Zakes Bantwini Wins The Hearts Of The Nation With His Sikelela Festival

Off the back of one of the biggest milestones South Africa has experienced, marking 30 years of democracy, Grammy-award-winning, multi-hyphenated entertainer, Zakes Bantwini, came out winning big with a record success for the inaugural Sikelela Festival and taking home the coveted Metro FM (MMA24) “Best Dance” Award for smash hit single “Mama Thula” featuring Skye Wanda, Thakzin and Suffocate SA.

Established to mark 30 years of our country’s freedom, Sikelela Festival was a celebration of South Africa’s rich heritage through dance and music, uniting everyone in attendance with positive energy and inclusivity. Selling out two days prior to the event, the full capacity attended event was well executed with no recorded incidents.

Highlights of the festival included the whole crowd singing the national anthem together with Zakes Bantwini, which drove home the reason of the festival, as well as the iconic moment that transpired when Zakes Bantwini joined Young Stunna on stage for the performance of “Imithandazo”, which became the anthem of the show.

“Thank you to everyone who played in a role in the success of Sikelela Festival. From those who bought tickets and chose to commemorate 30 years of freedom with us, to our sponsors and my team; thank you for making this historic celebration possible. Izandla zidlula ikhanda,” expresses Zakes Bantwini.

“Seeing Sikelela Festival blossom from an idea to an impactful festival that honoured those before us and celebrated 30 years of freedom in a meaningful way, is truly humbling. We couldn’t have asked for a more successful inaugural event and look forward to making Sikelela Festival an annual event to mark on the calendar.

Thank you to everyone who supported this initiative. Stay tuned for more shows on the way,” shares Sibo Mhlungu, Aline Agency CEO, Sikelela Festival co-founder and business partner to Zakes Bantwini.

Reeling off the high of the success of the inaugural Sikelela Festival, Zakes Bantwini’s Freedom Day had an additional sweetener with him winning the coveted Metro FM (MMA24) “Best Dance” Award for smash hit single “Mama Thula” which was the cheery on top.

Taken off his fourth album, “The Star Is Reborn”, “Mama Thula” is a song appreciating mothers and the role they’ve played in our lives, a prayer for them. Clocking 25 weeks on the Top 100 Radiomonitor Airplay Chart this past Friday (peaking in the Top 10), and previously holding down the number #1 spot on the Metro FM Top 30 Chart, Zakes Bantwini’s “Mama Thula” has been a fan favourite on radio since its release making it no surprise that it came out on tops in the “Best Dance” category.

“I am deeply honoured and humbled to have received Best Dance at the Metro FM Awards. This recognition is testament to the hard work, dedication, and support of so many people who have been by my side throughout my journey,” shares Zakes Bantwini.

He adds: “To my talented and tireless team: Skye Wanda thank you for your unwavering commitment, your brilliant ideas and your passion for what we do; Thakzin, Suffocate SA, Drega, Joseph Dube this award is a reflection of your incredible contributions, and I am grateful to have you all in my corner.”