Bantwini fans to get a private show
IN CELEBRATION of his 36th birthday, house vocalist Zakes Bantwini will be inviting 36 fans to an exclusive performance of his new album Loves, Lights and Music 2.
Zakes, whose real name is Zakhele Madida, has been off the scene for the past two years as his private life has blossomed, with the birth of his 6-month-old-son, Shaka, and marriage to fellow musician Nandi Mngoma, now known as Nandi Madida.
“When my wife was pregnant, I wanted to be with her every step of the way, I wanted to attend every doctor’s appointment,” he said.
“I wanted to be there when my son was born, and I wanted to be very involved.
“Right now I have all the time because I am no longer at Sony.
“My contract came to an end and I have done my part. My wife and son are doing well, so this is the right time to release new album.”
His much-awaited new album is set to be released on Friday, his birthday.
“I will run a simple competition where I will select 36 fans to watch me perform with the band. They will be from any place in the country and I will take care of all the expenses.
“They will be the first to see me performing after a two-year break. They should keep checking my social media pages about the competition,” said Zakes.
The date and venue for the fans’ premiere has yet to be announced.
Zakes has recently left his role as executive head of A&R (artist and repertoire) at Sony Music Africa. The latest album will be released through his record company, Mayonie Productions.
“I slowed down on performances because I did not have any new material. I didn’t want to bore people with the same music,” he said.
Next week, Bantwini will launch his new album at Sun City, at the South African Music Awards.