With the Mayonie Festival, Zakes isn’t just throwing a party — he’s creating a home for Afrohouse, Afrotech, and South African pride.
Zakes Bantwini is no stranger to breaking boundaries. The Grammy Award-winning star, hitmaker, and cultural icon has never been content with just making music — he’s always been about creating movements. His latest venture, the Mayonie Open Air Festival, is proof that his vision is bigger than the stage.
When you ask him what inspired this festival, he doesn’t talk about money or chasing trends. Instead, he lights up about culture.
“Dance music is at the heart of our culture in South Africa,” he says. “I’ve seen it evolve, travel the world, and shape our identity. Mayonie Festival is about celebrating that history while pushing it forward. It’s about artists, fans, fashion, and innovation all in one space.”
This isn’t just another festival. For Zakes, it’s deeply personal. It’s born from his journey with Mayonie Productions, a label that has nurtured talent from Durban to global stages. The festival is his way of giving back to the culture that made him who he is.
Of course, arriving at this point didn’t happen overnight. The years leading up to Mayonie Festival were filled with bold choices and risks that shaped who he is today.
“Several moments have shaped my journey, but one of the biggest risks I took was transitioning from being a frontline artist to going behind the decks. It was unprecedented in our industry at the time and quite scary, as I didn’t know how people would receive it. But it was authentic to my journey,” he shares.
The dream from the getgo was always to share his music globally and make a meaningful impact. The decorated muso share that while he has achieved many milestones, he still believe the journey is ongoing.
“There’s always more to strive for, and I’m excited about the future possibilities,” he shares.
Born Zakhele Madida, his career began as a backup vocalist for iconic South African artists before diving head first to release is debut project in dubbed “Love, Light & Music” in 2011.
The KwaZulu-Natal born star knew he had more to offer.
It’s hard not to think about Zakes’ legacy when he talks. He’s a Grammy winner, a visionary, and a label boss who has helped launch some of South Africa’s most influential artists. But he remains grounded. “I want my music to stand for authenticity, pride, and unity,” he says. “More than that, I want to leave the industry better than I found it. That means stronger record labels, healthier artist relationships, and brands that truly understand our music.”
And if there’s one thing Zakes is clear about, it’s the power of Afrohouse and Afrotech. “They’re taking over. These genres are the sound of our time,” he says confidently. And he’s right. From Ibiza to New York, African beats are dominating dance floors. “The world is consuming our music exactly as it is. We don’t need to dilute it. Our stories are resonating, and that’s powerful.”
Style Meets Sound
Of course, we can’t talk about Zakes without mentioning his fashion. His bold style has made as many headlines as his music. For him, it’s not just clothes. “Fashion is part of my artistry. It tells a story just like music does.”
He’s collaborated with visionary designers like Thebe Magugu, blending music and style in events like Mayonie @ Magugu House. From Sunday gatherings to showcasing Magugu’s F.C. training kit, Zakes treats fashion as another stage. “It’s integral to who I am. It’s how I express identity, culture, and history.”
And if you think this is all branding, he’ll quickly correct you: “It’s not a byproduct. Fashion is storytelling.”
A Venue With a Story
Hosting the first Mayonie Festival at Constitution Hill was no accident. The venue, rich with history and symbolism, perfectly mirrors what Zakes is trying to do. “Constitution Hill is about resilience and transformation,” he explains. “It honours our past while celebrating our future. Afrohouse has a similar story — rooted in struggle, but now leading on global stages. It’s the perfect match.”
Walking into this festival won’t feel like walking into just another music event. Zakes wants people to feel something. “I want them to feel connected, like they belong. Afrohouse tells powerful stories. When people leave, I want them to feel uplifted and inspired.”
Beyond the festival, Zakes has his eyes on the future of South Africa’s music scene. Through the Zakes Bantwini Foundation, he wants to mentor and support young artists, making sure they have the tools and knowledge to succeed. “I want to uplift the next generation,” he says. “We have so much talent, and I want to create platforms for it to shine.
“The journey never ends. There’s always more to do.”
One thing he’s never done, though, is consider quitting. “Not once. My talent is a gift from God. No matter how tough things got, I believed this gift had a purpose. That’s what’s kept me going.”
The Future of Mayonie
For Zakes, the Mayonie Festival is not a one-off. He wants it to grow into a cultural institution. “This is about more than music. It’s about ownership, pride, and creating an annual home for Afro Tech and Afrohouse. I want it to be something people look forward to every year — a true celebration of culture and creativity.”
And what about the young fans and artists who look up to him? His advice is simple but powerful: “Stay true to yourself. Embrace your uniqueness. Work hard, express your culture authentically, and always give back.”
The Beat Goes On
It’s clear that Zakes Bantwini isn’t just building a festival — he’s building a legacy. From the dance floor to the runway, from Constitution Hill to global stages, his story is about more than music. It’s about connection, culture and creating spaces where people can celebrate who they are.
The Mayonie Festival is just the beginning. And if Zakes has his way, it will be the heartbeat of South Africa’s creative future — bold, authentic and unforgettable.
