Zakes Bantwini Shares an Inspiring Backstory Behind His Music Career

• Zakes Bantwini reflected on the backstory behind his decades-long career in the music industry
• The producer and singer took fans down a rabbit hole of his journey and the songs he has produced, including the careers he helped build
• Fans are overcome with nostalgia, looking back at some golden moments in South African Kwaito music

South African producer Zakes Bantwini opened up about some key moments in his decades-long career.

The Grammy Award-winner shared some backstory behind his journey, as fans reminded him of some of the records he was involved in and the stars he worked with, including L'vovo.

The year was 2007 when the Kwaito star's track Bayang'sukela was first released and became their first number one record. Recently reflecting on their work together, Derrango credited Zakes for being instrumental in changing the Durban Kwaito scene:

"No one can just come here and try and change the history. Zakes and I changed the game of Durban kwaito music. Period."

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Meanwhile, Zakes said the song marked the first of many things for him and symbolised a major turning point in his career:

"My very first artist I signed to my newly formed record label back in 2004, Mayonie Productions. This was literally everything for the first time: first release, first music video, first number one record, first time making real money from music. Every single experience was a completely new territory for me."

Sticking to the theme, a fan shared the music video for Ungubani, another L'vovo hit that Zakes produced. This particular song, he said, brought back bittersweet memories:

"My mother had just passed the day before, and I couldn’t postpone this music video shoot because the work had to go on. It’s like she knew what was coming, because that same week she told me if anything happened to her, I shouldn’t stop working. She was battling cancer at the time."

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Speaking about his career, Zakes revealed that many people have the idea that he is merely a vocalist:

"I produced 98% of the songs you hear my vocals on. Not only that, I’ve also written, co-wrote and produced tracks for other artists too. Most people don’t know that. People just don’t realise the producer and the voice they’re hearing are the same person, in my case."

Feeling nostalgic, Zakes shared some key moments in his career that set the foundation for what was to come next. He also revealed some of the songs he has produced, which include Clap Your Hands and Mafikizolo's Udakwa Njalo.

Having recently marked 20 years in the music industry, it's clear that Zakes is far from finished, and his loyal fans are sticking around, looking forward to more of what he has in store.

Fans give Zakes Bantwini his flowers

Social media Kwaito and house heads bowed down to Zakes and sang his praises for his incredible contribution to the genre:

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Ntvndoyenkosi said:

"Legendary. Thank you. I actually grew up with your music, and it’s amazing to see how that very first project shaped not just your path but also ours as listeners. From DKM to Afro-tech, forever grateful for the soundtrack you’ve given our lives."

wholesomeNDG suggested:

"I think you need to give us a young YouTube documentary talking about these songs."

Mzansi_Sounds wrote:

"SA music history books will never forget you. That's the people. You and Lvovo blessed us with classics."

jnrbig5 reminded:

"My boss, we are waiting for Office Politics. When are you dropping? Haaw, bathong!"

Dawn Thandeka King reflects on her career

In an earlier report, Briefly News shared online reactions to Dawn Thandeka King looking back at her decades-long career.

The Shaka iLembe actress and former Isidingo star alluded to the idea of writing a memoir to share her story with her fans, who remain captivated by her grace and performances on her shows.

Source: Briefly News