Bayethe Grammy hopes
ZAKES Bantwini will carry South African pride – with Wouter Kellerman and Nomcebo Zikode – at the 65th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on February 5, where they hope to be hailed for the hit Bayethe.
He said the Grammy-nominated Bayethe collaboration with Kellerman and Zikode was a great alignment.
“It was just great timing and alignment. I met up with Wouter at the SAMAs and we discussed working together on a song that had the potential of being recognised at the Grammys. It’s such a blessing that it all came together as we dreamed it would.
“I have tremendous respect for both artists, and I hope we can bring the award back home,” said the man from KwaMashu.
Even as the success and popularity of amapiano has grown, he has not made the transition.
“I’ve always stayed true to my particular sound and the sound has always stayed true to me. I’m not a newcomer, so I don’t find the need to jump on whatever is hot to get a bit of clout,” said Bantwini.
He also said that being recognised on a global stage felt amazing.
The hitmaker said that after a successful year, with songs like Osama setting the summer on fire, he is open to more collaborations.
“I’m really big on collaboration, so I’m open to anything that comes together organically and makes sense for where I’m at in my career. You can also expect a few more international features in the near future, and on my upcoming album, Abantu,” said Bantwini.
His message to young people: “Keep pushing yourself and don’t give up on your dreams if you really believe that you’re on the right path. The world has its eyes on SA and the rest of the continent now more than ever.”