At just 22 years old, Zee Nxumalo is already a powerful name in the Amapiano scene. Known for hits like Ngisakuthanda, the Swazi-South African singer is enjoying massive success — from millions of streams to four nominations at the upcoming Basadi in Music Awards.
Zee is not slowing down anytime soon. She just dropped her first international single In & Out with Romanian stars Raluka and millforlife, bought herself a luxury car, and continues to grow her presence in the music industry. But while success brings new opportunities, it also comes with public attention — sometimes not all positive.
Recently, Zee found herself at the center of a social media storm after a video surfaced showing what some people called an “awkward” red carpet moment with veteran star Thembi Seete.
Talking to TRUELOVE, Zee says the video was misunderstood. “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?” she explained. “But I saw the video myself, doesn’t look great.”
Despite how it looked, Zee insists there was no drama or disrespect between her and Thembi. She believes the moment was just misread by the public — and in this industry, that happens a lot.
“It’s an opinion-based industry. It’s probably going to happen even after three years, even after four,” she says. “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.”
Zee is focused on what really matters: her music. She’s worked with major names like Pabi Cooper, Tyler ICU, and Dlala Thukzin. When she’s in the studio, she lets the beat guide her creative process.
“I freestyle a lot. I allow myself to be myself,” she says. “The beat definitely influences the way I interact with the song.”
She also talks openly about her journey and the lessons she’s learning as a rising star. “I’m still learning. Things like respecting time, time management, planning… Two years ago, those things didn’t matter to me. But now that I’m exposed to so much, ngiyafunda.”
Zee Nxumalo is showing that even in the spotlight — with all its praise and its pressure — she’s staying true to herself. And that’s what keeps her star shining.
