‘My only wish was that my mother was here’ — Zakes Bantwini on his Abantu festival debut

Zakes Bantwini said he wished his mother was alive to witness him make history on Saturday.

The all star line-up for his Abantu Festival taking place on October 28 in Cape Town    includes Goldfish, Nomcebo Zikode, Jeremy Loops, Musa Keys, Mi Casa, YoungstaCPT, Sun-EL Musician, GoodLuck and Ami Faku. 

Taking to his Instagram timeline, Zakes was counting down to his show and shared a clip of him at the DHL stadium where the show will be held. 

“Thank You Ma’Zikode, I’m truly out of words and beyond grateful. I’m extremely emotional. My only wish was that my mother was here to witness this. I’m so thankful for this life. I love you all more than I can express.

“Officially one day to go until Abantu. Can’t wait to see you all as we celebrate music, amazing people and the mighty Springboks,” he wrote.

Zakes recently took his Grammy award to the grave of his mother, Nomthandazo Madida.

The mother of the award-winning musician was buried in 2007. Taking to his timeline, he shared a picture of where his mom lies with the statue on top of her tombstone. 

''I did it Mom,'' he captioned the post.

Announcing the festival, Zakes said it would be one for the books. 

“We have an incredible line-up that I believe will bring a unique flavour to a local concert that's unlike any we've seen before. This is just the beginning, and I can't wait for everyone to see what we have in store for this historic show,” Zakes said.

Previously speaking to TshisaLIVE, Zakes said the first show will accommodate 25,000 people, the second 45,000 and the last 62,000. 

“It’s been a long time coming and I’m so excited we’re finally able to launch the Abantu concert and share the first phase of our incredible line-up,” said Zakes.