Zakes Bantwini and L’vovo Derrango perform to emotional fans in Durban

On 29 August, Durban music enthusiasts were treated to a touching reunion performance by music legends Zakes Bantwini and L’vovo Derrango at the Mayonie Open Air festival. The highly anticipated concert took place at Chris Saunders Park in Umhlanga, and it celebrated two decades of friendship, music, and brotherhood. The pair had formed a remarkable bond back in 2006 when Zakes discovered L’vovo and became his first artist.

The reunion was more than just a performance, as the two artists shared a journey that began two decades prior. Zakes, only 24 years old at the time, signed L’vovo, marking the beginning of a unique sound that would come to be known as Durban Kwaito Music. Together, they took their music worldwide, from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Barcelona.

The emotional performance brought back memories of their popular hits, and the crowd enthusiastically sang along. As L’vovo confidently returned to one of Durban’s biggest stages, the atmosphere became even more moving. Zakes shared on social media that they had survived an accident that took the lives of people they loved, but their real brotherhood persevered.

L’vovo’s return to the stage was particularly significant, as it marked a major comeback following his near-fatal stroke in 2022. He has spoken about his recovery, crediting God for giving him a second chance to help others. Performing alongside Zakes made the moment even more meaningful, showcasing the strength of their enduring brotherhood.