Zee Nxumalo is officially rewriting the rules of her career. Dropping her first short film, Ngisakuthanda, a cinematic take on her chart-topping hit, Zee marks a new era of creative evolution. Released on the one-year anniversary of the single that made her one of the country’s most-streamed new artists, the film proves she’s not just about music—she’s about storytelling in every form.
Originally celebrated for its raw emotion and vulnerability, Ngisakuthanda now comes alive on screen. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Kuda Jemba, the short film dives into first love, heartbreak, and the quiet moments that shape young adulthood. Anchored in silence, subtlety, and visual nuance, it’s a story that speaks to the unspoken truths we all carry.
Zee hosted an exclusive premiere at The Bioscope on 20 November, giving fans an intimate first look. Just a day later, the film went digital and racked up over 200,000 views in 72 hours, with audiences praising it as bold, moving, and unlike anything else in the South African music scene.
On-screen, Zee reveals a different side of her artistry. Guided by actor, writer, and director Anelisa Phewa, she brings authenticity and vulnerability alongside rising star Thandolwethu Olly Zondi, creating chemistry that makes the story pulse with life.
Kuda Jemba calls the film “a collective diary of emotions,” blending personal and shared experiences of love, mistakes, and growth. Producer Theodorah Madela adds, “Every department—from direction to styling—worked with intention. Ngisakuthanda is a labour of love, a story made for Zee’s fans.”
Just one day after the film’s digital debut, Zee took home the Editor’s Award at the GLAMOUR Women of the Year Awards 2025, cementing her status as a cultural influencer and multi-disciplinary creative.
With her first short film, fan community launch, and major award all in one weekend, Zee Nxumalo is stepping into a bold new chapter—one defined by vision, ambition, and a fearless approach to storytelling.
Ngisakuthanda: The Short Film is now streaming. Meanwhile, Zee is already working on a new EP, promising more honesty, depth, and boundary-pushing creativity.
