Zakhele Madida professionally known as Zakes Bantwini is a multi-award-winning South African singer, record producer and businessman from KwaMashu F-section, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. He has worked closely with fellow musician Black Coffee, with whom he collaborated on the hit song "Juju".
Early life
Madida was born and bred in KwaMashu F-section in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. He went to Shayamoya Junior Primary School and later attended Nqabakazulu High School. At the age of 14 years he had his first child. Despite facing the challenges of being a teenage father, he still went on to finishing his matric. After matriculating, he went on to study at Natal Technikon where he received a national certificate in Light Music, this is also where he formed his own record label called Mayonie Productions while completing his final year. Zakhele received 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 Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria.
Career
Mayonie Productions
In 2004, Zakhele created Mayonie productions while which became quite a success and has since been famous for great sounds such as Bum Bum, Wasting My Time and Clap Your Hands. Zakhele released his debut album "The Good Life" in 2008. Two years later, he released the album "Love, Light and Music" which produced hit songs such as Clap Your Hands and Wasting My Time.
L'vovo Derrango
In 2005, Zakhele helped launch the career of Kwaito Artist Thokozani Ndlovu who would later went on to be known by his stage name L'vovo Derrango. Under Mayonie Productions, Derrango released his debut album which was self titled, the album gained him massive recognition as he was nominated at the SAMA Awards for the Best Kwaito Album. In 2007, he won the Best Kwaito and Song of the Year award at the MetroFM awards.
2013-present
In 2013, he released the album "The Fake Book and Real Book: My Music Bible" and the following year the album was nominated in the Best Dance Album Category at the 20th SAMA Awards. On 23 June 2017, he released the album Love, Light & Music 2.
Personal life
Zakhele Madida has 3 children from his previous relationships and has 2 with his current wife Nandi Madida.
