Interviews
Zakes Bantwini: from the studio to the boardroom
Zakhele Madida, famously known as Zakes Bantwini, was recently appointed an executive head of Sony Music. More than an artist, more than an entrepreneur, more than a suit, Zakes' work ethic makes him an inspirational role model for anyone wanting to get ahead in the South African music industry.
Congratulations on the new appointment - how do you feel about this acknowledgement, not just of your musical abilities, but your business aptitude?
Zakes Bantwini: I have worked hard to be in this position and it is a great feeling to be acknowledged not only in the studio but in the boardroom – making those crucial decisions of where the music goes.
What will your role entail as an executive head of Sony Music?
Zakes Bantwini: I will be working creatively to develop and release new content from Sony Music Africa’s domestic artist roster under the banner of a newly developed label imprint which we will introduce soon.
Will your music career now take a backseat - how do you plan on balancing both worlds?
Zakes Bantwini: My music definitely won’t take a backseat, if anything my work load will increase, as I already run my own company, Mayonie Productions – so I am looking forward to the challenge of combining these two worlds.
While recording your album last year you were also studying at the same time. Do you feel it's important for musicians to have more than just a music career? Should musicians invest in a backup plan?
Zakes Bantwini: Educating myself was not a backup plan but an opportunity to enhance my music business career. One can’t approach the music industry only on a creative level, it is a business. Like any other industry you need to understand how that business works. It's about time music is seen as a complete career, not a hobbie that needs a backup plan!
You're an inspirational success for anyone in the industry? Tell us more about your "Ghetto" project.
Zakes Bantwini: We came up with the concept to give people who were brought up in the Ghetto, like myself, a chance to share their success stories through the platform which I created. My hope is that my story and these other stories will relate to others who are in a similar situation today and gives them hope that they too can achieve great things. This is my contribution to celebrating 20 years of democracy.
What's your take on the South Africa music industry? Where can we improve?
Zakes Bantwini: There has been a huge growth in the South African music scene, but we could have been further had there been more radio support of SA music and more music channels on TV – this is where we need to improve.
