"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
"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]