ZAKWE is all about rhythm and poetry and he has stayed true to his roots by rapping in his native isiZulu.
Ntokozo Zakwe (27), from KwaMashu, KZN, is a big man with a gentle soul who has made it on the South African scene with his originality and poetic rapping skills.
He told the People’s Paper that he got the opportunity of a lifetime in his final year when he was studying computer technology at the Durban University of Technology.
“I was about to finish when I got a deal with Native Rhythms,” he said.
“I dropped out and followed my love for music.”
He said his parents weren’t happy with his decision but they have since been supportive.
He said his second album, Impande, which he worked on for more than two years, has been doing well. “We are approaching 10 000 copies and if it wasn’t for music piracy it would have done even better,” he said.
Earlier this year, he told Daily Sun that the album had been leaked online just two days after its release.
Zakwe said the woman with whom he has been in a relationship for two years is very understanding.
“She understands me and protects me,” he said.
He said they recently opened a boutique called Purple Rose in the Durban CBD.
In his spare time Zakwe enjoys being on his cellphone or his laptop.
“The IT man in me still crawls out,” he said.
“I enjoy doing research, reading or writing lyrics. If I’m not doing that I enjoy going to gym. If you haven’t noticed, I’m losing the fat and getting fit.”
Zakwe said he’s a mean cook.
“I learnt from my two older sisters. I make the best mutton curry and chicken briyani ever,” he said.
He said the hip hop scene in Mzansi had grown.
“Big up to Cassper Nyovest, AKA and others. Everybody is focussing on hip hop because of the work they have done.
“The only thing lacking is rhythm and poetry – which is the basis of what I’m doing.”
