Zakhele Madida (born 26 May 1981, 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 Madida has three children from previous relationships and two with his wife Nandi Madida (formerly Nandi Mngoma).
Discography Albums TitleAlbum detailsThe Good Life Released: 2008 Label: Mayonie Productions Formats: Digital downloadLove, Light and Music Released: 2010 Label: Mayonie Productions X, Soulistic Music Formats: Digital downloadMountain Deluxe Volume 4 Released: 2010 Label: Mayonie Productions Formats: Digital downloadThe Fake Book and Real Book: My Music Bible Released: 2013 Label: Mayonie Productions Formats: Digital downloadLove, Light and Music 2 Released: 2017 Label: Mayonie Productions Formats: Digital downloadBossa Paris Nights Released: 2017 Label: Mayonie Productions Formats: Digital downloadGhetto King Released: 3 December 2021 Label: Mayonie Productions, Paradise Sound System Formats: Digital download, streaming The Star Is Reborn Released: 8 December 2023 Label: Mayonie Productions, Universal Formats: Digital download, streaming
Singles + List of singles, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications AlbumZA "Osama" 2021 1 RISA: 4× Platinum Ghetto King "Asanda" 2022 — RISA: Platinum Ubomi "Jeteme" 2023 — Pula "Mama Thula" — The Star Is Reborn "Love Generation (Reimagined)" (Bob Sinclar, & Friends, Zakes Bantwini, Gary Pine) 2024 — "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.
Other charted songs + List of other charted songs, with selected chart positions, showing year released and album name Title Year Peak chart positions AlbumZA"Girl in the Mirror" (featuring Skye Wanda) 2021 61 Ghetto King
Awards and nominations YearAward CeremonyPrizeRecipient/Nominated workResult 201016th South African Music AwardsBest Music Video of the YearJuju (featuring Black Coffee) 201117th South African Music AwardsRecord of the YearBum Bum Album of the YearLove, Light and MusicMale Artist of the YearMetro FM Awards Best Male AwardChanel O AwardsVideo of the Year"Wasting My Time" 2022DStv Mzansi Viewers' Choice Awards Favourite music artist/group Himself Favourite Song "Osama" 2022South African Music AwardsBest Dance Album Ghetto King Album of the Year Best Engineered Album of the Year Male Artist of the YearBest Collaboration "Osama" "Imali" SAMRO Highest Airplay Composers "Osama" 2022 Mzansi Kwaito House Music Awards Best House Artist Best House Single Most Voted Song"Osama"Best Music Video 2022All Africa Music Awards Best Artist, Duo or Group in African ElectroHimself Best African DJArtist of the Year2022 Grammy Awards Best Global Performance "Bayethe" () 2023 Metro FM Awards Best House Song"Asanda" SAMAInternational AchievementHimself 2024 GQ Best Dressed Awards Best Dressed CoupleHimself
References