Amapiano sensation Zee Nxumalo continues her incredible rise after her chart-topping single “Ngisakuthanda”, featuring TBO, earned two nominations at the 32nd South African Music Awards (SAMAs). The hit record has been nominated in the prestigious Record of the Year and Music Video of the Year categories, adding another major achievement to the singer’s rapidly growing list of accolades.
Released in September 2024 through her label and artist services partner Platoon, Ngisakuthanda quickly became one of the defining Amapiano songs of the year. Built around themes of love, vulnerability, and forgiveness, the single resonated deeply with listeners, becoming a favourite across streaming platforms, radio stations, and social media.
Since its release, the song has amassed more than 166 million global streams, highlighting its widespread appeal both in South Africa and internationally. The remarkable streaming success has cemented Ngisakuthanda as one of Zee Nxumalo’s biggest career-defining records and one of the standout Amapiano releases of recent years.
The double SAMA nomination is yet another milestone in what has been an extraordinary run for the talented vocalist. It follows a series of major accomplishments that have established her as one of South Africa’s most influential young artists.
Among her biggest achievements, Spotify named Zee Nxumalo South Africa’s most-streamed female artist of 2025, confirming her dominance on the country’s biggest music streaming platform. The recognition reflected not only her commercial success but also her growing influence within the Amapiano movement.
Beyond music, Zee has also become a prominent cultural figure. She was recently recognised as one of Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30 honourees, celebrating her impact as one of the continent’s rising stars. Her influence has extended into fashion and lifestyle as well, earning her a place as one of GLAMOUR South Africa’s Women of the Year, while also gracing the magazine’s December/January 2026 cover.
She further showcased her growing cultural relevance by appearing on the GQ South Africa Music and Creativity Issue double cover in June/July 2026, highlighting her impact beyond the recording studio.
The SAMA nominations now provide another opportunity for Zee Nxumalo to be recognised by one of South Africa’s most prestigious music institutions. Competing in both Record of the Year and Music Video of the Year reflects not only the strength of the song itself but also the visual storytelling and artistic creativity behind its accompanying music video.
As her catalogue of achievements continues to grow, Zee Nxumalo is proving that she is much more than a hitmaker. With global streaming success, industry recognition, and an ever-expanding fanbase, she continues to redefine what is possible for a new generation of South African artists.
Whether or not Ngisakuthanda takes home the trophies, its double SAMA nomination further confirms its place as one of the most impactful Amapiano songs of its generation and another major milestone in Zee Nxumalo’s remarkable career.
