Zakes Bantwini

About

Zakes Bantwini is the KwaMashu-born hitmaker who turned South African house into a Grammy-winning global statement. Born Zakhele Madida, he paired a run of homegrown hits like "Osama" with the international acclaim of "Bayethe," all while building a reputation as a savvy businessman. Here is a closer look at his music, marriage and success in this Zakes Bantwini biography.

Zakes Bantwini’s Personal Life

Zakes Bantwini was born Zakhele Madida on 26 May 1981 in the KwaMashu F-section of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. He rose from the townships of Durban to become a Grammy-winning artist and one of the most respected businessmen in South African music.

Zakes Bantwini’s Career

Zakes Bantwini is a South African singer, record producer and businessman whose career blends house music with commercial success and entrepreneurship.

Who is Zakes Bantwini?

Zakes Bantwini built his name as a producer and performer with a distinctly South African house sound, long before mainstream audiences knew him. His crossover appeal has since made him a fixture of Mzansi music.

Osama and Global Success

Zakes Bantwini’s single “Osama” became a runaway hit, topping the Radio Monitor charts and dominating airwaves for weeks. It marked a career resurgence that reintroduced him to a new generation of fans.

Zakes Bantwini’s Grammy

Zakes Bantwini reached a career peak in 2023 when he won a Grammy Award for Best Global Music Performance, sharing the honour with Wouter Kellerman and Nomcebo Zikode for the track “Bayethe.”

Zakes Bantwini’s Relationships

Zakes Bantwini’s marriage to media personality Nandi Madida is one of South Africa’s most admired celebrity unions.

Is Zakes Bantwini married?

Yes, Zakes Bantwini is married. He wed actress, model and presenter Nandi Madida in 2016, and the couple are frequently celebrated as a power pairing in local entertainment.

Zakes Bantwini’s Family

Does Zakes Bantwini have children?

Yes, Zakes Bantwini and Nandi Madida have two children together, Shaka and Nefertiti. Family features prominently in the public image the couple share.

Zakes Bantwini’s Net Worth

Zakes Bantwini’s net worth estimates vary widely across sources, reflecting income from music, production, live performances and his business ventures over a career of more than two decades.

Social Media

Zakes Bantwini is active on Instagram and X, where he shares new music, his business projects and moments from family life with Nandi Madida.

Zakes Bantwini Q&A

How old is Zakes Bantwini?

Zakes Bantwini is 45 years old. He was born on 26 May 1981 in KwaMashu, KwaZulu-Natal.

Where is Zakes Bantwini from?

Zakes Bantwini is from KwaMashu in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

What does Zakes Bantwini do for a living?

Zakes Bantwini is a singer, record producer and businessman, and a Grammy Award winner.

What is Zakes Bantwini’s real name?

Zakes Bantwini’s real name is Zakhele Madida.

Who is Zakes Bantwini married to?

Zakes Bantwini is married to media personality Nandi Madida.

Real name:
Zakhele Madida
Occupation:
Singer, Record Producer, Businessman
Age:
45 years
Star sign:
Taurus
Nationality:
South African
Birth place:
KwaMashu, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Height:
N/A
Children:
Shaka & Nefertiti
Net Worth:
Estimated (varies by source)