Premier of KwaZulu-Natal Nomusa Dube-Ncube congratulated artist Zakes Bantwini, singer-songwriter Nomcebo Zikode, and producer Wouter Kellerman on their Grammy Award accomplishments in the Global Music category for their hit song Bayethe.
The group won the prize for Best Global Music Performance at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 5th.
The premier stated that the Grammy Award for Zakes Bantwini and Nomcebo Zikode validates their local and worldwide contributions to the music business.
Dube-Ncube stated that they are pleased of Zakes Bantwini, a native of KwaMashu, and Nomcebo Zikode, a resident of Mpumalanga Township in Hammarsdale, for flying the South African flag high and putting the province on the global music stage by winning the Grammy Award.
“We celebrate the success of the province’s sons and daughters, who are a beacon of hope and an inspiration to many young people in townships and rural areas. This Grammy Award arrives at the perfect time, as we are restoring the dreams of the province’s citizens, who have demonstrated great fortitude and tenacity under hardship.
“Zakes Bantwini and Nomcebo Zikode follow in the footsteps of other Grammy Award winners from our lovely province, Ladysmith Black Mambazo and DJ Black Coffee. The Grammy Award achievement of Zakes, Nomcebo, and Kellerman is not only noteworthy for KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa, but also notable for the entire African continent. By receiving this Grammy Award, Zakes, Nomcebo, and Kellerman have demonstrated to the world that KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and Africa are really formidable musical forces.”
The premier stated that they could not thank the musicians enough for reinvigorating the faith and optimism of other budding artists in the province and South Africa.
“They have shown the world that despite obstacles, our province and country continue to excel,” she continued.
»KZN Premier applauds Nomcebo and Zakes’ Grammy Award victory«