Zakhele Madida is his real name, but widely and professionally known as Zakes Bantwini. He is a famous South African singer, record producer and businessman, known for Jazz, Kwaito dance music.
He was born on May 26, 1980 in KwaMashu, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Zakes Bantwini’s Educational Background
Zakes Bantwini attended Shayamoya Junior Primary School and Nqabakazulu High School. At the age of 14 years he had his first child.
He later studied at Durban University of Technology) where he bagged a Diploma in Jazz and Music performance and later formed his own record label called Mayonie Productions upon completion of his studies.
Zakes also studied a Social Entrepreneurship Programme at Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria.
Zakes Bantwini’s Music Career
Zakes began his music career in 2004 in his country and has made tremendous progress in the music space.
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 such as “Clap Your Hands” and “Wasting My Time”.
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).
In April 2011, his single “Clap Your Hands” was released featuring Xolani Sithole.
In 2013, he released 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 respectively.
In 2020, Bantwini remixed Lauv single “Modern Loneliness”.
In September 10, 2023, his single “Osama” with Kasango was released. The song was a big hit and peaked number one on Radio Monitor Charts and maintained 10 weeks on it.
In late 2023, he headlined to Miss South Africa 2023.
In early December 2023, Zakes Bantwini’s third studio album Ghetto King was released worldwide. The album met positive review 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 ‘Isigubhu’ cover star.
In August 2022, Bantwini announced his upcoming studio album Abantu which is set to be released in November 2022.
He has worked with fellow musician Black Coffee, with whom he collaborated on the song “Juju”.
The talented South African singer has several albums and singles to his name, some of which are:
- The Good Life released in 2008.
- Love, Light and Music in 2010
- Mountain Deluxe Volume 2 released in 2017.
- Mountain Deluxe Volume 4 released in 2013.
- Bossa Paris Nights 2028
- Ghetto King released in December, 2023.
Aside music, Zakes Bantwini is also a successful businessman.
Awards and Nominations
Zakes has in the course of his music career won good number of awards and nominations.
- The album Lvovo Derrango earned 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 Awards at the MetroFM Awards.
- He also won the Video Awards at the Channel Awards.
- SAMRO Highest Airplay Composers Award for Osama and several nominations.
His Personal Life
Zakes has had several relationships in his journey of life. He has three children from previous relationships and two with his wife Nandi Madida (formerly Nandi Mngoma).
Despite facing the challenges of being a teenage father, he was determined to making it in life and still went ahead to completing his education and making it big in the music profession.
Zakes Bantwini’s Net Worth
Zakes Bantwini has made significant impact in the music industry with an estimated net worth of over $1 million dollars.
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