Zakhele Madida (born 26 May 1981 in KwaMashu F-section, KwaZulu-Natal), known professionally as Zakes Bantwini, is a South African singer, record producer, and businessman. He is a pioneer of afro house music in South Africa, working with musical giants such as Hugh Masekela, Black Coffee, Bucie, and many more.

Zakhele Madida achieved global recognition when he, along with Nomcebo Zikode and Wouter Kellerman, won a Grammy Award for Best Global Music Performance for their song “Bayethe” at the 65th Grammy Awards. This accomplishment was a momentous one for both Bantwini and Zikode as it marked their first Grammy win.

Early Life and Education

Zakhele Madida was born and raised in KwaMashu F-section in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. He went to Shayamoya Junior Primary School and later attended Nqabakazulu High School.

Zakhele, who is now 44 years old in 2025, had his first child at the age of 14. Despite facing the challenges of being a teenage father, he still went on to finish his matric. After matriculating, he studied at Natal Technikon (now known as Durban University of Technology), where he received a national certificate in Light Music. This is also where he formed his own record label, Mayonie Productions, while completing his final year.

Madida later earned a diploma in Jazz and Music Performance after completing his studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in Durban. He also studied a Social Entrepreneurship Programme at the Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria.

Career

In 2004, Zakhele Madida established Mayonie Productions, which became known for hit songs such as “Bum Bum,” “Wasting My Time,” and “Clap Your Hands.”

Madida released his debut album The Good Life in 2008. Two years later, he followed up with Love, Light and Music, which included the tracks “Clap Your Hands” and “Wasting My Time.”

In 2005, Madida helped launch the career of Kwaito artist Thokozani Ndlovu, later known by his stage name L’vovo Derrango. Under Mayonie Productions, Derrango released his self-titled debut album, Lvovo Derrango, which gained significant recognition. He was nominated for Best Kwaito Album at the South African Music Awards (SAMA). In 2007, he won the Best Kwaito and Song of the Year awards at the Metro FM Awards.

In April 2011, Madida released the single “Clap Your Hands,” featuring Xolani Sithole.

In 2013, he released his studio album The Fake Book and Real Book: My Music Bible, which was later nominated for Best Dance Album at the 20th SAMA Awards in 2014. On June 23, 2017, he released Love, Light & Music 2.

In 2020, Zakes Bantwini created a remix of Lauv’s song “Modern Loneliness.”

At a Kunye Event, his single “Osama” with Kasango was teased. Initially scheduled for release on September 17, 2021, the song’s launch was later moved up to September 10, 2021. “Osama” peaked at number one on the Radio Monitor Charts and remained there for ten weeks. Later that year, he headlined Miss South Africa 2021.

In early December 2021, Zakes released his third studio album, Ghetto King, to positive reviews from music critics. The album featured collaborations with Khetha, BlaQRhythm, DeeTheGeneral, Drega, Karyendasoul, Mthunzi, Nana Atta, Nomkhosi, Skillz, and Skye Wanda.

In February 2022, Apple Music featured Zakes as their ‘Isigubhu’ cover star.

His fourth studio album, The Star Is Reborn, was released in December 2023. The album featured collaborations with Karyendasoul, Drega, and Masuda, blending electronic dance music with Afro-tech influences. It was supported by the lead single “Mama Thula,” featuring Skye Wanda, Thakzin, Drega, and Suffocate SA.

Awards

2011 – Metro FM Awards – Best Male Award

2011 – Chanel O Awards – Video of the Year

2022 – South African Music Awards – Best Collaboration

2022 – South African Music Awards – SAMRO Highest Airplay Composers

2022 – Grammy Awards – Best Global Performance

2023 – SAMA – International Achievement

2024 – GQ Best Dressed Awards – Best Dressed Couple

Discography

Albums

2008 – The Good Life

2010 – Mountain Deluxe Volume 4

2013 – Love, Light and Music

2013 – The Fake Book and Real Book: My Music Bible

2017 – Love, Light & Music 2

2018 – Bossa Paris Nights

2021 – Ghetto King

2023 – The Star Is Reborn

Singles

2017 – My No.1

2017 – Bang Bang Bang

2018 – Choose the Best of Love

2019 – Freedom

2021 – Uthando

2021 – Osama

2022 – Imali

2023 – Jeteme

2023 – Asanda

2024 – Mama Thula

2024 – Love Generation