Latest news with #ZeeNxumalo
News24
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
How Zee Nxumalo defines casual chic in urban fashion
From chart-topping music to jaw-dropping fashion, amapiano sensation Zee Nxumalo has gotten Mzansi's stamp of approval. Dubbed 'inja ye game', the Sajola Kamnandi hitmaker is known for her eclectic street style and skin tight outfits that pair perfectly with her sultry lyrics and vocals. The 22-year-old singer and songwriter is no stranger to the fashion game since becoming the first local act to have a limited edition merchandise collection in The Fix stores, selling out in just weeks. View this post on Instagram A post shared by TRUELOVE Magazine (@truelovemagazine) When it comes to her personal style, Zee tells TRUELOVE that her fashion sense is just an extension of how she's feeling at the time. 'I've actually recently discovered that ngendlela ng'yagqoka ngakhona (the way I dress) will definitely be influenced by how I feel.' Right now, Zee is in her hot girl era and tells us, 'So, it's just an expression of how I am and the kind of space I'm in at that particular moment. Usually I like wearing things that are short, things that will make me feel confident ... I'm in my era of 'Yes, see me, I look hot!'' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zee Nxumalo (@zeenxumalo_) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zee Nxumalo (@zeenxumalo_) Zee has dubbed black as her colour for the season, a look she has also been experimenting with her hair choices. 'I love black, my skin pops when I'm wearing black,' she reveals. 'I love green as well. Also with hair, I love blonde hair. But I recently found out that actually black hair suits me more than blonde hair because, like I'm saying, black makes you pop. But I like super light colours, but it just so happens that black suits me.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zee Nxumalo (@zeenxumalo_) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zee Nxumalo (@zeenxumalo_) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zee Nxumalo (@zeenxumalo_) Touching on her fashion inspirations, Zee is hoping to explore the kind of casual chic aesthetic local personalities like Siyanda 'Siya Bunny' Bani and Pamela Mtanga embody. Zee says, 'I want to tap into the era of Siya Bunny. Ja yoh, she does it for me. Like a lady with casual. Who else does it? Siya Bunny and Pamela Mtanga. But Siya Bunny for sure, all day every day.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zee Nxumalo (@zeenxumalo_) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zee Nxumalo (@zeenxumalo_)
IOL News
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Zee Nxumalo's uplifting words: a guide for artists to shine at the Hollywoodbets Durban July
However, for many artists, the pressure to secure a booking during this glamorous weekend can be overwhelming. The Hollywoodbets Durban July (HDJ) is one of the most anticipated events in the South African social calendar, attracting thousands of visitors and showcasing a vibrant array of talent. As the 2025 HDJ approaches, Nxumalo took to Facebook to instil hope among her fellow creatives, stating: 'This coming Durban July weekend, as a DJ or an artist and you are not booked in Durban, don't lose hope, success takes time. I wish you guys all the best.' Fortunately, encouragement is just around the corner from South African singer-songwriter Zee Nxumalo , who recently shared an uplifting message aimed at those aspiring to take the stage, whether as a DJ or an artist. Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. While the pressure to secure engagements can be daunting, Nxumalo's words serve as a reminder that the road to success is often paved with perseverance. To aid these artists in their journey toward success, we have compiled essential tips below to help them secure bookings. Build a strong online presence In today's digital age, your online presence is often the first impression potential bookers will have of you. Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook and TikTok are powerful tools for connecting with your audience and sharing snippets of your performances or artwork. Regularly engaging with followers, responding to comments, and utilising hashtags will enhance your visibility. Network within the industry Connections are critical in the arts industry. Attend local events and festivals to meet other artists, promoters, and venue owners. Don't hesitate to introduce yourself and share your passion for your craft. Building relationships can lead to referrals and recommendations, significantly increasing your chances of getting booked. Perfect your pitch Your pitch to venues and promoters needs to be concise and compelling. Tailor your communication to reflect an understanding of their specific needs and how you fit into their programming. Include links to your music or performances, highlight your previous experience and offer clear reasons why booking you would be an advantageous decision for them. Create a press kit A professional press kit is essential when approaching venues and promoters. Include a biography, high-resolution images, music samples or performance reels and any notable press coverage. This serves as a snapshot of your artistic identity and provides everything a potential booker might need to make their decision. Follow up After reaching out to venues or contacts, don't forget to follow up. A polite email or a WhatsApp message can remind them of your initial contact and your continued interest. This shows professionalism and enthusiasm, traits that can help keep you top of mind for future opportunities.
The Citizen
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Alex to Europe: Zee Nxumalo's Global Impact Unveiled
Zee Nxumalo's upcoming calendar is packed with major international appearances. Zandile 'Zee' Nxumalo is proving that Amapiano knows no borders. Born in Swaziland, also known as Eswatini, and raised in the South African township of Alexandra, the 24-year-old Amapiano singer-songwriter has just notched another major milestone by becoming the first South African artist to grace the cover of Romania's popular Spotify playlist, 'Dance toată ziua' (Dance All Day). Her infectious new single In & Out, a vibrant collaboration with Romanian pop artist Raluka and producer Millforlife, leads the playlist and is already making waves with over 14 800 playlist saves — a feat that signals her growing global influence. The achievement marks a defining moment in Zee's career. Not only does it represent her first music placement in Romania, but also her official Eastern European debut, following a string of local and continental wins. 'This run has been a dream,' Zee told The Citizen. 'Being on a Spotify cover in Romania, hosting the KCAs, collaborating with Raluka — these are all moments I've prayed for. I'm just a girl from Alex making music that moves people, and now I get to take that energy around the world.' And the world is listening. From local charts to global stages Before catching the ears of European audiences, Zee Nxumalo was already carving a name for herself in South Africa's fiercely competitive music scene. Her breakout hits Pholile 2.0, Abangani, and the sultry 'Yini' not only topped local charts but also cemented her reputation as one of Amapiano's most exciting new voices. She brings a unique blend of vocal soulfulness and vibrant stage energy that resonates with both club-goers and casual listeners. Her Amapiano remix of the SpongeBob SquarePants theme song went viral earlier this year, racking up millions of views and sparking an unexpected wave of international media attention. That viral moment paved the way for Zee to feature at the 2025 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards Pre-Show, making her the first South African music artist to front the youth-focused event. 'Zee's instincts are unmatched,' said Madondo, her co-manager and founder of TGTM Agency. 'When we first heard the 'In & Out' track, we knew it had global potential. This Romania moment is just the beginning of a wave that's been building for some time.' Next stop: Portugal, the UK, and… Romania With her Spotify debut gaining traction, Zee Nxumalo's upcoming calendar is packed with major international appearances. She is set to perform at AfroNation in Portugal, share the stage at the Ama Fest in the UK, and finally touch down in Romania , a full-circle moment for the playlist feature that started it all. 'We've been intentional about expanding Zee's global footprint in a way that feels fresh but authentic,' said co-manager Shingai Darangwa. 'The Spotify Romania cover, the Nickelodeon hosting slot, and now international stages, it all points to an artist who's becoming a global cultural voice.' Still flying the flag Despite her international reach, Zee Nxumalo remains grounded in her roots. Whether she's collaborating with local talents, spotlighting township sounds, or repping Alexandra on the world stage, she continues to fly the flag high for South African music.
News24
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
The rise of amapiano star Zee Nxumalo - ‘I allow myself to be myself'
Amapiano vocalist Zee Nxumalo has earned four Basadi in Music Award nominations. Lessons Zee has taken from fame and industry peers include authenticity, consistency and time management. Her creative process in the studio includes freestyling to the beat. _________________________________________________________________ At just 22 years old, Zandile Nxumalo's stamp on the amapiano community is as bold as her presence. Professionally known as Zee Nxumalo, the Swazi-South African vocalist is topping the charts with infectious rhythms and sultry melodies on tracks like Ngisakuthanda, all while racking up millions of streams. The songstress continues to make strides in her meteoric rise in the entertainment industry, from claiming the most nominations at the upcoming Basadi in Music Awards with four under her belt to buying a luxury car and bagging her first international feature with Romanian artists Raluka and millforlife on her latest single called In & Out. Zee is a busy woman, with TRUELOVE catching up with the star while she's on the road all while letting her Basadi in Music Award nominations still 'sink in'. 'We're definitely working here. There's no longer time to spare for things that don't make sense, we literally have to become super intentional about what we do with our time,' Zee tells TRUELOVE. Learning from fame More than just a rising star, Zee has quickly become a staple voice among the hypnotic beats and synths of amapiano, and she's had to learn how to navigate meeting new fans and industry colleagues. On the lessons she's learning, she explains, 'Remaining true to myself and staying true to who I truly am was the highlights but, obviously, because I'm still fairly new to the game, ngisafunda (I'm still learning). I don't want to lie, I'm learning a lot of things. Things like respecting time, time management, planning. 'Those are things that two years back, they were not really of much importance to me but because I'm getting myself exposed to so many things, ngiyafunda.' Life is a teacher to many at any age, with Zee looking up to young stars like singer Naledi Aphiwe and industry giants like DJ Maphorisa for authenticity and consistency. READ MORE | Rising star | Kealeboga Masango on Genesis role, working with seasoned actors and more However, there's always a price to nationwide recognition. Many had a lot to say over a video of Zee's supposedly cold interaction with veteran actress and singer Thembi Seete on a red carpet. Zee clarifies, 'Haibo, she is the one that even called me to the red carpet ukuthi, 'You look good, ngena'. Mina I was there like, 'Oh hi sis' Thembi and yourself, aw ngena', yabo? But I saw the video myself, doesn't look great. Is it just me or is Zee Nxumalo mizing our legend Thembi Seete🔍 — UNCLE CHARLES (@mixedracedUncle) June 21, 2025 'And, unfortunately, it's an opinion-based industry ... It's probably going to happen even after three years, even after four, it's an opinion-based industry. Senz'u-music, people must have opinions about the music we make, they must have opinions about the way we dress. So, it's nothing really - it's not life-threatening.' Letting the music guide her Despite the ups and downs of fame, music is at the crux of Zee's livelihood. Having collaborated with heavy hitters like Pabi Cooper, Tyler ICU, Dlala Thukzin and more, she dives into her creative process behind her number one tracks. 'The beat definitely influences the way in which I interact with the song. Because kunama-chords, sometimes the person can play set chords, then now uyangena ngama-set chords. But mina as uZee Nxumalo, I freestyle a lot. I allow myself to be myself.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zee Nxumalo (@zeenxumalo_)
The Star
28-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
Zee Nxumalo unveils her stunning Mercedes Benz V-Class
South African musician sensation Zee Nxumalo has acquired a new set of wheels, a luxurious carrier van, a Mercedes-Benz V300d. Taking to Instagram, the 'Ngisakuthanda' hitmaker shared a video of herself collecting her new vehicle with her family. 'Please be patient on the road😍 driver is still a LEARNER,' she captioned the video. Nxumalo has positioned herself as one of the country's top hitmakers, with her song topping radio charts and her performing across the country. The 22-year-old powerhouse has been making major moves, from her show-stopping performance at the TikTok Awards, to her critically acclaimed project "Inja Ye Game", released late last year, Her hit single "Ngisakuthanda" featuring TBO secured the No 1 position on Apple Music South Africa across all genres, marking her first-ever solo top placement in a mere six months since its initial release. Her post with her wheels was filled with congratulatory messages from her fans and industry colleagues. 'BIG ZEE 🔥CONGRATULATIONS 🥂🤝🏾,' wrote vocalist Focalistic. 'A family's pride!🙏🏾🙌🏾' wrote presenter Katlego Maboe. 'Girls with Mercs😍🔥🔥🔥' said singer MaWhoo.
