19 October 2020 | Johannesburg: SATMA winning Artist Dr. Bone joins forces with the hip-hop general, Zakwe on his new single ‘KwaZet’ which honours the legacy of South African renowned maskandi ensemble, Mahlatini & Mahotella Queens. The single which features the vocals and guitar riffs of the original single, is a refreshing take on the classic hit.
Produced by Vusi Leeuw and Mzwandile “X-Wisebeats” Ngwenya at his studios in Cornubia, Durban – the pair have reinvented the classic song, while still maintaining the nostalgic, celebratory feeling of the original rendition.
Listen to the song Here
Zakwe and Dr. Bone’s musical chemistry is cemented by their shared experiences as home boys.
“Dr. Bone and I have been speaking about a collaboration for a while now and the time is finally right for us – as homeboys to come together and show the world, what we have to offer. We understand how big the song is and wanted to do justice to this classic and I think we’ve created a monster” says Zakwe.
Says Dr. Bone: “Authentic music has a way of penetrating the heart, no matter the genre. Bab’ Mahlathini & Mahotella Queens stole my heart a long time ago, back when dad used to pump their music in his Datsun. This is the music that comforted their hearts during the struggle.
#KwaZet is a song that is intended to bring happiness and joy during these difficult times. We wanted to ensure that we respect the original. “I hope oBab’ Obed Ngobeni, Mahlathini, “May their souls Rest in Peace”, the Mahotella Queens and Kurhula Sisters will be proud.”
Zakwe hopping onto the song, as someone I love and respect, was humbling. Working with him was super amazing. Dankie General”.
“We are happy to be celebrated and receive our flowers while we are still alive. The boys really did a great job with the song. We wish them well and God’s speed with the song” says Mam’ Hilda Tloubatla of Mahotella Queens.
About Dr Bone
Dr. Bone was born Bandile Maphalala in Bergville, a small town in the foothills of the Drakensberg in KwaZulu Natal. At the age of 12 he moved to Durban. He started his career in the entertainment industry as a dancer, a founding member of the group AmaRiffifi, a Pantsula crew, who left a mark on the dance scene in the early 2000s and gave Bandile his name – his moves were so intricate and acrobatic, that it looked like he was breaking his bones on stage.
While dancing and touring the country, he was inspired by the reality of the ghetto and the rags to riches raps of Hip-Hop. His early influencers include 50cent, KanyeWest, Reflection Eternal. He started producing beats and working on his own rhymes and quickly made a name for himself throughout KZN.
Dr. Bone released his much-anticipated debut album ‘Lindelani’ in April 2016 through Warner Music. Featuring guests from across the African continent including Stonebwoy, Eva Alordiah, Endia and the legendary iNdidane, the album was met with critical acclaim from all quarters. The 14-song offering, also features ‘Fak’umoya’, for which Bone won the prestigious SATMA for Best Rap Song in 2014.
Currently in studio working on his sophomore album featuring the production of South Africa’s top hitmakers and artists. Dr. Bone is ready to share the next chapter of his life, all while maintain a sound that is nostalgic of the early era of South African hip hop with a traditional modern twist.
About Zakwe
Ntokozo Zakwe (born 8 March 1988) is a South African Rapper born in KwaMashu, KwaZulu-Natal. Zakwe was born in the township of KwaMashu in KwaZulu-Natal. He went to Brettonwood High School where he completed his matric and developed his passion for hip hop music. He then went to further his studies at the Durban University of Technology but due to financial difficulties he dropped out and chose to pursue his dream of becoming a musician.
Zakwe started releasing music as an underground artist, at this stage he released several vernacular mixtapes which were titled Street Music. The mixtapes were well received in the underground hip hop scene, this then led to two of his tracks within the tapes to eventually make it into Hype Sessions and thus received massive airplay. After the success of his mixtapes, Zulu Boy another Durban based emcee, featured Zakwe on his track ‘Zobe Zisho’ which led to Zakwe bagging a recording and artist management deal with Native Rhythms.
In 2011 he released his self-titled debut album Zakwe which was a huge success and was certified gold status by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RISA), earning him five nominations at the South African Music Awards, he won the Metro FM Award for best Hip Hop artist and the first best Lyricist Award at the South African Hip Hop Awards (SAHHAs) the following year, thus taking his place amongst the best rappers in South Africa.
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Zakwe’s success and talent earned him endorsement deals with SAB Miller and Hennessey. He was one of the performing acts at the 2011 Metro FM awards in the province of Mpumalanga, he also was one of the live acts in the 2012 and 2013 South African Music Awards. In February 2013 he was the opening act for American rapper Kanye West at the Dome in Johannesburg, South Africa.
In 2015 he released Impande an album which became an instant hit and earned him three nominations at the South African Hip Hop Awards for Best Album, Best Male Artist and Best Lyricist, He won the Best Vernacular Hip Hop at the 12th South African Traditional Music Awards (SATMA) for the song ‘Reverse’ featuring Duncan.
Zakwe released a hit single called ‘Sebentin’ featuring Cassper Nyovest and Musiholiq in 2017 which received positive reviews. A remix of the song was released in the same year which featured Blaklez, Musiholiq, Cassper Nyovest, Kwesta, HHP and PRO. The remixed version of the song won the Remix of the Year at the 25th South African Music Awards.
On 6 July 2018, Zakwe released his third studio album titled “Cebisa” which has gone on to reach gold status.
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For more information:
Warner Music South Africa Garth Brown – Garth.Brown@warnermusic.com
Tel: 0105934265