There is no greater loss than the loss of a loved one. The award-winning singer and record producer Zakhele Madida popularly known as Zakes Bantwini took to his Instagram to talk about the tragic day that claimed the life of his close friend and colleague.
On his lengthy Instagram post, Zakes briefly spoke about friends feuds, his music journey, and the day he was involved in a car accident. The accident took the life of late DJ Sibusiso Manyandu who was popularly known as DJ Budda. He said on the day he and L'vovo landed in the hospital.
“Before money and jealous so-called friends divided us, we were one of the strongest labels to come out of Durban. Mayonie Productions paved the way for Durban Kwaito Music/ musicians, We lost our dear brother DJ Budda in an accident coming from a gig in Delmas, he lost his life instantly and @lvovosa & myself were hospitalized and after that accident, it all went South.”
DJ Budda died back in 2007 at age of 30. He was one of the two people who died in that accident that day. He said one piece of advice he could give his younger self is to never ignore any signals.
“I was leading a very dynamic music label with unknown hungry young minds which are well known today. If I could advise my younger self I'll say, do not ignore any signals and your inner voice cause I had a feeling we will split up but I didn't believe it cause we were killing it and making a lot of money with number 1 albums. Budda I miss you, bro.”
His fans urged him to regroup and pick up here they left off, here are some of the reactions.
“Zakes beside bhuda you guys are still alive nje regroup and do what you know the best n*ggs and if you talk about jealous so-called friends who allowed them between you guy.?”
“I will be forever grateful for the opportunity you gave me as an intern ko mayonie production in 2007. I graduated in ND maeketing, bengikhina senza ama event all over KZN. Sikhulisa brand ka LV no Bhizori. The vision was clear. DJ Budda ulalengokuphumula. As for Mayonie Production, I think Madida kusamele uyibuyise”
Zakes Bantwini has given so much to the music industry. He started his record label ‘Mayonie Productions’ back in 2004 when he was still a student at DUT. The label has given birth to the long-standing music careers of award-winning artists like L'vovo Derrango.
Zakes is also known for developing the music genre known as Durban Kwaito Music (DKM) which is an infusion of house beats and Kwaito lyrics. He has over five studio albums under his belt.
He has won several awards including Record of the Year (SAMAs), an album of the Year (SAMAs) Male Artist of the Year (SAMAS), a Best Male Award at the Metro FM Awards, and Chanel O Awards for Video of the Year just to mention a few.
