Zakes Bantwini

Durban-born music mogul Zakhele Madida, stage name Zakes Bantwini, began his career as a ballet dancer in the late 90s, performing all over Europe. In 2005 he helped launch the career of kwaito star L'vovo Derrango. He released his debut album, The Good Life, in 2008 - but it was his second album, 2010’s Love Light and Music, that made him a household name, thanks to the hits ‘Bum bum’, ‘Clap Your Hands’ and ‘Wasting My Time. The album saw Zakes scoop the Best Male award at the Metro Awards in 2011 and Video of the Year at the Channel O Awards in 2011.

In July 2013 he recorded the live DVD Upfront With Zakes Bantwini and followed it up later that year with a new studio album, The Fake Book and Real Book: My Music Bible. Besides his success as a solo musician, he is also a respected producer and choreographer and runs his own label Mayonie Productions. He is also armed with a degree in jazz and popular music from UKZN, which he completed in 2012.