Zakhele Madida, known professionally as Zakes Bantwini, recently shared a series of deep and thought-provoking messages on X, formerly known as Twitter. The South African singer, record producer and businessman left many of his followers reflecting on the meaning of humanity, gratitude and kindness after reading his posts.
You know you’ve stopped being human when you say “angimcelanga” after someone has helped you.
— Zakes Bantwini (@ZakesBantwiniSA) January 10, 2026
Zakes Bantwini shared, “You know you’ve stopped being human when you say ‘angimcelanga’ after someone has helped you.” He continued with another powerful thought, saying, “You know you’ve lost your way when ‘I made it’ sounds better in your mouth than ‘we made it’.” His words touched on how success can sometimes change people and make them forget those who supported them along the way.
You know you’ve lost your way when “I made it” sounds better in your mouth than “we made it”.
— Zakes Bantwini (@ZakesBantwiniSA) January 11, 2026
The musician went on to share more strong reflections, writing, “The day you stop seeing people as people and start seeing them as stepping stones, that’s when you die while still breathing.” He added, “You’ve failed the test of humanity when you can’t remember the names of those who were there for you when you were nothing.”
The day you stop seeing people as people and start seeing them as stepping stones, that’s when you die while still breathing.
— Zakes Bantwini (@ZakesBantwiniSA) January 11, 2026
Zakes Bantwini also spoke about kindness and sacrifice, saying, “The final lesson life teaches you is that some people will take your kindness and still question your intentions.” He ended his message with, “You died as a human the day someone’s sacrifice for you became a story you’re ashamed to tell. Anyways happy Sunday my ppl.”
You died as a human the day someone’s sacrifice for you became a story you’re ashamed to tell. Anyways happy Sunday my ppl 🙏🏿
— Zakes Bantwini (@ZakesBantwiniSA) January 11, 2026
After reading his tweets, some fans became worried and believed that the award-winning artist might be going through a difficult time. One user, @RatoLaLove, commented, “Someone really did Zakes Bantwini dirty yezwa? He is too hurt.” This showed how deeply his words affected his followers.
However, Zakes Bantwini was quick to clear the air. He responded by saying, “Nah, I’m good just reflecting. Rule of thumb, if I’m posting about it, it already happened ages ago and I’ve moved on.” He reassured his fans that there was no reason for concern.
Nah, I’m good just reflecting. Rule of thumb, if I’m posting about it, it already happened ages ago and I’ve moved on 😂 https://t.co/ABMWeJHgW0
— Zakes Bantwini (@ZakesBantwiniSA) January 11, 2026
In another tweet, he added, “Before anyone asks I’m not going through anything. I’m just reflecting. If it’s on social media, it’s already ancient history and dealt with. Hhay bo imani kancane.”
Zakes Bantwini further relaxed his fans by sharing exciting news about his music. He wrote, “You guys thought I was going through it? Nah, I’ve just been locked in the studio. Album 95% done, February we eat. That’s what I’ve been reflecting on.” His message ended on a positive note, leaving fans excited for what is to come.
You guys thought I was going through it? Nah, I’ve just been locked in the studio. Album 95% done, February we eat. That’s what I’ve been reflecting on 😂🎶
— Zakes Bantwini (@ZakesBantwiniSA) January 11, 2026
Before anyone asks I’m not going through anything 😂 I’m just reflecting. If it’s on social media, it’s already ancient history and dealt with. Hhay bo imani kancane 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
— Zakes Bantwini (@ZakesBantwiniSA) January 11, 2026
