In an exclusive interview with SA Hip Hop Mag, renowned isiZulu rapper Zakwe opened up about a moment of profound regret in his career—an occasion when he declined a collaboration that would ultimately become one of the most iconic anthems in South African hip hop: Riky Rick’s “Amantombazane” remix.
Zakwe, who is famed for his straightforward lyrics and authenticity, shared the story with both humility and a lingering sense of disappointment. He recalled how a young and ambitious Riky Rick reached out to him directly on Twitter one day. “He contacted me on Twitter to introduce himself,” Zakwe remembered. “I thought I’d give it a listen.”
At that time, Zakwe admits he wasn’t fully acquainted with Riky Rick’s work. Although he sampled a few of Riky’s songs, they didn’t quite align with his artistic vision. “I heard some of his tracks that I didn’t connect with, so I said, ‘we’ll talk’,” he reflected. This initial misjudgment marked the start of his greatest regret. The opportunity didn’t end there; Zakwe also received a nudge from his friend and fellow rapper, Kwesta, who inquired about the same collaboration. “Kwesta hit me up too, asking if Riky had reached out,” Zakwe recalled. Unfortunately, he was facing some challenges with his record label at the time, complicating his ability to embark on new projects. With a heavy heart, he gave the go-ahead for them to move forward without him. “I told them to proceed,” he explained.
The true impact of his choice hit him hard when the “Amantombazane” remix was released, featuring a stellar lineup that included Kwesta, Okmalumkoolkat, Maggz, and Kid X. The song, with its catchy beat and memorable video, quickly became a classic, dominating radio stations and dance floors across South Africa.
<p“Once the song and video were out, I felt a deep sense of regret,” Zakwe admitted. This experience served as a significant lesson for the established artist, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the music industry and the necessity of keeping an open mind. Although Zakwe has since carved out a remarkable career filled with his own hits, the story of “Amantombazane” remains a poignant “what if,” exemplifying the risks and rewards that shape the journey of a hip hop artist.
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