Based: Johannesburg

Zandile “Zee” Nxumalo (born 6 January 2003) is a Swazi-South African singer, songwriter and Amapiano/Afropop artist who has rapidly emerged as one of South Africa’s most influential young voices in music.

Born in Eswatini and raised in Alexandra, Johannesburg, Zee first captivated audiences with her unique fusion of soulful melodies and infectious beats. Her breakthrough came with the 2023 hit “Funk 55”, a collaboration with Shakes & Les, DBN Gogo, Ceeka RSA and Chley — a track that peaked at No. 2 on the South African Local Streaming Chart and achieved multiple platinum certifications.

In 2024–2025 Zee’s star continued its meteoric rise: her single “Thula Mabota” (featuring Pabi Cooper and 031Choppa) was certified platinum; “Ngisakuthanda” became a cultural anthem and surpassed tens of millions of streams; and her visuals consistently drew massive audiences online.

Zee closed 2025 as YouTube South Africa’s most-viewed female artist, accumulating over 180 million views across her official channel — a testament to her widespread appeal and loyal fanbase.

Beyond music streaming milestones, she has also expanded her creative footprint into visual storytelling, releasing short film projects linked to her songs and showcasing her range as a performer and cultural voice.

Her influence extends into brand partnerships and live engagements: Zee has fronted major campaigns (including Puma South Africa), hosted high-profile events and received critical acclaim — including multiple award nominations and wins that underscore her role in shaping contemporary South African music culture.

At a young age, Zee is celebrated not only for her prolific output but for her ability to blend amapiano, Afropop and emotional storytelling into songs that resonate across generations.