BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MBABANE – From the stage to a magazine cover!
Afro-pop singer and songwriter Zee Nxumalo is making waves as she lands the coveted GQ June/July cover!
Yesterday, Zee shared the exciting news on her social media, urging fans to “Pause the English lessons for now, and actually celebrate these milestones.” Her milestone comes as no surprise considering her meteoric rise in the music industry.
In the article Zee credits her success largely to the hit song “Mamma,” a collaboration with Funk 55, DBN Gogo, and Shakes Les. The track soared to an impressive five times Platinum status, solidifying her place among top Afro-pop artists.
GQ (short for Gentlemen’s Quarterly and formerly known as Apparel Arts) is an international men’s fashion monthly magazine headquartered in New York City. Founded in 1931, the publication covers a diverse range of topics including fashion, style, culture, food, movies, fitness, music, travel, celebrities, sports, technology, and books.
Born Zandile Nxumalo on January 6, 2003, in Eswatini, Zee’s family later moved to Alexandra, Johannesburg, where she grew up. With a father from the LiSwati community and a mother of Xhosa descent, her rich cultural heritage strongly influences her unique sound.
In May last year, Zee made a memorable debut performance at the MTN Bushfire Festival. She shared with this publication that she had never performed in Eswatini before and expressed heartfelt excitement about her family in kaHlatsi eagerly awaiting her live show.
Zee attended Sandown High School and is currently pursuing a Law degree at the University of Johannesburg. She burst onto the music scene at 19 with her debut single “Siyajola,” captivating audiences with her mesmerizing vocals. Her passion for singing was nurtured in childhood, as her aunts encouraged her to perform at family gatherings and funerals—a support system that believed in her talent long before she fully realized it herself.
In 2023, Zee took the leap into professional music after realizing fans were willing to pay for her performances—a defining moment that propelled her career forward. Social media also played a vital role in her rise, leading to a UK tour invitation.
Last year, Zee was nominated for a Metro FM award and performed at the event. She was recognized in the Best Kwaito/Gqom Song category for her popular track “FOMO,” which features Goldmax, Dlala Thukzin, and Funky Qla.
At just 23 years old, this Eswatini-born Afro-pop and Amapiano sensation continues to leave her mark with infectious rhythms and soulful melodies. Her hit single “Thula Mabota” has amassed over 5 million views on YouTube, further cementing her status as a rising star in the music industry.
