BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MBABANE– Amapiano sensation Zandile “Zee” Nxumalo is closing out 2025 with a remarkable achievement — securing four nominations for Ukhozi FM’s Song of the Year.
Her chart-topping tracks “Mamma,” “Mali,” “Ngisakuthanda,” and “Amandla” have each earned a spot among the year’s biggest hits, placing her firmly at the forefront of South Africa’s thriving amapiano scene.
The 22-year-old star has built an impressive list of accomplishments this year, marking 2025 as the most defining era of her career. Zee recently headlined the Brutal Fruit tour across three major cities, performing with a live band for the first time — a bold move that showcased her artistic growth.
Her streaming power is unmatched. Zee became the Most-Streamed South African Female Artist on Spotify, while her smash single “Ngisakuthanda” climbed to #1 across all genres on Apple Music South Africa, a rare feat for a young artist.
Zee also expanded her influence beyond the music stage. She signed a major partnership with Nickelodeon Africa, releasing the amapiano-inspired SpongeBob track “US’ponge” and hosting the 2025 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards. Her collaboration with Nivea also landed her a guest appearance on ETV’s House of Zwide, where she was introduced as the “Queen of Amapiano.”
Her acclaim continued at the 2025 Basadi in Music Awards, where she earned four nominations and ultimately took home the Sofnfree Artist of the Year award — a milestone she described as “shocking, humbling, and life-changing.”
As Zee celebrates these triumphs, fans eagerly await the outcome of the Ukhozi FM race. Last year’s 2024 Song of the Year title went to “Gucci” by Mthandeni SK & MaWhoo, a Maskandi anthem that amassed more than 926 000 votes, setting a high benchmark for this year’s contenders.
With her four nominations, industry recognition, and soaring popularity, Zee Nxumalo continues to prove why she is one of the most influential young voices in modern South African music.
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(Courtesy Pic)
