October 2023; Today, Zakes Bantiwni is finally unleashing his viral anthem “Thula Mama”, a collaborative masterpiece that brings together the talents of Zakes Bantwini, Thakzin, Skye Wanda, and Suffocate SA, from his upcoming album, The Star is Reborn. Fans have been asking for the official release of the song after hearing it on TikTok where it went viral as well as Zakes’ live performances all across the country where fans found themselves singing along to the hypnotic hook performed by Durban singer and songwriter Skye Wanda.
“Thula Mama” may summon listeners to the dancefloor with its hurried synths and robust percussion which are combined skillfully through effective arrangement by the Durban dance music virtuoso. But the song is also a comfort listen as Zakes Bantwini’s signature Afro-Tech production backs a message of hope; “Thula Mama” is where prayer, patience and love intersect. Depending on where it finds you in life, the song doubles as both an uplifting tearjerker and a groove anthem of note.
“Thula Mama” fittingly drops a day before Zakes Bantwini’s highly anticipated concert ABANTU, a reaffirmation of our oneness and collective power as a people, taking place at DHL Stadium in Cape Town on the 28th of October. Zakes Bantwini will be joined by a variety of South African artists on the line-up including K.O, Nomcebo Zikode, Musa Keys, Jeremy Loops, MiCasa, Tresor, YoungstaCPT, Ami Faku, Blxckie and a whole lot more.
Zakes says, “No matter how hopeless or bleak things appear, the moment always comes when suddenly our spirit revives, and hope is reborn. That is why we must never give us.”