From Studio Heights to Stepping Away
In a candid moment on Durban’s Gagasi FM, multi-award-winning producer and artist Zakes Bantwini opened up about why he left the limelight for a while. At the height of his success, he realised something surprising: his music was causing him trouble. “Every song I make, I make an enemy,” he said, explaining that the victories began stirring conflict instead of fulfilment. The intense pressure and creative strain led him to request a break from making new music with his label between roughly 2016 and 2019.
When the Hits Hurt More Than They Helped
It’s not often we hear this side of chart-topping life in South Africa’s entertainment world. Bantwini explained that when a song becomes big, it doesn’t just bring fame—it stirs up questions of money, royalties, ego, and broken friendships. He admitted that the trade-off had become too heavy. “It’s making me more enemies than it’s making me [happy or successful],” he revealed. For someone celebrated for being at the peak of Afro-house and dance culture, that was a startling admission.
A Pause With Purpose in Mzansi’s Music Scene
The local context matters here. In South Africa, the music industry often demands so much—not only hit singles but also personal brand work, collaborations, international tours, and constant output. For Bantwini, the pause became a protective measure. Rather than ride the wave until it felt unsustainable, he consciously stepped back to recalibrate. He used the time to regroup, protect his peace, and deepen his purpose beyond the studio.
Reinvention, Not Retirement
His break wasn’t the end of his journey—it was the start of something more deliberate. After returning, Bantwini went on to contribute to the Grammy-winning track “Bayethe” alongside peers and showed that his craft was evolving. He proved you can step away without disappearing—and come back stronger. Fans on social media noted the change. On X and Instagram threads, they praised his honesty and said his decision sparked their own talk about mental health and creative burnout in South Africa’s arts industry.
What It Means for Creators & Fans in 2025
When an artist at Bantwini’s level shares vulnerability and recalibration, it sends a message. It says that success isn’t only about numbers and awards; it’s also about balance, boundaries, and legacy. In Mzansi, where artists are often expected to hustle non-stop, his story shifts the narrative: you can produce hits and still prioritise your well-being. In the year 2025, that resonates especially with younger creators who are watching the industry landscape with new eyes.
Source: Briefly News
Featured Image: ICEKREAM
