Artist: Mzekezeke
Mzekezeke is one of the most popular young music artists in the genre of Kwaito, predominant in South Africa. Mzekezeke, whose real name is Zakhele, was born in Tembisa into a family of six children. From a young age, Mzekezeke longed to be a kwaito musical icon, so he dropped out of school early to pursue his dreams. For some time, he only faced rejection by music producers until he approached DJ Sbu, who helped him spread his music through the radio.
Mzekezeke won both Artist of the Year and Song of the year at the South African Music Awards(SAMA) in 2003. His recordings include S'guga Ngamadolo (2003)and Storotoro (2002). One of Mzekezeke's most well-known songs is Ubani Umzekezeke. Another one of his hits, S'guqa Ngamadolo ("Bend Down On Your Knees") portrays how some kwaito music has become synonymous with the white society in South African, since the song is often played during matches at national sporting events like cricket and rugby (often viewed as white sports). Mzekezeke has been seen with different political figures like at the 2003 Freedom Day celebration where President Thabo Mbeki joined Mzekezeke on stage. This was a significant event because it showed how kwaito is beginning to be recognized at a larger level as something beyond just the youth in South Africa. He continues to deliver messages of hope and humility, as well as questioning authority.
Since his release date Mzekezeke has succesfully sold more than 100 000 copies. Mzekezeke has been nominated for the Artist of the Year and Song of the year for the SAMA Awards of 2003. He won both awards.
