South African Amapiano star Zee Nxumalo is on a steady rise, carving out her place in the music industry with authenticity, talent, and an undeniable passion for her craft. At just 23 years old, the Ama Gear hitmaker has been making waves with her latest single Mamma, a track that not only showcases her versatility but also tells the story of her journey in music.
In a recent interview with Drum Magazine, Zee revealed that she never initially planned to pursue Amapiano. Her heart, she admitted, was always with Afro-Pop. “I didn’t set out to make Amapiano music—it just happened to me. At first, I wasn’t a fan. My real passion was always Afro-Pop, but I started making Amapiano because that’s what the market wanted, and my biggest hit ended up coming from it. I don’t feel any pressure, though, because I know every song performs differently. Things change over time, and being able to adapt is what helps you last,” she explained.
Her current hit, Mamma, has been performing exceptionally well, and for Zee, the love from fans has been a source of motivation. She credits legendary producer Dlala Thukzin for inspiring her to experiment with classical elements in the song. “Mamma is doing very well, and people love it, so the song’s buzz motivates me; it’s a supply and demand thing, so I’ll deliver. I never thought I could match his beat, but I did. I freestyled the song, and some lyrics don’t make sense, but it became a hit,” she said.
Looking back on her journey, Zee shared that she once dreamed of collaborating with the late Zahara, whom she felt would have been the perfect fit for her Afro-Pop roots. While that dream is no longer possible, she has set her sights on the continent, with ambitions to collaborate with some of Africa’s biggest stars, including Rema, Davido, and Omah Lay.
With her fearless approach to genre-bending and her growing influence across South Africa, Zee Nxumalo is on a mission to extend her reach far beyond her home country. Her story is one of resilience, adaptability, and ambition—qualities that will undoubtedly help her conquer the African music scene and beyond.
