Zakes Bantwini

Zakes Bantwini, born Zakhele Madida in 1981, operates from South Africa as a solo artist who has maintained a consistent presence in electronic music since his first release in September 2011. He releases music under his primary alias Zakes Bantwini and has established connections with international labels including Sonar Kollektiv, MoBlack Records, and Vamos Music.

His production style centers on Afro House and Deep House, incorporating elements of Soulful House that typically range from mid-tempo grooves to more energetic dancefloor cuts. Bantwini's releases on Sonar Kollektiv demonstrate his alignment with the label's sophisticated house aesthetic, while his work with MoBlack Records positions him within the contemporary African electronic music movement. His sound combines traditional African percussion elements with modern house production techniques, creating tracks that work equally in intimate club settings and larger festival environments. His catalog spans from deeper, more contemplative compositions to driving peak-time house tracks.