Zakes Bantwini has reacted to comments made by Nota Baloyi, clarifying inaccuracies after Nota claimed he had a substantial impact on the careers of various artists, including Bantwini himself.
The discussion started when Nota posted an older video of himself with Kwesta, reminiscing about his impact over the past ten years.
In his post, he asserted that he inspired many artists and significantly shaped their styles.
“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 stated.
Zakes Bantwini promptly countered this statement, highlighting that his career was already flourishing long before Nota emerged in the industry.
With humor and a clear rebuttal, he maintained that the chronology does not back up Nota’s claims.
“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 replied.
He also referenced his extensive experience in the industry, mentioning his roles in A&R and co-founding a music label, underscoring his seniority and impact.
“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… https://t.co/SpsWfMJ6e4
— Zakes Bantwini (@ZakesBantwiniSA) April 24, 2026
