His latest song Thixo Wam is a prayer for South Africans. Durban rapper Zakwe, real name Ntokozo Zakwe, features his friends; reggae artist Riot from Gangs Of Instrumental, Kwaito legend Zola and Big Zulu. He recently shot the video for the single on the set of the soapie Isitha: The Enemy using their crew and cast. The video is valued at R1 million and Zakwe explains the importance of going all out for the song.

THE SONG

Zakwe tells ZiMoja that the artist he featured in the song, all sing about their personal experiences. â€?"It’s a healing song and more of a national prayer,” he says. â€?"My verse is a prayer for people born with illnesses, you will find these run in the families. Illnesses like cancer, ulcers, and diabetes. They have been living well and but suddenly they get ill. It’s also a prayer for people in jail for things they do not know about and also encourages women to remain strong,” he says. â€?"Big Zulu’s verse is about how people envy his fame, people who are close to him but don’t show their envy. He prays for his own and their healing. Zola sings about his past and hardships. He prays to get back to his days of glory where his music is played on radio stations again. So, the song is a prayer and everyone gets really personal in each verse.” 

THE BIG BUDGET

Had the big budget been coming from his pocket, he believes he would not have been able to afford a music video worth R1 million. Mandla N and Black Brain came through for him. â€?"As Black Brain Pictures, we believe in music. All our shows must have beautiful, meaningful music in them,” Mandla N says. â€?"Thixo Wam is a very spiritual song, it speaks to a lot of people differently. I believe the song can be the song of the year at any award ceremony,” he laughs. â€?"Everyone can relate to it and it’s growing on radio. Our investing in the making of the video comes with honouring our icons and their contribution to the music industry,” Mandla adds.