Grammy Award-winning producer and singer Zakhele 'Zakes Bantwini' Madida is expanding his influence beyond the stage, using his record label and festival to foster mentorship, collaboration, and cultural pride in Afro House and Afro Tech.
Madida tells the Saturday Star that the record label, Mayonie Productions, was established with a clear mission: to cultivate a safe and supportive environment for women in the music industry, with a vision centred on empowering female artists by providing them with essential resources and an effective platform to flourish.
“Initially, the label was focused on female artists, providing them with the resources and platform they needed to thrive. Over time, as we expanded, we embraced a wider range of talent, but the core mission of fostering a nurturing atmosphere remains.”
The label has since evolved into a powerhouse, credited with shaping the careers of artists such as L’Vovo Derrango, Andile Mseleku, and DJ Sindara, while also championing influential Afro Tech voices.
“Today, our roster includes some of the genre’s most exciting names, and I’m proud of the legacy we’ve built in the South African music scene,” Madida said.
Central to that legacy is the Mayonie Festival, a showcase of the label’s talent and a celebration of Afro House and Afro Tech’s growth.
“This year, audiences can expect an authentic showcase of our artists, as well as performances from the iconic B3B, Da Capo, Caiiro, and Enoo Napa, for the first time in Johannesburg, along with some surprise acts,” Madida revealed.
For him, the festival is more than entertainment; it’s about recognition. “Celebrating the evolution of Afro House and Afro Tech is vital because these genres are deeply rooted in our cultural identity. It’s a way to honour their origins while also claiming them as our own amidst the rising global interest.”
Speaking about the essence of the festival, Madida says he envisions the platform becoming a global cultural institution.
“While artists from our scene are being flown around the world to perform, we want to invite audiences to South Africa to witness the authenticity and vibrancy of our music firsthand. As the festival evolves, it will continue to celebrate our musical journey while fostering a sense of belonging among attendees,” he explained.
He further details that mentorship is a cornerstone of his work, and the festival serves as a critical stage for emerging artists.
It is also revealed that through the Zakes Bantwini Foundation’s incubation programmes, young talent is mentored and guided through the complexities of the music industry, stating that initiatives such as Mayonie Sundays, streamed on YouTube, have already opened doors for rising stars.
Looking ahead to the festival set for November 30, Bantwini hopes the Mayonie Festival leaves more than just a musical footprint.
“I want future musicians to see it as a platform where they can own their sound and claim their space in the industry. By fostering a culture of mentorship and collaboration, I aspire for the festival to be a beacon for aspiring artists, showing them that with dedication and support, they can achieve great things in their musical journeys.”
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za
Saturday Star