Grammy Award-winning artist, producer and entrepreneur Zakes Bantwini will headline A Cultural Export of Freedom, a high-level panel discussion hosted by the Harvard Center for African Studies in partnership with Brand South Africa. The event will take place at the CAS Lounge on May 8, 2026 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM EDT.
Framed as a cultural diplomacy activation, the event positions Amapiano not only as a globally influential music genre but as a living archive of South Africa’s history, identity, and evolving voice on the world stage.
As South Africa commemorates significant milestones – 30 years of its Constitution, 50 years since the Soweto Uprising, and 70 years since the Women’s March of 1956 – the panel explores how the legacy of resistance, resilience, and collective action can be translated into cultural capital that informs and mobilises future generations.
Emerging from township culture and shaped by post-apartheid youth identity, Amapiano has become a defining sound of contemporary South Africa. Its global rise signals more than musical success; it reflects a new era of cultural expression, one that carries history forward through sound, movement, and connection.
At the centre of this conversation is Zakes Bantwini, born Zakhele Madida, whose career spans over two decades of innovation in Afro-house and dance music. Known for chart-defining tracks such as “Clap Your Hands,” “Juju,” “Imali,” “Asanda,” and the global hit “Osama,” Bantwini has played a pivotal role in shaping South Africa’s contemporary soundscape. His international performances span cities and stages from Ibiza to New York, including iconic platforms such as AfrikaBurn and Burning Man.
In 2022, Bantwini achieved a career milestone by winning a Grammy Award for “Bayethe,” a collaboration with Wouter Kellerman and Nomcebo Zikode. Since then, he has expanded his influence beyond music, championing African representation on global platforms. His initiatives include convening industry panels during Grammy Week at the Grammy Museum, focused on elevating African music within the global entertainment economy.
As founder of Mayonie Productions, Bantwini has built one of South Africa’s leading dance music labels, nurturing emerging talent while expanding into live experiences such as the sold-out Mayonie Open Air event. His vision continues to grow Mayonie into a global entertainment hub spanning music, business, and lifestyle.
Beyond his artistic and entrepreneurial achievements, Bantwini is deeply committed to social impact. As a UNICEF ambassador and advocate for youth empowerment, he supports initiatives that create access and opportunity for young people. His philanthropic work will soon be formalised through the launch of the Zakes Bantwini Foundation. He is also a Harvard alumnus, having completed the Business of Entertainment, Media, and Sports program.
“Amapiano is more than a genre, it is a movement, a narrative, and a bridge between generations,” says Bantwini. “To engage in this dialogue at Harvard is an opportunity to reframe how African culture is studied, experienced, and valued globally.”
The event will feature a panel discussion followed by a live performance, offering attendees both intellectual and immersive engagement with one of Africa’s most influential cultural exports.
Event Details:
Date: May 8, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM EDT
Venue: CAS Lounge, Harvard Center for African Studies
RSVP: https://harvard.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aUVFHWQRRMmbJtk
