The Ascent Of Zee Nxumalo, South Africa’s Rising Star

A new, distinct voice—raw, soulful, and resonant—is emerging from the continent’s south. It is the property of Zee Nxumalo, a 22-year-old breakout artist whose songs are encapsulating the emotional climate of a generation in flux. 

The sound of Zee is reinventing what it is to feel in full color—soft yet powerful, vulnerable yet courageous.

Her breakthrough track, “Ngisakuthanda,” has become a cross-continental sensation in addition to topping the charts in South Africa. With airplay and chart ascents in Kenya, Nigeria, and other countries, the song is currently replicating its two-week run at the top of the charts and six-week run in the Top 5. Zee Nxumalo is Africa’s newest musical sensation, not just a budding artist.

“Ngisakuthanda,” which is taken from her 2024 EP Inja Ye Game, is more than just a song; it’s a poignant moment. It touches on the very human experience of knowing a relationship is finished but your heart hasn’t moved on. “It’s soft and vulnerable, but it’s strong in its honesty,” Zee explains. With its smooth amapiano rhythms and emotional clarity, it has resonated with listeners going through loss, recovery, and personal development.

“Ngisakuthanda” has become a common soundtrack on TikTok, Instagram, and private voice notes on WhatsApp. It’s a contemporary love letter to all young people attempting to understand their emotions in a world that is changing quickly. Throughout it all, Zee Nxumalo provides more than just music; she is a window into the spirit of Africa’s youth.

Her reach is only getting wider. Even though Johannesburg is home, Zee’s voice can be heard in Lagos, Nairobi, and many other cities. Her impact is indisputable, as fans demand more and DJs support her sound. The industry is now following her lead rather than merely observing her, as seen by her Apple Music Up Next feature, brand collaborations with Puma and McDonald’s, and an upcoming European tour.

Zee is among the new generation of African women that are changing the rules. They are claiming space, not requesting it. Zee Nxumalo is contributing to the reshaping of the soundscape of the continent on her own terms with her genuine storytelling and unafraid vulnerability.

She is capable of delivering an amazing Amapiano song. But what really sets her apart are her lyricism, emotional intelligence, and capacity to express the unsaid. Zee adds something uncommon to a room where volume frequently overpowers substance: presence.