Kwaito star Thokozani Ndlovu, popularly known as L’vovo Derrango, shared a special moment with Grammy-winning musician Zakes Bantwini when the longtime collaborators reunited on stage in Durban.
Also see: Mzansi rallies behind L’vovo Derrango, raising more than R150 000
The two artists performed together at the Mayonie Open Air Festival at Chris Saunders Park in Umhlanga on Saturday, 29 August. The reunion marked 20 years since Zakes Bantwini, real name Zakhele Madida, first discovered and signed L’vovo as his first artist.
For Zakes, the performance was about much more than music. He used the occasion to celebrate his longtime friend, whom he described as his “brother,” and reflect on their journey in the entertainment industry.
A 20-year musical journey
Zakes recalled meeting L’vovo, who is originally from Newcastle in KwaZulu-Natal, in Durban two decades ago.
At the time, Zakes was 24 and saw potential in the young artist, eventually signing him to Mayonie Productions. The pair went on to develop what Bantwini called “Durban Kwaito Music” and performed across South Africa and internationally.
Their journey, however, was not without challenges. The musicians survived a serious accident that claimed the lives of people close to them and later experienced a fallout before eventually rebuilding their relationship.
Their reunion therefore carried particular significance for Zakes.
Twenty years ago, I met a young man from Newcastle in Durban.
L’vovo Derrango. My brother. 🖤
Although he wasn’t from Durban, Durban is where we would make history. It’s where I discovered him, believed in him, and signed him as my very first artist, ever, at just 24 years old.… pic.twitter.com/69zhuBcglG
— Zakes Bantwini (@ZakesBantwiniSA) August 30, 2026
Also see: Zakes Bantwini enters a new era with ‘Impatient’ and ‘You Never Know’
Celebrating L’vovo’s resilience
The performance also came as L’vovo continues his recovery after suffering a stroke.
Zakes previously spoke about watching his former protégé work to regain his ability to stand, speak and walk before eventually returning to the studio and performing again.
Seeing L’vovo step onto the Mayonie stage was therefore an emotional moment for the Grammy winner. Zakes said he was proud not only of L’vovo as an artist but also of his resilience and determination as a survivor.
The pair’s reunion also highlighted the enduring bond between them after two decades in the music industry.
‘From Durban to the world’
Reflecting on their relationship, Zakes emphasised the importance of their shared history and the role Durban played in their careers.
Their music eventually took them beyond KwaZulu-Natal to cities including Johannesburg and Cape Town, as well as international stages such as Barcelona.
L’vovo’s appearance at Mayonie Open Air was also significant given his recent efforts to rebuild his career and raise funds towards his recovery. Earlier this year, he appealed to fans to support his music and help with physiotherapy costs following his stroke.
The Durban performance offered fans a chance to see the two artists share a stage again while celebrating their long-standing musical connection.
For Zakes, the reunion represented another chapter in a relationship that began 20 years ago.
Also see: L’vovo Derrango shares health update amid hacked account controversy
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