It is often said it takes will power and luck to reach success and ingenuity to maintain your position as a pioneer. For renowned South African artist and producer, Zakes Bantwini, this couldn't ring more true.
This year marks a significant milestone in his illustrious career, celebrating 20 years of culture-shifting contributions to the music industry.
To commemorate his 20 years in the music industry, Zakes Bantwini will host a special 20th anniversary concert at the Durban ICC, KwaZulu-Natal. This landmark event will take place on the 5th of July, promising an unforgettable celebration of his musical journey and achievements. Music lovers can look forward to a spectacular show featuring performances of his greatest hits and special guest appearances from fellow renowned artists.
Reflecting on his career, Zakes Bantwini shares: "Collaboration has always been at the heart of my success. Working with talented artists and creating music that resonates on a global scale has been incredibly fulfilling. As I look back on the past 20 years, I’m proud of what we’ve achieved and excited for what the future holds."
Early Bird tickets can now be purchased on the Howler website
Hosted by: Nandi Madida, TBO Touch, Boity, Minnie Dlamini, Kwenzo Ngcobo, Heazy, Robot Boii, and Mpho Popps.
Performances by: Kelvin Momo, Mi Casa, Sjava, Young Stunna, Major League DJz, Sun EL Musician, Drega, Stanky, Zakes Bantwini and special guest, Joyous Celebration.
Zakes Bantwini, born Zakhele Madida, began his remarkable journey in 2004 while completing his studies at the Durban University of Technology. That same year, he founded his own record label, Mayonie Productions, laying the foundation for a career that would see him become one of South Africa’s most influential music figures.
Bantwini's unique sound paved the way for his subsequent successes which catapulted him to the forefront of the Southern African house music scene, a position he has maintained through a series of acclaimed albums including: Love, Light, and Music (2013), Love, Light, and Music 2 (2017), Ghetto King (2021) featuring viral hit “Osama”, and The Star Is Reborn (2023) featuring smash hit “Mama Thula”.
Bantwini’s career is decorated with numerous accolades, reflecting his impact on a local and international scale. In 2023, he achieved a career highlight by winning the Grammy Award for Best Global Music Performance for "Bayethe," a collaboration with Wouter Kellerman and Nomcebo Zikode. This prestigious award underscored his belief in the global competitiveness of his music and his relentless pursuit of excellence. Other notable awards include Best Dance Album at the 2010 Metro FM Awards, Best Male Artist at the 2011 South African Music Awards, and Musician of the Year at the 2022 GQ Men of the Year Awards.
Make sure to connect with Zakes Bantwini on social media for more music news and don’t miss out on his 20th anniversary concert taking place on 5 July 2024 at the Durban ICC.
Instagram: @zakesbantwini
X: @ZakesBantwiniSA
TikTok: @zakesbantwini
YouTube: @zmadida
