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Inside the Rise of Zakes Bantwini: South Africa’s Dance Music Trailblazer

TheSun.co.uk

Zakes Bantwini, a true sensation from South Africa, skyrocketed to international acclaim after his single ‘Osama’ took social media by storm, going viral on South African Twitter.

Since then, Bantwini has been unstoppable, securing gigs across Spain, Portugal, Dubai, Bali, and beyond. This has solidified his status as one of the hottest names in the electronic music scene.

His career-defining album ‘Ghetto King’ not only earned him critical acclaim but also garnered two prestigious South African Music Awards (SAMAs). The album’s blend of Afro-house, electronic grooves, and soulful rhythms has made it a staple in clubs worldwide.

But Zakes Bantwini is more than just a hitmaker. As the visionary behind ‘Studio,’ a lifestyle venue housed in Cape Town’s luxury hotspot, The Rockefeller, he continues to push the envelope in music, culture, and lifestyle. He fuses African rhythms with global dance trends.

Take a deep dive into Zakes’ world, and don’t miss the chance to experience him live at Cova Santa Ibiza on September 26th, where he’ll be performing at The Zoo Project’s 17th Anniversary—an event not to be missed!

Now, Bantwini curates a special playlist for The Night Bazaar, featuring the top 10 tracks from his label Mayonie Productions, showcasing his journey through the years. This is a selection of beats that have defined his career and reflect the sound that continues to captivate audiences globally.

Zakes Bantwini & Kasango – Osama

“Osama significantly altered the musical landscape post- COVID by introducing a fresh sound that blended elements of house and afro-pop, setting the stage for alternative genres beyond amapiano to gain radio prominence in South Africa. The track showcased the resilience of dance music, proving that it remained vibrant and relevant.”

Karyendasoul & Zakes Bantwini – Imali

“Imali being a song written in Zulu has transcended cultural boundaries, captivating listeners from diverse backgrounds who joyfully sing along, regardless of their native language. This infectious track showcases South Africans’ readiness to unite on the dance floor, celebrating a shared love for the music that resonates across all communities.”

Kususa, Argento Dust & Zakes Bantwini- Asanda

“The word Asanda has its origins in various cultures and languages so it resonates with listeners and fosters a sense of unity, it has become an anthem for celebration highlighting the transformative power of music”

Maline Aura – Mabebuza

“Mabebuza came from Maline’s debut EP under the label and debut EP as an artist and the track really fast tracked her into the industry and became a hit on the dance floors sitting today on over 500K streams on Spotify alone.”

Drega & SkyeWanda – Yebba’s Heartbreak

“Yebbas Heartbreak was a real moment for Drega and the dance music scene in SA as after he did this remix or cover so many established producers came out with their own versions. He breathed new life in a song for many didn’t know and earned him his first million streams.”

Karyendasoul & Zakes Bantwini – Umoya

“With this song we were just in a different era as a collective, coming from doing records such as Osama and Imali. It was really an extension of that energy and the instrumental just hit me the way Osama and Imali did.”