Zakes Bantwini shuts down Nota’s claim on fathering him
Zakes Bantwini has responded to claims made by Nota Baloyi, setting the record straight after Nota suggested he played a major role in shaping the careers of several artists, including Bantwini himself.
The exchange began when Nota shared a throwback video featuring himself alongside Kwesta, reflecting on his influence over the past decade.
In his caption, he boldly credited himself for inspiring a wave of artists and defining their style.
“This was me 10 years ago… Still in the same shape a decade later. I put all these niggas on & gave these kids a style to run with. From Zakes Bantwini to Scotts Maphuma, they all got it from NOTA. Then I went corp-corner office & never looked back. I fathered you, like it or not!” he wrote.
Zakes Bantwini was quick to challenge the claim, pointing out that his career was already well established long before Nota entered the scene.
With a mix of humour and firm correction, he argued that the timeline doesn’t support Nota’s version of events.
“Hhayi Nota kanjani manje 😂😂😂 I had a decade on you. You may have watched and learned from me, not the other way around which is fine, that’s how growth works. You were 14 when I opened Mayonie Productions and 16 when I released my first artist Lvovo,” he responded.
He further highlighted his industry experience, including his time working in A&R and co-founding a music imprint, to reinforce his point about seniority and influence.
“I was already A&R at Sony Africa when you submitted Ngud to us at Sound African Recording, the imprint I co-founded at Sony back in 2015/16. Influence flows downstream, not up, brother 😂. Big respect to you genuinely, but the timeline tells the real story just don’t rewrite history, brother. But it’s all love this side, let’s not do this, or at least not like this.”
Hhayi Nota kanjani manje 😂😂😂 I had a decade on you. You may have watched and learned from me, not the other way around which is fine, that’s how growth works. You were 14 when I opened Mayonie Productions and 16 when I released my first artist Lvovo. I was already A&R at Sony…
— Zakes Bantwini (@ZakesBantwiniSA) April 24, 2026
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