It is no ordinary Friday at the OR Tambo International arrivals today. It’s a big day for South Africans as Grammy winners Nomcebo Zikode, Wouter Kellerman and Zakes Bantwini arrived to a hero’s welcome following their recent win.
The trio won the Grammy for Best Global Music Performers of 2023 award for their hit song Bayethe.
Addressing the crowd, Nomcebo says it is an honour to be receiving such a warm welcome.
“I am happy to inspire young people from the townships and villages to know that it possible to make it.
“By winning this Grammy, we have already done our part to encourage young people to know to never give up. Also, it is important to put an action to your dreams, don’t just dream, but work towards your dreams.
“When you respect your craft, nothing is impossible and remember that drugs are never the way.”
Having previously gone to court about music rights and royalties, Nomcebo urges artists to remember that music is a business.
“We are very safe for this song, but this is not something I want to talk about now. I feel like we are just ruining this beautiful moment,” she tells Drum. “But I don’t want to run away from the fact that it is important for there to be a way for artists still coming up in the industry to be taught that you do not just sing. Music is a business. There are monies available whether from SAMRO or SAMPRA. There are many people who sing and do not know things like that.”
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Zakes’ wife, Nandi Madida was also in attendance. Nomcebo’s family came in their number to support her too.
Nomcebo’s mother, Buyeleni Mfeka, could not hide her emotions when she saw her daughter walking through the door with her colleagues. She speaks to Drum about the importance of supporting you children, even if you as the parent do not understand what they really want to do.
“I do not know what a Grammy is. All I know is that yinto enzima kakhulu (it is a big deal). I am uneducated, but kids have told me that the award she has won this time is a big deal.”
“I would encourage parents to know that even if your husband has left you or has died, nothing beats supporting your children. Hold your kids close. If you go to bed without food, you have each other.”
Zakes describes sports, arts and culture minister Nathi Mthethwa as the most important cabinet member.
“These are the things that can unite us as a country as they not only entertain, but they speak to social cohesion. We need to remember that we can never achieve anything in silos. If anyone thought the arts were a waste of time, they should, from today, understand that we need the arts.” He then urged the minister to “support the arts and give money to the arts”.
He feels good that he was mentioned in President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address.
“Mina, intwana yakwa Mashu? Me, a boy from Kwa Mashu? To be mentioned by the President in his State of the Nation Address.”
Wouter says it is an honour for him to be part of this project.
“You do not get used to getting Grammy awards. This one is more special because it is an all South African collaboration. It has been my mission to export South African music to the world. So this is a very beautiful moment for me personally. It is a huge and beautiful moment.”
Also in attendance was Sipho Dlamini, the CEO Universal Music Group SA & Sub-Saharan Africa and he says this is an amazing for South Africa.
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“We are proving that local talent is global. It is not only for local consumption, the fact that the Grammys have recognized Zakes, Nomcebo and Wouter should inspire the youth. It is an amazing moment.”
It’s important to go to school, and not just rely on talent, Zakes tells Drum.
“You’ll always be a different person with education. Talent alone can only take you so far, but education takes you further.”
He also took a moment to address people who questioned why they won the Grammy when Burna Boy was nominated in the same category for the chart topping hit, Last Last.
“This is a win for everybody. It is a win for Nigerians, it is a win for South Africa and a win for all Africans. We must never accept anyone that is trying to divide us as Africans. This award could have gone to India, China or anywhere else, but it came to Africa. As Africans, this a time to come together and win.”
One of Nocebo’s fans, Sidwell Manzini, says he could miss his flight to Cape Town, but that is a chance he is willing to take, just so he can see his idol. He was having the time of his life, just dancing as he waited for her to make an appearance.
“I arrived here at the airport because I have a flight to Cape Town, but when I heard they were arriving today, I decided to take my chances and hopefully I get to see her.”
