Beating the odds: Zamani’s music industry rise
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In this episode of The Comeback with Carol Ofori, we meet Zamani Ndimande — the founder of Bayeni Holdings. His story is a raw and powerful reminder that where you start does not define where you can go.
From cleaning toilets and pumping petrol to running with dangerous taxi routes in Umlazi, Zamani's early life was marked by hardship and risk. But a terrifying hijacking at gunpoint became the wake-up call he needed to turn his life around. He went on to build a career that has seen him consult for global music giants like Universal Music Africa and Def Jam Africa.
Zamani shares the lessons he’s learned from mentors, the hustle behind his rise, and why his AfriMasterclass is so important for young creatives trying to break into the industry.
This episode is a masterclass in grit, vision, and staying the course -- no matter the odds.
In this episode:
00:17 Introducing Zamani Ndimande
01:26 Humble Beginnings in Umlazi
03:12 Early Jobs and Life Lessons
05:52 The Taxi Business: A Dark World
08:44 A Near-Death Experience
14:54 Transition to Business
16:53 Entering the Music Industry
21:29 Def Jam's Entry into Africa
22:01 Usher's Visit and Industry Jargon
22:44 Migos in South Africa
25:19 Power of Association
27:21 Birth of Bayeni and Business Ventures
32:05 Challenges and Successes of AfriMasterclass
37:15 Reflecting on Achievements and Giving Back
38:38 The Comeback and Final Thoughts
From cleaning toilets and pumping petrol to running with dangerous taxi routes in Umlazi, Zamani's early life was marked by hardship and risk. But a terrifying hijacking at gunpoint became the wake-up call he needed to turn his life around. He went on to build a career that has seen him consult for global music giants like Universal Music Africa and Def Jam Africa.
Zamani shares the lessons he’s learned from mentors, the hustle behind his rise, and why his AfriMasterclass is so important for young creatives trying to break into the industry.
This episode is a masterclass in grit, vision, and staying the course -- no matter the odds.
In this episode:
00:17 Introducing Zamani Ndimande
01:26 Humble Beginnings in Umlazi
03:12 Early Jobs and Life Lessons
05:52 The Taxi Business: A Dark World
08:44 A Near-Death Experience
14:54 Transition to Business
16:53 Entering the Music Industry
21:29 Def Jam's Entry into Africa
22:01 Usher's Visit and Industry Jargon
22:44 Migos in South Africa
25:19 Power of Association
27:21 Birth of Bayeni and Business Ventures
32:05 Challenges and Successes of AfriMasterclass
37:15 Reflecting on Achievements and Giving Back
38:38 The Comeback and Final Thoughts
