Zee Nxumalo named Spotify EQUAL Africa ambassador for May

Born in eSwatini, Zee Nxumalo has become one of the fastest-rising voices in South Africa’s amapiano scene. According to Spotify Wrapped 2025 data, she was recognised as the platform’s most-streamed South African female artist of the year.

Her breakthrough came in 2024 with the success of ‘Funk 55’, which achieved five-times platinum certification. She has since released other popular singles, including ‘Ngisakuthanda’, while expanding her profile beyond music through commercial partnerships and media appearances.

Among those projects was a collaboration with Nickelodeon Africa, which included a reworking of the theme song for SpongeBob SquarePants. Her growing visibility has also included appearances on magazine covers and a billboard campaign in London.

Speaking about her music career, Zee Nxumalo said her connection to music developed gradually over time.

“There wasn’t one big moment; it kind of happened over time. The more I made music, the more it just felt right,” she said.

“As people started connecting with it, it built my confidence. At first, it was about that validation, but now it’s deeper than that. It’s really about understanding myself and expressing who I am through music.”

The singer cited Wizkid, Cassper Nyovest and Mlindo The Vocalist as some of the African artists who influenced her musical tastes while growing up.

Describing her sound, she said her music combines emotional themes with youthful and energetic elements.

“I’d say it’s vibrant, youthful, and uplifting, but also very emotional,” she said.

“Most of my music is in isiZulu, but what I love is that even people who don’t understand the language still feel it.”

Zee Nxumalo also spoke about working in a music genre that has historically been dominated by male artists and producers.

“I feel like the space is becoming more open for women, which is really beautiful to see,” she said.

“For me, it’s about fully embracing who I am, my femininity, my energy, my style, everything.”

Commenting on her selection for the EQUAL Africa programme, the artist said the initiative represented broader progress for women in music.

“Being part of EQUAL is about showing that music isn’t limited by gender,” she said.

“It’s about expression, and the more we show up as ourselves, the more we create space for others to do the same.”

Contributors: Moletsane A Rampai and Livhuwni Malelelo