Zakes Bantwini

Zakes Bantwini is a Grammy Award–winning singer, producer, songwriter and businessman whose electrifying stage presence and genre-fusing sound have made him one of the defining forces in dance music coming out of the African continent. Drawing from across the dance music spectrum from Afro House to traditional and classical elements, he has built a catalogue of anthems and a devoted worldwide following that reaches far beyond his native South Africa.

His global hit "Osama," became an anthem in Afro House. The record shattered milestones: 4× Platinum certification, and a cultural footprint that turned a song into a movement. "Osama" powered his acclaimed album Ghetto King and earned Zakes two South African Music Awards, Best Collaboration and the SAMRO Highest Airplay Award, cementing his place at the very top of the continent's music scene. He was later honoured with the SAMA for International Achievement in recognition of his growing global reach.

In 2023, Zakes reached the summit of the industry, winning a Grammy Award for Best Global Music Performance for "Bayethe," his transcendent collaboration with Wouter Kellerman and Nomcebo Zikode - the highest honour music can bestow, and confirmation of his place among the most important artists of his generation.

With releases on many other international labels, such as UK’s leading AnjunaDeep and special appearances at events like EDC Las Vegas, Mixmag Lab, Rave the Planet Berlin or Nelson Mandela’s Day at Trafalgar Square, Zakes continues to build iconic moments through his music.

Today, Zakes commands one of the most engaged online audiences in African dance music, reaching 3million monthly followers across his platforms, which has led him to become a cultural ambassador for brands like Corona or Mercedes.