Culture Craze
Zakes Bantwini Opens Up About Why He Took a Break from Music
When success started to sting
At first glance, it looked like Zakes Bantwini had reached the peak of musical success. His songs filled dance floors from Durban to Dubai, his collaborations earned him global recognition, and his name became synonymous with South African excellence in Afro-house. Yet, at the height of that success, the multi-award-winning artist quietly stepped away from the studio, and now he’s finally shared why.
Speaking in a heartfelt conversation on Gagasi FM, Bantwini revealed that music, his lifelong love, had become a source of conflict and anxiety. “Every song I make, I make an enemy,” he said. What should have been a celebration was starting to feel like a battlefield. Hit after hit, he found himself losing more peace than he was gaining success.
Between roughly 2016 and 2019, he asked his label for a break, a rare move in an industry obsessed with momentum.
When the beats became heavy
For most fans, it’s easy to assume that hit songs mean happiness, but Bantwini painted a more complicated picture. Behind every chart-topper came the noise: disputes about royalties, egos, misunderstandings, and fractured friendships. “It’s making me more enemies than it’s making me happy,” he admitted.
It’s an honest confession that cuts through the glossy image of fame. In South Africa’s fiercely competitive music landscape, few artists are willing to say out loud that success can hurt. Bantwini’s words struck a chord because they revealed what so many in creative industries quietly face: burnout, pressure, and emotional fatigue masked by applause.
A pause that redefined purpose
Instead of pushing through the storm, Bantwini hit pause. He used the break to reclaim control over his craft, prioritise his mental well-being, and reconnect with his purpose beyond music. This was not a retreat but a conscious act of self-preservation.
His decision came at a time when the South African music scene demanded constant output: new hits, endless touring, and brand collaborations. In that environment, stepping back was an act of courage.
Returning stronger, with clarity
When Bantwini eventually returned, he did so with renewed vision. He went on to co-create “Bayethe,” the Grammy-winning collaboration that showcased his evolution as both artist and visionary. The message was clear: taking a break isn’t the end of your story; it can be the turning point.
Fans across social media echoed that sentiment. Many thanked him for speaking up, saying it made them reflect on mental health and balance in the arts. Others praised him for proving that greatness can coexist with vulnerability.
A lesson for creators in 2025
In a world where “hustle culture” still dominates, Bantwini’s story feels revolutionary. His decision to pause at the top of his game reminds creators everywhere that peace of mind is also part of success.
In 2025, as South Africa’s creative community continues to evolve, his message carries weight: you can protect your purpose without losing your power.
Zakes Bantwini didn’t walk away from music; he walked towards himself.
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Source: Bona Magazine
Featured Image: Zakes Bantwini
