Older, Wiser, Happier
Drum English|22 June 2017

Zakes Bantwini opens up about the lessons he’s learnt, being a better dad and how he prayed for a wife like Nandi

Qhama Dayile
Older, Wiser, Happier

IT WAS in the works for four years, so you’d think he’d be burning to release it. But something more important came along – a little bundle of joy who has stolen the singer’s heart.

And this time around the father of four didn’t want to miss a single milestone, so he put his music on hold to be there for his newborn baby boy.

“I had my first child, Sithombe, who is now 21 years old, when I was 15, followed by my 12-year-old daughter, Wakhiwe, and then my 7-year-old, Lisakhanya,” Zakes Bantwini tells us.

“I was young. Although I play my part as a dad and I’m there for them, I never really witnessed them walk for the first time, because of the mistakes I made while growing up.”

The 36-year-old, who surprised fans when he secretly wed media darling Nandi Madida last year, plans to do things differently this time around. “After we had Shaka [his six-month-old son with Nandi] I wanted to see him grow, so we moved my album release date to 23 June 2017,” he says of his latest offering, Love, Light & Music 2.

The popular but private singer plans to launch the album, which features the likes of Hugh Masekela, DJ Maphorisa, Nana Atta and Tellaman, in his hometown of KwaMashu in KwaZulu-Natal. But first, he needed to bond with Shaka.

“I don’t get to see my other kids every day like I do with Shaka,” says Zakes, who has joined forces with Unicef South Africa to launch the super Dad's campaign for Father’s Day, which celebrates the role that fathers play in early childhood development. “My wish is that when people think of having children, they think of getting married first for the sake of the kids.”

Zakes knows the challenges of growing up with an absent father. His father had paid lobolo, but because he worked outside Durban the family only saw him once a month.

Denne historien er fra 22 June 2017-utgaven av Drum English.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra 22 June 2017-utgaven av Drum English.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA DRUM ENGLISHSe alt
Homegrown Heroes
Drum English

Homegrown Heroes

Drum speaks to two volunteers in the Covid-19 vaccine trial and the professor heading the team in Africa

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020
The Big Clean Up
Drum English

The Big Clean Up

Whenever a Covid-19 case is confirmed at a shop, they call in the deep-cleaners. We find out exactly how they disinfect stores and supermarkets

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020
I'm Back & Better!
Drum English

I'm Back & Better!

Babes Wodumo shares what she’s been up to in lockdown – and there’s some new music on the horizon

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020
Not An Easy Ride
Drum English

Not An Easy Ride

Taxi commuters and industry players tell DRUM what’s driving them to defy lockdown rules

time-read
5 mins  |
16 July 2020
Mam' Mary Bows Out
Drum English

Mam' Mary Bows Out

Iconic actress Mary Twala is fondly remembered by friends and family for her humour and talent

time-read
6 mins  |
16 July 2020
‘They Lived For Each Other'
Drum English

‘They Lived For Each Other'

This Cape Town teen’s parents died from Covid-19 on the same day. Now she’s alone and battling the virus too

time-read
6 mins  |
9 July 2020
Stranger Than Fiction
Drum English

Stranger Than Fiction

For actor Mangaliso Ngema and his daughter Khosi Ngema, her role in Blood & Water was like watching their family’s real-life story unfold

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020
I Was Raped By A Pastor
Drum English

I Was Raped By A Pastor

His accusations against a well-known man of the cloth turned an Eastern Cape man’s life into turmoil but now more victims have spoken out

time-read
5 mins  |
16 July 2020
My Fight With Life And Death
Drum English

My Fight With Life And Death

More Covid-19 patients, too few beds and staff, constant sanitising and personal fears – a Western Cape doctor shares her experience

time-read
6 mins  |
16 July 2020
I AM ENOUGH
Drum English

I AM ENOUGH

Ten years after being set alight, Thembi Maphanga is living life to the fullest

time-read
5 mins  |
9 July 2020