Zakes Madida, AKA Zakes Bantwini, is getting more than a quarter of a million monthly plays on Spotify, and the global streaming platform affectionately refers to him as The King of Dance.
Born and raised in KZN, this Gen-X party starter and dance floor filler is a big fan of collaboration and young artist development, and he’s worked with some of the biggest names in the game, including the likes of DJ Black Coffee (on ‘Juju’) and Portugal’s leading house act, DJEFF in delivering ‘Zugu Zugu’. As 2022 kicks into high gear, Zakes is breathing new life into an already well-established career with his latest album, Ghetto King, which includes his 2021 viral hit, ‘Osama’.
Q. TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY IN MUSIC.
I have spent the past 15 years of my life in the music industry as an executive. Sony Music recruited me as the first musician to be employed as the head of artists and repertoire (A&R). I also hit the books and graduated with a diploma in jazz and pop music, and I completed a course in social entrepreneurship at the University of Pretoria, informed by the Gordon Institute. So, yes, I have worn many hats and know my way around the music business paddock.
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Q. WHERE DO YOU GO FOR INSPIRATION?
My muse, especially when it came to ‘Osama’, was the late, great Fela Kuti. He was fearless. He was the Dave Chappelle of music. Fela took on the establishment and used his music to drive his message home. Music is a spiritual thing, a gift from God, so regardless of whether you are delivering your message in ‘pidgin’ or broken English, the meaning still lands. Music is universal, devoid of language, implying there are no limits that dictate success. I get to claim the result, but I know all too well that none of it would be possible without my guides.
“If, with very little or no money, you can still be happy, that is when you have found genuine fulfilment.”
Q. WHAT’S YOUR DREAM AND INTENTION WITH YOUR MUSIC?
‘Osama’ certainly helped in delivering global recognition. I have always wanted an African sound, one which the whole world can interpret and enjoy, no matter where that audience is based. I want the agency to be able to scale my brand to an international standard by delivering authentic, original music that knows no boundary.
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Q. WHAT’S YOUR DEFINITION OF SUCCESS?
If you had to take away my savings, my insurance, my money – what’s left would be my success. You cannot buy happiness. If, with very little or no money, you can still be happy, that is when you have found genuine fulfilment.
Related article: Q&A with Siphokazi Jonas
CATCH ZAKES ON THE SOCIALS
ZakesBantwiniOfficial @zakesbantwini @ZakesBantwiniSA
Q&A WITH ZAKES BANTWINI
Reviewed by Michelle Pienaar
on
January 28, 2022
Rating:
Reviewed by Michelle Pienaar
on
January 28, 2022
Rating:
