Zakes Bantwini openly criticized podcast hosts who used L’vovo’s ongoing recovery from a stroke as the basis for humor, claiming these remarks signify a troubling trend within the entertainment sector.
The incident unfolded during a recent episode of the Finally GQ Podcast, where the hosts MG and Blxckswiss discussed a performance at the Mayonie Open Air festival that took place on August 29. L’vovo, a respected figure in South African Kwaito, made an appearance alongside Zakes Bantwini, performing beloved tracks. This event held significant meaning for fans, as it represented one of L’vovo’s first public outings since suffering a stroke in 2022.
When humor crosses a line
Instead of recognizing the event’s significance, MG and Blxckswiss alleged that Zakes had inadvertently shamed L’vovo by performing his popular song Clap Your Hands. They also dragged Black Coffee into the discussion, suggesting a recurring theme in Zakes’ musical partnerships. The hosts further joked that another stroke survivor, Da L.E.S, could be subjected to similar treatment.
Zakes, with a two-decade-long career in South African music, did not take these jokes lightly. He firmly addressed the inappropriate comments, stating that the boundaries had been crossed.
“We’ve lost the line on what’s funny. Joking about a man’s career, his choices, his ego, fair game, always has been. But building a bit around someone’s stroke, someone still in recovery, what their body can or can’t do right now, that’s not comedy anymore. That’s cruelty wearing a laugh track. And it’s happening more and more, like we’ve collectively forgotten there’s a difference.”
Zakes Bantwini sets standards
The Grammy-awarded musician also utilized this incident to reflect upon larger cultural issues, referencing recent events where young individuals were seen troubling the elderly for online content during the spring day celebrations. He acknowledged that by responding publically, he was contributing to the very controversy he condemned but stressed that such discussions are essential.
“Someone has to say it; there has to be a limit, and recovery, illness, and disability sit on the other side of it.”
Zakes concluded his remarks by addressing the podcast hosts directly, extending a challenge to them regarding the true essence of influence.
“Wisdom isn’t the absence of edge; it’s knowing what the edge is for. Sharpen it against power, ego, hypocrisy or anything, for that matter, but not against a man trying to get his hand working again, or a man who had an accident or an unfortunate, life-threatening condition. That discernment is what turns a voice into an influence people actually respect.”
Watch the podcast episode below.
