Zee Nxumalo, born Zandile, kicked off 2024 with a clear goal: to solidify her position in the Amapiano and South African music scene. With her birthday on January 6th, she started the year in style and, little did she know, 2024 would become a game-changing year for her. “At the start of 2024, my main goal was to solidify my position as one of the leading voices in Amapiano and South African music,” she shared. “I wanted to expand my reach globally, work on bigger collaborations, and grow my brand beyond just music.”
Her success has been undeniable, marked by the release of her debut album Kwa Nxumalo and the massive hit Funk 55, which sent her career into overdrive. “I’ve come further than I imagined,” she tells Drum. From collaborating with global brands like Puma and McDonald’s to seeing her music chart and hearing fans sing along at her shows, Zee has made waves in ways she never expected. The Grimace Shake collaboration with McDonald’s, which saw her creating an Amapiano track for a global campaign, was “beyond what I thought possible.”
For Zee, the biggest blessing of 2024 has been the unwavering support from fans, industry peers, and brands that believe in her vision. Despite the triumphs, she’s learned valuable lessons along the way. “The most important lesson has been learning to trust the process. Not everything happens when you want it to, but when it does, it’s always worth the wait,” she reflects.
Her year has been filled with significant milestones, including the release of her EP Inja Ye Game and securing an ambassadorship with Puma—achievements she holds dear. “2024 has been a dream year,” she says. “It’s been about growth, breaking boundaries, and making my mark.”
From performing across Europe to seeing crowds sing her songs, Zee realizes how far she’s come from her days of singing in church and family gatherings. “This new life means everything to me,” she admits. “It’s proof that all the dreams I had as a kid weren’t too far-fetched—they’re happening now.”
However, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. One of the craziest moments of her year came during a performance when a fan charged at her on stage. “My first reaction was pure fear. I even ran away! But once I calmed down and realized he meant no harm, I embraced him and let him stay on stage for a bit while I performed. He was so emotional, and it was humbling to see how much my music means to people.”
Looking ahead, Zee is already setting her sights on bigger collaborations. She’s particularly excited about working with Black Coffee, whose timeless sound she admires. Internationally, she’d love to collaborate with Tems, and with Tems heading to South Africa next year, that dream might not be too far off.
Her latest project, Inja Ye Game, is a 10-track EP that marks a significant milestone in her career. “It’s my first major body of work as an established name in the industry,” she says. “It’s more than music—it’s a statement of my growth and where I’m headed.”
As 2024 draws to a close, Zee is positioning her hit song Ama Gear to take the crown for song of the year. “It’s only getting started,” she says confidently. “From the moment the opening instrumental hits, it pulls you in.”
Looking to 2025, Zee is determined to become a household name and take her music and collaborations to a global stage. “This was just a warm-up,” she concludes. “I have so much more to offer, and I’m ready to take things to the next level.”
