Zakes Bantwini talks Grammy nomination, homecoming performance in Ballito
Zakes is ending 2022 with a huge bang!
Zakes Bantwini earned his first Grammy nomination this year and took his proudly African music all over the world.
The singer and producer is nominated for a Grammy in the 'Best Global Music Performance' category alongside Nomcebo Zikode and Wouter Kellerman. The trio was recognised for their single, 'Bayethe'.
Zakes described the nod as the"greatest highlight" of his career. The 42-year-old, who grew up in KwaMashu, had an amazing 2022 and it is about to get better.
He is set to perform at a fashion show taking place between the Qatar FIFA World Cup's semi-final and final matches. Several artists from around the world will be performing at the event, which will showcase 50 countries.
As if that isn't the best way to end the year, Zakes has a number of shows lined up during the holidays, including one that will see him returning to his home province, KwaZulu-Natal.
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The 'Osama' hitmaker has an exciting homecoming show planned for 1 January 2023. He will be performing in Ballito as part of the Ballito BIG Week music festival.
He is opening up about the amazing year he has had and what fans can expect in the new year.
Congratulations on your Grammy nomination! What does a moment like this mean for your career?
Thank you so much! For almost every musician across the globe, this type of recognition is everything! It has always been a dream to see myself nominated for a Grammy and it’s an amazing feeling. I feel deeply honoured.
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Naturally, it’s a good feeling. I love it! We, as South Africans, make incredible music which deserves a global audience and I am thrilled to see the impact African music has had around the globe.
Why do you think Afrobeats has become such a massive genre right now?
Afrobeats is undeniable! You can barely help but to dance – it’s so good! I do think that social media platforms have also played a massive role in carrying this genre across the globe, helping it reach spaces it ordinarily wouldn’t have before. It’s certainly an exciting moment for African music.
Your live performances are amazing. What elements of a live show is important for you when you perform?
I love to connect with my audience every chance I get. Whether it be through teaching them a new dance on stage or helping them learn the lyrics to my songs. It just adds a personal touch. I love bringing that into my live performance and that connection really creates a magical moment on stage.
The festive season is full of live shows. Which show are you really excited to play?
Almost every single show I wholeheartedly look forward to. For me, it’s an opportunity to introduce myself and my sound to possibly someone who has never heard of me or my music before. However, I am especially looking forward to playing in Qatar at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and at the upcoming Ballito BIG Week festival as this will be my homecoming show. I love playing on home ground the most as this is where it all began for me.
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2023 is filled with more opportunity for me to share new music with the world, release my new album, step onto more world stages and create fruitful partnerships with world-class brands. Stay tuned!
For fans wanting to celebrate Zakes Bantwini’s homecoming performance at Ballito BIG Week with support acts Sun-El Musician, Tresor, Musa Keys, Msaki, and Shekhinah, tickets are available here from just R200.
Main image credit: 'iMali' music video/ YouTube