Zee Nxumalo: The Voice Leading Amapiano's Next Generation
Official Newsletter for the Global Awards Ceremony for Amapiano
Every so often, a talent emerges in a genre that not only breaks barriers but redefines the landscape. Amapiano artist and vocalist Zee Nxumalo is one such talent—a formidable force who has risen to prominence by defying norms and setting new standards. We caught up with her during a whirlwind UK tour to discuss her incredible journey and what’s been happening in her fast-paced career since her breakthrough in 2023.
Early Career & Transition into Amapiano
You are one of the most prominent Amapiano artists in South Africa right now. What were you doing before you got into music?
I’m still a student. So I currently juggle both.
Your first release was “Siyajola” in February 2022, and it wasn’t an Amapiano track. What genre were you doing when you started your singing career?
I love Afropop and still hope that my audience and fans will get to hear that side of my sound.
What was your first Amapiano song, and what inspired you to transition into the genre from your earlier work?
My first Amapiano song was Amaphupho with Zandimaz. I wouldn’t necessarily say there was a deep-rooted inspiration behind the song, I was mainly trying something new at the time. I used to always get told that I was a versatile artist (because) I used to rap and play around with Hip-Hop so I was experimenting and exploring this versatility and that’s how the song came about.
Musical Inspiration
Who inspired you to start making music? Were there any particular artists you looked up to that made you want to pursue singing?
Yeah, Mlindo the Vocalist. I did a cover of one of his songs before and it blew up uenexpectedly. I started getting more exposure after that and people suggesting that they want to hear me and my sound – not just covers.
Amapiano has a unique vibe—how did you develop your sound within this genre, and how do you balance your influences with your own style?
With Amapiano, I love and enjoy making soulful music. I could say that it stems from my background with Afropop as I enjoy the content of the songs I make and wish to make a lot more. I have noticed that people prefer the performance side of me and my music. They listen to music to dance and have a good time, which I love. However I think I am more in-touch my soulful side.
Navigating a Male-Dominated Industry
The ratio of successful female artists in South Africa, particularly in Amapiano, is still relatively low compared to their male counterparts. How challenging was it for you to launch your career in this male-dominated industry? Were there any specific obstacles you had to overcome?
It took a lot of hard-work and consistency more than anything. Amapiano is a Dj industry, and they are favored more, which you can see just from booking ratios. Dj’s get booked more than many vocalists behind these songs. I’d like to think that what helps me and keeps me going is my consistency. I continually put in the work and strive to be as consistent as I can. With being a vocalist, you must continuously release hit songs to get booked and it can be tough. The industry really is a survival of the fittest.
Would you describe your journey in the industry as easy or difficult, and what kept you motivated during the tough times?
It’s not easy, but I wouldn’t say it’s too difficult. The hard work, time and effort I put into my art is proportional to the success I’m achieving. My work speaks for itself.
Collaborations & Future Aspirations
You’ve worked with several artists, including Lee McKrazy, Pabi Cooper, Shakes & Les, DBN Gogo, and Khanyisa. Who did you enjoy collaborating with the most, and why?
I enjoyed working on all my collaborations as well as the opportunity to work with such talented people. Out of everyone, I think I enjoyed working with Shakes and Les the most. I mean we’ve released a few hits, and I guess it shows that there is chemistry and compatibility with our sounds.
What’s your dream collaboration within South Africa, do you have any artists in the rest of Africa you’d love to work with, and who would be your ultimate international dream collaboration?
I would love to work with Casper Nyovest in S.A. In terms of the rest of Africa, it would definitely be Tems and Ami Faku. I think we could create something beautiful. My ultimate international dream collab would be Tems or Beyonce.
New Music & Future Plans
We’re excited to hear that you dropped a new single on September 6th! Can you tell us more about the track and what it’s about?
The name of the song is Ngisakthanda with TBO. It came about when I hosted my Studio camp and it was one of many amazing tracks that came out of the entire experience.
Amapiano has gone global. How do you see your role in pushing the genre forward internationally? Have you had the chance to perform outside South Africa yet, and are there any plans to tour abroad?
I have been performing outside of South Africa but at first it was still within Africa. When I got here [London], I was surprised because people knew me and they chant my intro “Zee Nxumalo” when it comes on. It shocks me every time it happens.
Conclusion
In conclusion, what would you say to your younger self, before you achieved success in your music career and a young girl watching you at home who admires you and dreams of becoming a successful female artist like you?
What I would say to my younger self is Zee you were right! It was all possible. This is mainly because when you’re young it all seems far-fetched and sort of dream-like, and as you grow up you feel like it’s hard to achieve. I have not yet achieved everything that I want, but I can confidently say it really is possible. When I was young, I could picture myself doing well and being successful.To the young girl, I would say sebenza girl, work work work and work some more. And pray always.
By the Amapiano Awards Editorial Team