South African singer and music producer Zakes Bantwini won his first South African Music Award (SAMA) in 16 years.

Born Zakhele Madida, Zakes Bantwini scooped two SAMAs including Highest Radio Airplay Composers Award and Best Collaboration for the hit single “Osama” featuring Kasango.

Osama is a song by Zakes Bantwini, Kasango released on 3rd December 2021. It is track number seven in the album Ghetto King.

In his acceptance speech, at the Sun City Superbowl in the Platinum Province, Zakes Bantwini expressed his gratitude to the industry for the recognition.

“This is the best collaboration. It’s an effort between myself and Kasango. Music is about collaborating. It’s drums, mixing with guitars, with piano, it’s about that. And all the time we come on this particular stage and claim all the fame, but we have people who are behind us, who collaborated with us, who make us great. Shout out to my team,” he said.

Bantwini led with seven nominations, while Abalele’s DJ Maphorisa followed with several nominations.

Hence before the hip-hop performance of the evening, Riky Rick’s wife, Bianca Naidoo, paid tribute to the late rapper. Riky Rick’s brother took the stage to perform the late rapper’s hit, Sidlukotini.

The evening was filled with spectacular performances from the likes of Makhadzi, Msaki, Lloyiso, A-Reece, Nomfundo Moh and many others.  

Musa Keys, Chymamusique, Msaki, Haksul Muziq, Mkhadzi, Young Stunna, Black Coffee, Blxckie, Reece Madlisa and Zuma, Khanyisile Mthethwa, Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa, Ami Faku, Pulane Maphari 9umba, Mdoovar and Toss received recognition.

Recently, Bantwini informed the media that he is taking a hiatus from the industry to focus on other aspects of his life.

“I’m an entrepreneur, I’m a social leader, I’m a businessman and an artist, I’m everything else. This is not the end, but I feel I have to take a step back to focus on other aspects of my life and when you have fans that love what you do as much as you do, it’s important to share your journey with them. Going mute isn’t an option, it would be unfair,” he said.

Banwtini has been in the industry since the early 2000s.

He is also known for developing the music genre known as Durban Kwaito Music (DKM) which is an infusion of house beats and Kwaito lyrics. He has over five studio albums under his belt.

Bantwini has won several awards including Record of the Year (SAMAs), an album of the Year (SAMAs) Male Artist of the Year (SAMAS), a Best Male Award at the Metro FM Awards, and Chanel O Awards for Video of the Year just to mention a few.