Grammy Award-winning artist Zakes Bantwini is mourning the heartbreaking loss of his bass guitarist, Lindani Mngoma, affectionately known as Batista. The 47-year-old musician, who hailed from KwaMashu in Durban, passed away suddenly, leaving Zakes Bantwini and his band in deep sorrow.
Currently on tour in the UK, Zakes Bantwini shared the devastating news, expressing his profound grief. Batista had been a key figure in his band for over a decade, not only contributing his talents as a bassist but also serving as a tour manager at Zakes’ Mayonie Productions. Their bond extended far beyond music, with Zakes referring to Batista as more than just a colleague, but a brother.
“We are grief-stricken. He was a pillar of the band. His death came as a shock to us. I am out of the country. I will be going home soon to be with the band and in touch with his family. Let’s give his family privacy to mourn in peace,” Zakes Bantwini told TshisaLIVE. The Osama hitmaker is expected to return to South Africa shortly to support his bandmates and Batista’s family during this difficult time.
The music industry has been shaken by Batista’s passing, with many paying tribute to his talent and character. Kwaito star Lvovo Derrango expressed his condolences, saying, “He was a cool guy to work with and had cemented his craft as a bass guitarist through his association with Zakes. Condolences to his family and friends.”
On Instagram, Zakes Bantwini shared a poignant tribute, posting photos of himself with Batista alongside a heart-wrenching caption: “I’m hurt, broken, I am a mess, and losing you is one of the worst things to happen in my entire existence. Go well mnganam, I don’t even know what to do. PS: Please DO NOT CALL ME TODAY, just text.”
The cause of Batista’s death remains unknown, and details have yet to be released. As Zakes Bantwini and his band come to terms with this tragic loss, they have received an outpouring of support from fellow artists, including DJ Zinhle, Cassper Nyovest, and Zakes Bantwini’s wife, Nandi Madida, who commented, “I’m so sorry. He was deeply loved, and I know you’ll continue to make him proud.”
