"Osama" is a song by South African singer Zakes Bantwini and Kasango, released on September 10, 2021, as a lead single from Bantwini's third studio album Ghetto King.[1][2] It was produced by Bonga Ntozini, Kasmario Ike Fankis, and Zakhele Madida.[3]

The song debuted number one in South Africa, where it remained for ten weeks.[4] An official music video for "Osama" was released on December 31, 2021, directed by Darion 4K. Within 10 month's of its release, the song was certified 4× platinum in South Africa with more than 120 000 thousand units sold.[5]

Background

Zake's teased "Osama" on his mix playlist at Kunye event, released date was announced via his Twitter account which was set to be released on September 21, 2021.[6] Due to high demand from fans the song was rescheduled to September 10.[7]

Commercial performance

The song was certified 4× platinum in South Africa.[5]

Composition

"Osama" was written by Zakhele Madida, Bonga Ntozini, Nana Atta, and Kasmario Ike Fankis. The song's lyrics discuss protection, wisdom, strength, power and are sung in Glossolalia.[8]

"It is a prayer to someone, it is a spiritual thing to someone, to someone [else] it might be a love song. It's whatever you interpret it to be"; said Zakes Bantwini

Nikita Coetzee, News24, [9]

Music video

"Osama" music was released on December 31, 2021.[10] The music video was directed by Darion 4K.[11] The videos production team includes Focalistic, Riky Rick, Aubrey Qwana and Manu Worldstar.[11]

The video features South African actor John Kani appears in a brief voice on song's introduction.[10] As of February 2022, the music video has received over 1 million views on YouTube.[12]

Awards

"Osama" was nominated for Favourite Song at the 2022 DStv Mzansi Viewers Choice Awards.[13] The song won Best Collaboration and SAMRO Highest Airplay Award at the 28th South African Music Awards.[14][15]

Year Nominee / work Award Result
2022 "Osama" Favourite Song Nominated
Best Collaboration Won
Highest Airplay Won

Charts

Weekly chart performance for "Osama"
Chart (2021) Peak
position
South Africa (EMA)[16] 1

Certification and sales

Region Certification Certified units/Sales
South Africa (RiSA)[5] 4× Platinum 120 000+

Personnel

"Osama" credits adapted from AllMusic.[17]

  • Nana Atta - composer
  • Zakhele Madida - composer, producer
  • Kasango - primary artist
  • Bonga Ntozini - composer, producer
  • Kasmario Ike Fankis - composer, producer

References

  1. ^ "New Music Friday: Zakes Bantwini finally releases the long-awaited summer single, Osama". GQ South Africa. Retrieved September 10, 2021.
  2. ^ Maimela, Lerato. "Zakes Bantwini's 'Osama' is finally available to the public". The Citizen. Retrieved September 10, 2021.
  3. ^ Gosa, Sivenathi (September 20, 2021). "Eastern Cape producer played part in Bantwini anthem 'Osama'". South Africa: Dispatch LIVE. Retrieved April 10, 2022.
  4. ^ Coetzee, Nikita. "Zakes Bantwini's Osama holds top spot on RadioMonitor airplay chart for a record-setting 10 weeks | Channel". South Africa: Channel. Retrieved November 10, 2021.
  5. ^ a b c Nkabinde, Tebogo (June 20, 2022). "Zakes Bantwini's "Osama" has gone 4 times platinum". Entertainment South Africa. Retrieved June 20, 2022.
  6. ^ Coetzee, Nikita (August 26, 2021). "Osama - the unreleased Zakes Bantwini song that has SA going wild | Channel". South Africa: Channel. Retrieved March 14, 2022.
  7. ^ Kekana, Chrizelda (September 1, 2021). "WATCH | Zakes Bantwini moves 'Osama' release date closer after global demand becomes hectic". TimesLIVE. Retrieved March 14, 2022.
  8. ^ de Wee, Naledi (October 1, 2021). "Mumbling days are over: Zakes Bantwini's 'Osama' lyrics are here! [watch]". The South African.
  9. ^ Coetzee, Nikita. "Zakes Bantwini tells us the meaning behind Osama lyrics and reveals four hidden words". South Africa: News24. Retrieved June 20, 2022.
  10. ^ a b "Zakes Bantwini drops long awaited video for "Osama"". pan-african-music.com. January 5, 2022. Retrieved January 8, 2022.
  11. ^ a b de Wee, Naledi (January 3, 2022). "Zakes Bantwini rings in the new year with 'Osama' music video [watch]". The South African. Retrieved January 8, 2022.
  12. ^ Ngenyane, Andiswa (February 2, 2022). "Zakes Bantwini's Osama Reaches 1 Million Views!". DailySUN. Retrieved February 9, 2022.
  13. ^ Tsewu, Siya (April 13, 2022). "The DStv Mzansi Viewers' Choice Awards are back | Drum". South Africa: Drum. Retrieved April 14, 2022.
  14. ^ Bambelela, Patience (June 7, 2022). "Zakes Bantwini leads the pack with Sama nominations". SowetanLIVE. Retrieved June 7, 2022.
  15. ^ de Wee, Naledi (August 28, 2022). "WINNERS LIST: Zakes Bantwini's 'Osama' wins big at #SAMA28". The South African. Retrieved August 30, 2022.
  16. ^ "EMA Top 10 Airplay: Week Ending 2021-12-31". Entertainment Monitoring Africa. Retrieved 2021-10-27.
  17. ^ "Osama - Zakes Bantwini, Kasango | Release Credits | AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved November 11, 2021.
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