Dubbed as the new King of Dance music, Zakes was previously known as the man who discovered Kwaito sensation L'vovo Derrango and owner of the independent record label Mayonie Productions, which is based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. When asked about his sound he fondly describes it as “sophisticated dance music – a Cosmopolitan lifestyle that talks about different lifestyles”. He has been quoted saying, “I wanted to crossover to other markets and compete with the international market. The South African name in the house industry has to be something that's appeal to everyone who appreciates good music”. With a Diploma in Jazz and popular music, Zakes formed Mayonie Productions in 2004 while he was completing his final year at Technikon. “I didn't want to go to a record company with my demo tape and ask for them to sign me as their artist. It made sense for me to look for talent and then after signing the artist, I would go and negotiate for their deal - while at the same time I am actively involved in promoting my artists," says Zakes in media reports. That's how L'vovo was born. Zakes went on to sign other artists like Beezory (Kwaito), Shon G (Hip Hop), 2008 SAMA Best Newcomer the late Andile Mseleku (Jazz), DJ Sndara (House Music), Dj Snazzy, and Museeq IQ. For his debut album titled Light and Music – which hit Gold status in the South African music industry - he teamed up with top producer and multiple award winning DJ Black Coffee. The album, which was released late last year, features club bangers “Bum Bum” featuring Tumelo, “Clap your Hands” featuring Xolani Sithole as well as the popular “Wasting my Time”. At the 2010 Channel O Music Video Awards ceremony he delivered an electrifying performance with deejay Black Coffee which still has the nation talking till today.