The Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Nomusa Dube-Nqube has applauded DJ Zakes Bantwini, singer-songwriter Nomcebo Zikode and producer Wouter Kellerman for bagging the outstanding Grammy Award under the Global Music category with their hit song, Bayethe during the prestigious 65th Annual Grammy Awards Ceremony in Los Angeles on Sunday.
According to Premier Dube-Ncube, the Grammy winning song can be seen as a tribute to King Misuzulu KaZwelithini, the late King Zwelithini KaBhekuzulu and many other Kings who restored hope, peace, unity and revived faith in humanity.
She further said that the Trio’s big win affirms the contribution that they have made in the music industry both locally and internationally, further adding that Zakes and Nomceba as musicians who originate from KZN, were rightfully following in the footsteps of other Grammy Awards winners such as Ladysmith Black Mambazo and DJ Black Coffee who also hail from the magnificent province.
The trio were nominated together with Nigerian superstar Burna Boy, among others. The song, which was released in 2022, is a fusion of maskandi, Afro-pop and dance music.
“We are proud of Zakes Bantwini, who hails from KwaMashu and Nomcebo Zikode, who is from Mpumalanga Township in Hammarsdale for flying the South African flag high and putting the province on the global music stage by winning this Grammy Award.”
“We celebrate the success of the son and daughter of the province who are a beacon of hope and an inspiration to many young people in townships and rural areas. This Grammy Award comes at the right time as we are reviving the hopes of the province’s citizenry, who have shown great resilience and tenacity in the face of adversity.” said the KZN Premier.
Zakes Bantwini said wrote on Twitter following his win that it took him seventeen years to find his path.
“I have no words to express the emotions and grace that have come over me I am so grateful. This moment is owed to my late Mother & Father, Unkulu’ Nkulu u Number 1 (God first).” Zakes said.
