ZAKES BANTWINI
MUSICIAN / BUSINESS MAN
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.
Early Life
Zakhele Madida was born and raised in KwaMashu F-section in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. He went to Shayamoya Junior Primary School and later attended Nqabakazulu High School] At the age of 14 years, he had his first child. 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. Madida received a diploma in Jazz and Music Performance after completing his studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in Durban. He also studied a Social Entrepreneurship Programme at Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria.
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. On 23 June 2017, he released the album Love, Light & Music 2.
In 2020, Bantwini remixed Lauv‘s single “Modern Loneliness“
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. On September 2, 2021, it was reported that the release date of “Osama” would be rescheduled to 10 September 2021. The song peaked at number one on Radio Monitor Charts and spent 10 weeks on it. In late 2021, he headlined to Miss South Africa 2021
In early December 2021, Zakes’ third studio album Ghetto King was released worldwide. The album was met with positive reviews from music critics. 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.
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”.
Madida released his debut album The Good Life in 2008. Two years later, he released the album Love, Light and Music, which included songs like “Clap Your Hands” and “Wasting My Time”.
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.
Personal Life
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Madida has three children from previous relationships and two with his wife Nandi Madida (formerly Nandi Mngoma).