Zakes Bantwini will bow out of performing with the release of a new single — taken from his last album — at the 947 Galaxy Move festival in Joburg in November. The KwaZulu-Natal-born star did not give away much about his final album but says he has high hopes fans will get as much enjoyment out of listening to it as he did out of creating it.
“I look forward to introducing my brand-new music and people coming together and enjoying it. I think this is one of my most favourite records I have worked on this year and I am hoping that people are going to be going back home during the December holidays enjoying my new music and taking it into the new year,” says Bantwini.
After releasing more than four albums and bagging several South African Music Awards, Bantwini says 2023 will be the last year he gifts the industry with a music album and that he has pulled out all the stops to make it one of his best. He made this announcement on his 40th birthday in May this year, after he was accepted at Harvard University in the US to study the business of entertainment, music and sport.
“This is going to be one of my most expensive albums put together. I am going out there, talking to big artists, featuring everyone I always wanted to collaborate with, no matter the cost. When this album is released next year, I want fans to listen to it after 10 years and still feel like it was made yesterday,” he says.
In 2004, Bantwini founded his record label Mayonie Productions which he used to create some of his best-loved singles such as Bum Bum, Wasting My Time and Clap Your Hands. In 2008, he released the studio album The Good Life, followed by another, Love, Light and Music, two years later. Bantwini has shared the stage with award-winning South African DJ Black Coffee and the two released hit song Juju, winning the South African Music Award for Best Music Video of the Year in 2010. Bantwini has also worked with artists such as Amanda Black, Nana Atta and Sky Wanda.
When asked what makes his sound distinctive, he refers to the lead single on his third studio album Osama, which has topped the SA music charts since its release in September 2021. The single reached international heights after it got the crowd dancing at the New York and Miami Ibiza festival this year.
Many have wondered what the lyrics to Osama mean. Bantwini says they can be interpreted in many different ways and that they came to him while he was listening to the melody.
“My sound has always been about creating oneness, having a melody, chord or a sound that appeals to all race groups. With Osama I was specific and knew what I wanted. I wanted this song to speak to everyone. I don’t even know what the lyrics mean. It was extracted from the melody, it’s gibberish,” he says.
Bantwini refuses to take all the recognition for his talent. He describes it as a gift from God and says he hopes his music will continue to be a true reflection of this. “I grew up in a very religious home. My mother raised me to be a man of prayer. I prayed for people I didn’t even know and this has stuck with me ever since.”
Looking forward to the 947 Galaxy Move Festival, he says he is looking forward to sharing the stage with award-winning singer Shekinah and trio Mi Casa. “This festival is really about us coming together and having fun. I am really excited to see attendees enjoy my brand-new music.”
The two-day festival, hosted by Primedia with Samsung South Africa, will also see performances from Cassper Nyovest, Uncle Waffles, Sun El, Prince Kaybee, Costa Titch and many more.
Broadcasting CEO, Randall Abrahams, says the first day will be hosted by 947’s Chris Beatz and well-known DJs across various genres including dance, hip-hop and amapiano. “We’re excited to give our listeners more by doubling-up on what they have had before in terms of Joburg Day.”
The Galaxy 947 Move Festival will take place on 4 and 5 November at Prime View Adventure and Leisure in Olifantsfontein. Tickets are available on Ticketpro.
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