South African music icon Zakes Bantwini has opened up about the emotional and personal struggles that once pushed him to step away from the spotlight. The Grammy Award-winning artist revealed that despite his chart-topping hits and growing global recognition, fame came with painful consequences that affected his personal life, friendships, and mental well-being.
The Osama hitmaker, who is widely celebrated for his innovative sound and contribution to house music, shared his story during an interview on Gagasi FM with Sphe, DJ Naves, and Selbeyonce.
In the interview, Zakes Bantwini spoke candidly about how each hit record unintentionally created tension within his circle. What many perceived as a successful career milestone often came with hidden battles behind the scenes.
“I felt every song I make, I make an enemy,” he revealed. “Because the success of a song iyasixabanisa [creates conflict], royalties and not seeing eye to eye bring other people into our friendship and success.”
As his music reached more audiences, he found himself dealing with constant disputes over royalties, creative credit, and recognition. Instead of celebrating achievements together, conflicts often arose — creating an emotionally draining environment.
Zakes Bantwini on How Success Led to Strained Relationships
For Zakes Bantwini, the pressure became unbearable. At the peak of his career, when many assumed he was thriving, he quietly made the life-changing decision to step away from making music.
“I stopped making music; that’s why I went to Sony Music. I was like, ‘This thing is hurting me. It’s making me more enemies than it’s making me [happy or successful],’” Zakes explained.
Between 2016 and 2019, he took a step back from the industry to prioritize his mental health, peace of mind, and personal growth. During this time, Zakes Bantwini focused on regaining balance in his life, away from the competitive and often unforgiving nature of the music industry.
For many artists, taking a break can be risky, especially in an industry where relevance can fade quickly. But for Zakes Bantwini, it became a crucial turning point. The break allowed him to reflect on his purpose as an artist and a human being.
Instead of chasing constant validation through hit records, Zakes began to rebuild his life around what truly mattered to him: his peace, his vision, and his artistry. This personal growth period not only helped him heal but also prepared him for an even bigger comeback.
When Zakes Bantwini returned to music, he did so with renewed energy and clarity. His comeback wasn’t just about releasing new tracks; it was about creating music that was deeply meaningful to him. This transformation ultimately led him to global recognition.
In 2023, he achieved one of the greatest milestones of his career — winning a Grammy Award for the hit song Bayethe alongside Wouter Kellerman and Nomcebo Zikode. This win was not just a professional victory but a personal triumph, symbolizing his resilience and growth through adversity.
Today, Zakes Bantwini is celebrated not only as a talented artist but also as an inspiration to many musicians navigating the complexities of fame. His story highlights the less glamorous side of the entertainment world — the emotional strain, the strained relationships, and the mental toll.
However, it also emphasizes the power of self-care, reflection, and resilience. By choosing to step back, heal, and return on his own terms, Zakes proved that true success goes beyond charts and awards. It’s about staying true to oneself and finding joy in the craft again.
With a Grammy under his belt and a refreshed outlook on life and music, Zakes Bantwini continues to shape the sound of modern South African house music. His journey serves as a reminder that even the brightest stars face moments of darkness, but those moments can lead to powerful comebacks.
As he continues to tour, collaborate, and innovate, fans can expect more authentic and soulful music from the artist who turned his pain into purpose.
The story of Zakes Bantwini is more than just about music — it’s about mental health, self-discovery, and the courage to put personal well-being above industry pressures. By sharing his struggles openly, he is helping break the stigma around mental health in the entertainment industry.
His journey from burnout to Grammy glory is proof that stepping away isn’t giving up — sometimes, it’s the most powerful step forward.
Source- Fakaza
