Zakes Bantwini, a South African-based platinum-selling artist, performer, producer, former A&R Sony Music Africa, Dj, song writer, label owner (Mayonie Productions) music mogul Zakhele Madida, stage name Zakes Bantwini, armed with a Diploma in Jazz and popular music.

Life and career

Early life and education

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 finish 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 beginnings

In April 2011, his single “Clap Your Hands” was released featuring Xolani Sithole.

2013-2016:The Fake Book and Real Book: My Music Bible

In 2013, Madida released the studio albums 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 single “Modern Loneliness”.

2021-present: Ghetto King, upcoming album

At Kunye Event he teased 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 the release date of “Osama” was rescheduled to 10 September 2021. On September 10, his single “Osama” with Kasango was released. The song peaked at number one on Radio Monitor Charts and spent 10 weeks on it. In late 2021, he headlined Miss South Africa 2021.

In early December 2021, Zakes third studio album Ghetto King was released worldwide. The album met 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 ‘Isigubhu’ cover star.

In August 2022, Bantwini announced his upcoming studio album Abantu which is set to be released in November 2022.

Diploma and certificates

Diploma in Jazz & Popular Music: University of KwaZulu – Natal – 2012

Certificate in Music Arrangement: Durban University of Technology – 2002

Certificate in Film Music: Durban University of Technology – 2003

Certificate in Social Entrepreneurship: Gordon Institute of Business Science – 2013

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 such as “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 awards at the MetroFM awards.

Personal life

Madida has three children from previous relationships and two with his wife Nandi Madida (formerly Nandi Mngoma).