Zakes Bantwini Jets Off To The Grammys

Zakes and his team from Grid Worldwide are set to host a number of talks during the weeklong festival about global music business trends. 

By  | Jan 31, 2023, 05:54 PM  | Zakes Bantwini  | Top of the

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In preparation for the prestigious Grammy Awards ceremony, award-winning musician and producer Zakes Bantwini, real name Zakhele Madida, has jetted off to the United States to attend the awards ceremony. The Grammys, which annually celebrate the finest acts in the music industry, will be held in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 5th at the Crypto.com Arena, and the event will be aired live on CBS and Paramount+.

The Osama hitmaker has been nominated for a Grammy in the category Best Global Music Performance, a nomination he shares with Nomcebo Zikode and Wouter Kellerman for their single, Bayethe.

Read More: EXCLUSIVE: Zakes Bantwini On His Grammy Nomination, Retirement, And Last Album

“I’m delighted – and very proud – to have been nominated for this award,” says Zakes, “especially as it recognizes music that has its roots in indigenous traditions.”

Ahead of the awards, Zakes and his promotional team from Grid Worldwide- a specialist agency that builds brands by giving them meaning, have a packed schedule ahead of them.

As part of the weeklong festivities that precede the Grammys, the organizers will be hosting a number of talks and discussion sessions dealing with the global music business and trends in global music. These will include a renowned series of panel discussions called Backstage Pass, which gives aspirant music industry stars a glimpse into life backstage and what it is like to work in the music industry.

Zakes will be taking part in a panel discussion on the latest developments in global music, which will be hosted by Grid Worldwide Joint CEO, Adam Byars, and will feature SA music radio host, TBO Touch; Bathu Sneakers founder and businessman, Theo Baloyi; and IMG Africa Business partner and Zakes Manager, Sibo Mhlungu.

“This is a great moment for all of us,” says Adam, “and a great moment for South African music. Indigenous music from countries around the world is finally being recognized for the vital role it’s always had to play in popular music.”

Adam, who has worked in many countries around the world and brings with him an in-depth understanding of cultural nuances and complexities, is dedicated to facilitating the growth of the South African music industry, especially through his work with the global music and entertainment platform, the 608 Festival.

“The Global Music Panel Discussion will shine an all-important light on the South African music industry and its future just as global music shifts gear and moves into an entirely different dimension. Not only will it inform the way the world sees the South African music industry, but it will also deliver unique insights into future trends, up-and-coming artists to look out for, and the place
global music has to play as a category that defies definition.”

Image Credit: ANMG
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