BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MBABANE – Zamo makes a boss move!
Meet MTN SWAMA Award winner Nomzamo Dlamini who is a former Joyous Celebration member, actor and make-up artist extraordinaire who just got nominated for the Basadi Music Awards SOFNFREE Afro Pop Artist of the Year. She also has her own record label, Alexia T Entertainment, named after her late mom.
She is also known by her stage name, Zamo. We tracked her down to learn about her love for music and art. This is what she had to say.
When did you start singing?
My love for music started when I was six years old. When I was 15 years old, the music bug hit me hard. That’s when I recorded my first demo that enjoyed consistent airplay on local radio, and that was the beginning.
Tell us about your new record label.
I now have my own record label, ‘Alexia T Entertainment’ named after my late mom. It was registered in 2023. I’m now an independent artist.
Tell us about your experience with South African renowned Gospel group Joyous Celebration.
The experience allowed me to travel extensively, meeting and performing with other great musicians and faces, which included performing at TD Jake’s Mega church and The Potter’s House in Dallas, Texas.
Where have you performed locally and internationally?
I have graced a number of African stages, having performed alongside artists such as Salif Keita, Mbongeni Ngema, the MTN Bushfire Festival, the International Trade Fair, and many others.
Can you tell us about your albums?
After an eight-year hiatus from doing solo projects, a revived and fully-fledged ZAMO re-emerged onto the scene with a soulful hit single, “Tinyembeti,” which simply means “tears.” The song debuted on the Metro FM top 40, peaking at number 12, and was on the charts for 15 weeks.
It enjoyed further success at Ligwalagwala FM, peaking at number two and staying there for 18 weeks. It went on to peak at number 35 on Radio Monitor’s top 500 charts. The song is currently on rotation on over 35 radio stations across South Africa.
My second single, “Njengami,” a soulful Swati RnB love song, is making a buzz on radio stations across the country.
Following the two singles, I released an 11-track album, “Inhlanyelo (The Seed).”The album, Inhlanyelo (The Seed), is produced by Wandile Moyo, also known as Afrotraction, with Vusani.
Tell us about your other passion, acting.
When I’m not immersed in music, I’m acting. I was part of theatre maestro Mbongeni Ngema’s musical No. 43. I was also cast in Thapelo Mokoena’s township movie, Jackpot Mathambo, which was screened on the Mzansi Magic television channel. I also play Thandeka, a driver, in an exciting SABC 1 drama titled Ingozi. The show draws an audience of 3.8 million viewers, and it boasts seasoned and acclaimed performers like Xolile Tshabalala.
I also do voiceovers for SiSwati children’s cartoons, notably Mvubu the Hippo, which airs on SABC1.
Tell us about the gift of your hands as a make-up artist.
I am also a makeup artist and have worked behind the scenes on many South African music videos.
You have several nominations and awards under your belt; can you list them?
I have been nominated and have also received the following awards:
• MTN SWAMAs 2018 (Swaziland Music Awards)
• Best Swati Soul Artist Winner
• 6TH ANNUAL AFRICAN AWARDS 2018
• Female Celebrity Hair Influencer Winner
NOMINATIONS:
• SAAFMAs 2018 (South African Afro-Pop Music Awards)
• The Best Afro-American Public Favourite Song
• MTN SWAMAs 2018 (Swaziland Music Awards)
• The Best Swati-Based Artist Based in the Diaspora
• Best Swati Soul Artist
• Best Afro-Pop Artist
• Song of the Year: Tinyembeti
