Zakes Bantwini
Date of birth: May 26, 1981
Place of birth: KwaMashu, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Nationality: South African
Main activity: Singer, record producer, businessman, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist
Genre: Jazz, Kwaito, Dance music, Afro house, Afro tech, Electronic, Deep House
Zakhele Madida, professionally known as Zakes Bantwini, is a highly respected South African singer, record producer, and businessman. Born on May 26, 1981, in KwaMashu, KwaZulu-Natal, he began his career as a ballet dancer before transitioning into music. He is known for his electrifying stage presence and a versatile sound that blends various dance genres, including Afro house, jazz, and kwaito. He also holds a Diploma in Jazz and Popular Music.
Career
Zakes Bantwini's career started with him playing piano and studying jazz and popular music. He formed his independent record label, Mayonie Productions, in 2004. He is credited with discovering kwaito sensation L'vovo Derrango. His second album, Love, Light and Music (2010), was a breakthrough, featuring hits like "Bum Bum," "Clap Your Hands," and "Wasting My Time." This album earned him Best Male Artist at the Metro FM Music Awards and Most Gifted Video of the Year at the Channel O Awards in 2011. He has collaborated with notable artists like Black Coffee and Bucie. In 2023, he achieved international acclaim by winning a Grammy Award for Best Global Music Performance for his song "Bayethe."
Children
Zakes Bantwini has five children. He has three children from previous relationships and two children, a son named Shaka and a daughter named Nefertiti, with his wife Nandi Madida.
Family
Zakes Bantwini is married to Nandi Madida. His parents are Jeffrey Khanyile (father) and Nomthandazo Madida (mother). He has five children, two of whom are with his wife Nandi Madida: a son, Shaka, and a daughter, Nefertiti.
Dating history
Zakes Bantwini is married to Nandi Madida (formerly Nandi Mngoma). They married in 2016.
Awards (2020 to May 2025):
- Grammy Award for Best Global Music Performance (for "Bayethe" shared with Wouter Kellerman and Nomcebo Zikode) in 2023
- South African Music Award (SAMA 28) nominee (7 nominations including Album of the Year and Record of the Year for "Osama") in 2022
Discography
Zakes Bantwini has a comprehensive discography that includes several studio albums, numerous singles, and collaborations. Here's a breakdown:
Studio Albums:
- The Good Life (2008)
- Love, Light and Music (2010)
- Mountain Deluxe Volume 4 (2010)
- The Fake Book and Real Book: My Music Bible (2013)
- Love, Light and Music 2 (2017)
- Bossa Paris Nights (2018)
- Ghetto King (2021)
- The Star Is Reborn (2023)
Notable Singles & EPs:
- "Juju" (with Black Coffee) (2010)
- "Wasting My Time" (2011)
- "Osama" (with Kasango) (2021) - This track was a major hit and achieved 4x Platinum certification in South Africa.
- "Imali" (with Karyendasoul featuring Nana Atta) (2021)
- "Bayethe" (with Wouter Kellerman and Nomcebo Zikode) (2022) - Grammy Award-winning track.
- "Abantu" (with Karyendasoul featuring Nana Atta) (2022)
- "Asanda" (with Kususa and Argento Dust) (2022)
- "Jeteme" (with Kekelingo and Mpho.Wav) (2023)
- "Mama Thula" (with Skye Wanda, Thakzin, and Suffocate SA) (2023)
- "Love Generation (Reimagined)" (with Bob Sinclar, & Friends, and Gary Pine) (2024)
- "Umoya" (Radio Edit) (2024)
- "Amaxhosa" (feat. Nana Atta & Okmalumkoolkat) (2025)
