After a record-breaking year that reshaped South Africa’s streaming landscape, Zee Nxumalo enters 2026 with intention, authority and momentum. Her first official single of the year, Aweh Mah, signals not just a new release — but a new era.
In 2025, Zee Nxumalo achieved what few thought possible. She became the most streamed female artist in South Africa, ending Taylor Swift’s four-year reign at the top of the national streaming charts. Before Swift, Billie Eilish held the title. The shift was seismic. It wasn’t just about numbers — it marked the rise of a homegrown star commanding global-level attention on local soil.
Even more remarkable: Zee reached this milestone while releasing only one standalone single in 2025. The rest of her dominance came through features and collaborations. Over 100 million streams later, she stood as the most streamed local act of the year — male or female.
Now, she begins her most deliberate run yet.
“Aweh Mah,” featuring Dlala Thukzin, has already lived several lives online. For three months, the track circulated virally on TikTok, soundtracking thousands of user-generated videos and building organic anticipation long before its official release.
“This one has been sitting with the people for months,” Zee shares. “Every time I open TikTok, it’s there. It’s rare to feel a song grow before it’s even out.”
Built on a high-energy, youth-driven sonic palette, the single captures the unapologetic confidence that now defines her presence. It’s rhythmic, celebratory and engineered for dance floors and festival stages alike. But strategically, it represents something bigger.
“In a certain way, Zee in 2025 reminds me of Drake in 2012,” says Wandile Madondo, CEO of TGTM Agency and Zee’s A&R. “He remained top of mind without a single release. 2026 is the year we turn visibility into legacy.”
Recorded in Durban, the collaborative studio process behind “Aweh Mah” differed from her breakout hit Mamma. This time, Zee entered with full authority. “It wasn’t about chasing a moment,” Madondo explains. “It was about defining one.”
Beyond music, Zee’s expansion continues. From brand partnerships with Puma and McDonald’s to sold-out merchandise drops and international touring, her footprint is widening. A new merch collection is set to accompany this era, reflecting her growth and ownership.
With streaming power proven and cultural influence cemented, Zee Nxumalo begins 2026 from a rare vantage point: at the top — and moving forward with purpose.
Make sure to stream “Aweh Mah” on all digital platforms HERE.
