Sizwe Sibiya
Durban born rapper Ntokozo, who is professionally known as “Zakwe”, is celebrating ten years since the success of his debut album Zakwe, which was released in November 2011.
His uniqueness in delivery and choice of rap style, which is focused on telling stories from the township in a skillful and interesting way, sets him apart from most rappers.
Having opened for the legendary artist Kanye West, it comes as no surprise that Zakwe has managed to continue winning for an entire decade in an industry in which other rappers quickly turn to smoke.
Zakwe was followed by three other gold certified albums including Impande and Cebisa, which made Zakwe the first winner of the first South African Hip Hop Awards for Best Lyricist in 2013.
The album also took home the Best Hip Hop Artist at the Metro FM Awards in 2013.
Zakwe was also nominated for five awards at the 18th South African Music Awards, including being nominated for Remix of the Year for one of his biggest hits “Bathi Ng’yachoma Remix” featuring Zuluboy and Danger.
Coming from KwaMashu in the coastal city, Zakwe recently dropped a ‘truce’ collaboration album, his latest body of work, with his mentee Duncan. Titled Zakwe & Duncan, it was released on 4 December 2020.
Zakwe released Zakwe under his former label Native Rhythms before moving to one of the biggest labels in the country, Mabala Noise, in partnership with Universal Music Group.
While Zakwe celebrates the tenth anniversary of the release of his album, the tenth installment of SAHHAS will take place on 10 December.
