Zakes Bantwini Carries Johnny Clegg’s The Crossing Into a New Spiritual Chapter

Zakes Bantwini brings Afro-electronic power and deep spiritual weight to The Crossing (Osiyeza), a moving reimagining of one of Johnny Clegg’s most emotional songs.

Joined by Jesse Clegg, Msaki, Skye Wanda, and the enduring voice of Johnny Clegg, this new interpretation forms part of the Scatterlings project and bridges legacy with the future. It honours a South African classic while opening it to a new generation through contemporary production, soulful vocal textures, and the unmistakable pulse of modern Afro House.

The Crossing has always carried the feeling of transition, remembrance, and hope. In Zakes Bantwini’s hands, that message becomes both intimate and expansive. His Afro-electronic lens gives the song a renewed sense of movement, transforming its emotional core into something that can live in memory, on the dancefloor, and in collective reflection.

Jesse Clegg’s presence deepens the tribute, connecting the song to family, legacy, and continuity, while Msaki and Skye Wanda add emotional warmth and vocal depth. Together, the artists create a version that feels respectful, powerful, and alive, not replacing the original, but carrying its spirit forward.

The Crossing (Osiyeza) is a reminder of music’s ability to outlive moments and move across generations. It is a song about passage, but also about return: to heritage, to memory, to hope, and to the voices that helped shape South African music.

ABOUT ZAKES BANTWINI

Zakes Bantwini is a South African singer, producer, songwriter, performer, and businessman known for his genre-blending approach to dance music and his electrifying stage presence. Often referred to as the King of Dance, he has built a career around fusing different dance styles with soulful African expression and global electronic influences.

His hit single Osama became one of South Africa’s defining global records, topping Radio Monitor SA for 14 consecutive weeks and helping cement his impact on the country’s contemporary music landscape. He has also earned major recognition through releases such as Imali and his acclaimed album Ghetto King, including South African Music Awards for Highest Airplay and Best Collaboration.

With The Crossing (Osiyeza), Zakes Bantwini continues to expand the emotional and cultural reach of Afro-electronic music, honouring Johnny Clegg’s legacy while carrying a beloved South African song into a powerful new era.

Stream The Crossing (Osiyeza) HERE

The post Zakes Bantwini Carries Johnny Clegg’s The Crossing Into a New Spiritual Chapter appeared first on SA Music Magazine.