffocate SA)}} | — | | The Star Is Reborn |
| scope="row" | "Love Generation (Reimagined)" (Bob Sinclar, & Friends, Zakes Bantwini, Gary Pine)
|2024 |— | |{{non-album single}} |
| colspan="8" style="font-size:90%"| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory. |
= Other charted songs =
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" border="1"
|+ List of other charted songs, with selected chart positions, showing year released and album name ! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Title ! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Year ! scope="col" colspan="1"| Peak chart positions ! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Album |
| scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:100%;"|ZA |
|---|
| scope="row" |"Girl in the Mirror" (featuring Skye Wanda)
| 2021 | Ghetto King |
Awards and nominations
| class="wikitable" |
| Year
!Award Ceremony !Prize !Recipient/Nominated work !Result ! {{abbrv|Ref.|References}} |
|---|
| 2010
|16th South African Music Awards |Best Music Video of the Year |Juju (featuring Black Coffee) |{{Nominated}} | |
| rowspan="5"| 2011
|rowspan="3"|17th South African Music Awards |Record of the Year |Bum Bum |{{Nominated}} | |
| Album of the Year
|rowspan="3"|Love, Light and Music |{{Nominated}} | |
| Male Artist of the Year
|{{Nominated}} | |
| Metro FM Awards
|Best Male Award |{{Won}} | |
| Chanel O Awards
|Video of the Year |"Wasting My Time" |{{Won}} |
| rowspan="2"| 2022
| rowspan="2"|DStv Mzansi Viewers' Choice Awards | Favourite music artist/group | Himself | {{nom}} |
| Favourite Song
| "Osama" | {{nom}} |
| rowspan="7"|2022
|rowspan="7"|South African Music Awards |Best Dance Album |rowspan="4"| Ghetto King |{{nom}} |rowspan="7"|{{cite web|url-access=subscription| title=Zakes Bantwini leads the pack with Sama nominations|url= https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/entertainment/2022-06-07-zakes-bantwini-leads-the-pack-with-sama-nominations/| publisher=SowetanLIVE| access-date=2022-06-07|date=2022-06-07| first= Patience | last=Bambelela}}{{cite web|title=WINNERS LIST: Zakes Bantwini's 'Osama' wins big at #SAMA28|url=https://www.thesouthafrican.com/culture/music/sama-28-samas-complete-winners-list-zakes-bantwini-khanyisile-mthetwa-sun-city/|access-date =2022-08-30|first=Naledi |last=de Wee|date=2022-08-28| publisher=The South African}} |
| Album of the Year
|{{nom}} |
| Best Engineered Album of the Year
|{{nom}} |
| Male Artist of the Year
|{{nom}} |
| rowspan="2"|Best Collaboration
| "Osama" | {{won}} |
| "Imali" {{small|(Karyendasoul & Zakes Bantwini featuring Nana Atta)}}
| {{nom}} |
| SAMRO Highest Airplay Composers
| "Osama" |{{won}} |
| rowspan="4" | 2022
|rowspan="4" | Mzansi Kwaito House Music Awards |Best House Artist | |{{pending}} |
| Best House Single
| |{{pending}} |
| Most Voted Song
|"Osama" |{{pending}} |
| Best Music Video
| |{{pending}} |
| rowspan="3"|2022
| rowspan="3"|All Africa Music Awards | Best Artist, Duo or Group in African Electro | rowspan="3"|Himself |{{nom}} |
| Best African DJ
|{{nom}} |
| Artist of the Year
|{{nom}} |
| 2022
|Grammy Awards |Best Global Performance | "Bayethe" ({{small|Nomcebo Zikode, Wouter Kellerman, and Zakes Bantwini}}) |{{won}} |
| rowspan=2|2023
|Metro FM Awards |Best House Song |"Asanda" {{small|(Kususa, Argento Dust & Zakes Bantwini)}} |{{nom}} | |
| SAMA
|International Achievement |Himself |{{won}} | |
| 2024
|GQ Best Dressed Awards |Best Dressed Couple |Himself |{{won}} |
References
{{Reflist}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bantwini, Zakes}}
Category:South African jazz singers
Category:South African jazz guitarists
Category:South African pianists
Category:South African bass guitarists
Category:Musicians from KwaZulu-Natal
Category:21st-century South African male singers
Category:South African singer-songwriters