{"id":5759,"date":"2025-08-02T12:28:26","date_gmt":"2025-08-02T10:28:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/?p=5759"},"modified":"2025-08-02T12:28:30","modified_gmt":"2025-08-02T10:28:30","slug":"zakwe-reflects-on-skipping-riky-ricks-amantombazane-remix","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/zakwe-reflects-on-skipping-riky-ricks-amantombazane-remix\/","title":{"rendered":"Zakwe Reflects on Skipping Riky Rick’s ‘Amantombazane Remix’"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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In an exclusive interview with SA Hip Hop Mag, renowned isiZulu rapper Zakwe opened up about a moment of profound regret in his career\u2014an occasion when he declined a collaboration that would ultimately become one of the most iconic anthems in South African hip hop: Riky Rick’s \u201cAmantombazane\u201d remix.<\/p>\n

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. \u201cHe contacted me on Twitter to introduce himself,\u201d Zakwe remembered. \u201cI thought I\u2019d give it a listen.\u201d<\/p>\n

At that time, Zakwe admits he wasn\u2019t fully acquainted with Riky Rick\u2019s work. Although he sampled a few of Riky’s songs, they didn\u2019t quite align with his artistic vision. \u201cI heard some of his tracks that I didn\u2019t connect with, so I said, \u2018we\u2019ll talk\u2019,\u201d he reflected. This initial misjudgment marked the start of his greatest regret. The opportunity didn\u2019t end there; Zakwe also received a nudge from his friend and fellow rapper, Kwesta, who inquired about the same collaboration. \u201cKwesta hit me up too, asking if Riky had reached out,\u201d 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. \u201cI told them to proceed,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n

The true impact of his choice hit him hard when the \u201cAmantombazane\u201d 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>\n

<p\u201cOnce the song and video were out, I felt a deep sense of regret,\u201d 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 \u201cAmantombazane\u201d remains a poignant \u201cwhat if,\u201d exemplifying the risks and rewards that shape the journey of a hip hop artist.<\/p>\n

Watch<\/strong><\/p>\n

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