Sykes prepares for his first solo concert and builds his independent label

South African musician Sykes, whose real name is Ayabonga Zuma, has revealed plans to host his own solo concert while continuing to grow his music empire through his independent label, Lekelela Entertainment. Nicknamed ‘The Zulu Michael Jackson’, Sykes has become one of the leading figures shaping the South African music scene, known for his dynamic stage performances and fusion of traditional African sounds with modern genres such as amapiano, afrotech, and gqom. His career took off with the hit single ‘iPlan’, created alongside producer Dlala Thukzin, which achieved double platinum status and introduced his sound to a broader audience. Earlier in 2026, he released ‘Awukwazi’, a more personal single featuring his sisters and MK Productions, underscoring his family ties and creative range. Currently, Sykes is focused on expanding Lekelela Entertainment to sign and mentor new talent, while prioritising his own artistic growth. Speaking at the Kelvin Momo One Man Concert in Durban, he shared that he is working on new music and aspires to stage a one-man show that captures the essence of his musical journey. Sykes is also collaborating with Tribe Of Afro on upcoming projects and has garnered recognition through multiple nominations at the Metro FM Music Awards 2026, including Best Music Video for ‘Mamma’ and a feature on Kabza De Small’s ‘Ngiyozama’, which is nominated for Best Amapiano. His growing achievements suggest a promising future as both an artist and entrepreneur in the South African music industry.