Zakes Bantwini is stepping onto the global stage with a high-profile collaboration with Lauv, the world’s most successful independent artist. Take a listen here.
The South African producer’s remix of Lauv’s smash hit “Modern Loneliness” is released today as part of Lauv’s Modern Loneliness Remix EP that features contributions by nine handpicked collaborators from around the world.
Alongside Bantwini, these are Ghostt (Brazil), Merk & Kremont (Italy), Diskover (Brazil), LVNDSCAPE (Netherlands), Vaundy (Japan), Sihan (China), MYGAL (Spain) and Ritviz (India).
Sarah Jane Nicholson (Bantwini’s manager) described the selection of Bantwini for the Lauv remix project as an important step forward in “amplifying my ambition to bridge the gap between Africa and the rest of world”. “Having Zakes remix this track amongst nine top global producers is an honour and a high-profile endorsement of Africa’s important role in the international music scene.
The original version of Lauv’s “Modern Loneliness” has reached 50 million global audio and video streams and has been described by the UK music publication NME as “a truly astonishing piece of songwriting that perfectly nails the millennial condition”. “Modern Loneliness” is one of the tracks on Lauv’s acclaimed debut album ~how i’m feeling~ which was released in March this year.
In South Africa, Lauv’s singles have already enjoyed placement across all major streaming platforms with “Modern Loneliness” currently charting on Jacaranda FM and is on high rotation playlisting on all major stations including 5FM, KFM, 947 and ECR. The 24-year-old American singer, songwriter and producer’s music is also supported by a number of South Africans including Rubber Duc, Jimmy Nevis and The Voice finalist, Amy Tjasink.
Lauv is recognised as the most successful independent artist of the current era. Since surfacing in 2015, he has had over 4.7 billion career audio streams and 1 billion video views. Bantwini’s irresistible remix of “Modern Loneliness”, along with those of the other eight producers, is set to add to those numbers.