Zakes Bantwini, Wouter Kellerman and Nomcebo Zikode were honoured at the 65th edition of music’s most prestigious event, which took place on Sunday in Los Angeles, with the Best Global Performance prize in the Global Music category.
Along with Burna Boy, a celebrity from Nigeria, Arogi Aftab, and Anoushka Shankar for Udhero Na, Matt B and Eddy Kenzo for Gimme Love, and Rocky Dawuni featuring Blyk H3ro for Never Bow Down, they were also nominated.
Zakes Bantwini expressed his hope that winning the prize would demonstrate to all young South Africans that anything was possible.
The artist, producer, and businessman also praised his collaborator, the IMG Africa team, and everyone else who helped them on their quest to obtain the honour. The victory was “very special” for them, according to Sibo Mhlungu, Zakes Bantwini’s manager, business partner, and lifelong friend.
In a news release, he stated, “When Zakes and I began this firm a year and a half ago, our ambition was always to compete on the international stage. “We planned for this time, and we called it into existence, so it didn’t just happen. My staff and all those engaged in this project deserve heartfelt congratulations; we will undoubtedly be enjoying this one all year.”
The Department of Sports, Arts and Culture and KwaZulu-Natal provincial government – Zakes Bantwini and Nomcebo Zikode’s home province – congratulated Zakes Bantwini and Zikode, for their first-time win and Kellerman for his second win.
Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube said the trio’s award affirmed their local and international contributions to the music industry.
To the musicians, the department said, “South Africa is proud of the great work of art that you continue to churn out with excellence and high levels of creativity without compromising national identity and our beautiful story of a beautiful people, able to rise from the ashes of the past and rise to conquer against all odds”.
“We salute you on behalf of all the people of this, our beautiful country, South Africa.”