South African music heavyweight Zakes Bantwini has publicly shown his support for Emtee as the rapper continues to navigate a difficult legal situation.
Bantwini took to X on Tuesday morning with a short but significant message directed at Emtee Records, writing: “My prayers are with you @emteerecords today” alongside the hashtag #FreeEmtee.
The post comes as Emtee, whose real name is Mthembeni Ndevu, remains in custody following the revocation of his bail at the Midrand Magistrate’s Court in August.
According to reports, the rapper was initially granted R1,000 bail in June in connection with allegations that he breached a protection order obtained in 2023 by his estranged wife, Nicole Kendall Chinsamy. The order reportedly restricted him from contacting her or discussing her publicly on social media.
Authorities subsequently alleged that Emtee breached the order by sending WhatsApp messages, leading to his return to custody. The matter remains before the courts.
Against that backdrop, Bantwini’s public message has resonated with fans who have followed the rapper’s journey and the growing #FreeEmtee conversation.
The support is also consistent with Bantwini’s history of backing Emtee. During the rapper’s highly publicised exit from Ambitiouz Entertainment, Bantwini was among the established industry figures who voiced support for him. He previously revealed that he had considered signing Emtee after hearing the rapper’s breakout single, “Roll Up.”
Bantwini has also defended Emtee publicly in the past. In 2020, he urged South Africans to “protect Emtee at all costs,” praising the rapper’s humility, character and musical talent.
That history gives his latest message added weight. Rather than being an isolated gesture, the post reflects a relationship of continued professional admiration and personal support between two prominent figures in South African music.
Emtee emerged as one of the country’s leading hip-hop artists following the success of his platinum-certified debut album, Avery, released in 2015. After parting ways with Ambitiouz Entertainment, he established Emtee Records and continued his independent run with projects including Logan in 2021 and DIY 3 in 2024.
While his current legal circumstances have placed his personal life under intense public scrutiny, Bantwini’s intervention shifts attention back towards the human being behind the headlines and the importance of support during challenging periods.
As the legal process continues, the veteran musician’s message adds another high-profile voice to the public discussion surrounding Emtee.
For his supporters, the message remains simple: #FreeEmtee.
