Entertainment Reporter.
Musician, producer, and businessman Zakes Bantwini received the Musician of the Year Award at the recent GQ Men of the Year awards.
The fourth annual awards occurred on Saturday, 10 December, at The Leonardo in Sandton. Zakes Bantwini’s wife, Nandi Madida, accepted the award on his behalf.
“Thank you to GQ for recognising me as Musician of the Year,” says Bantwini. “It feels so special to have been able to achieve such a feat twenty years into my career. I’m filled with so much gratitude and joy at what my team and I have been able to achieve this year. Now we’re looking forward to the All Africa Music Awards and the Grammys next year. We aren’t done yet!”
Since “Osama” breathed new life into the veteran dance icon’s career towards the end of 2021, Bantwini has been gobbling up awards, touring the world and re-establishing himself as a force once again. Just three weeks ago he won the award for Best Viral Hit at the South African Social Media Awards (SASMAs). That comes after he won two South African Music Awards (SAMAs) for Highest Airplay and Best Collaboration in August.
Sibo Mhlungu, Zakes’ manager and business partner adds: “GQ is an aspirational platform that’s known as a benchmark for quality and class. To be recognised on this platform is once again a reminder that we’re doing something right internally. Big shout out to our team at IMG Africa and everyone who’s been supporting us this year. We’re proud to be closing off the year so strongly and excited for what 2023 has in store.”
Other notable personalities who received awards were Cassper Nyovest for Entertainer of the Year, Devi Sankaree Govender for Woman of the Year, Kwenzokuhle Ngcobo for the People’s Choice Award, Sello Maake ka Ncube for Industry Icon of the Year and Connie Chuime for the Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilege Lifetime Achievement Award.