Award-winning multi-platinum star Zee Nxumalo continues her extraordinary rise as her hit single “Ngisakuthanda” earns two major nominations at the 32nd South African Music Awards (SAMAs).
Nominated for Record of the Year and Music Video of the Year, the recognition crowns one of South Africa’s biggest musical success stories of the past two years and reinforces Zee Nxumalo’s position as one of the country’s defining artists of the new generation.
Following a career marked by chart-dominating releases, record-breaking streaming numbers, cultural milestones, and growing international recognition, the nominations reflect an artist whose influence continues to extend far beyond music, shaping contemporary South African popular culture.
“Ngisakuthanda”, one of Zee Nxumalo’s first releases with her long-time label and artist services partner Platoon, has evolved far beyond a hit single into a cultural phenomenon. Anchored by Zee Nxumalo’s emotionally rich vocal performance alongside TBO, and released in September 2024, the Amapiano anthem explores love, vulnerability, forgiveness, and emotional resilience.
Its relatable storytelling and infectious production resonated deeply with audiences, transforming the song into one of South Africa’s most successful releases across streaming platforms, radio, social media, and digital culture.
The song has accumulated over 166 million global streams, making it one of the country’s most-consumed records.
The SAMA recognition arrives during another remarkable chapter in Zee Nxumalo’s career. Fresh from her inclusion on the prestigious Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 list, she continues to cement her place as one of Africa’s most influential young creatives.
As “Ngisakuthanda” continues to resonate with audiences long after its release, the SAMA nominations celebrate a record whose impact extends far beyond the charts. From dominating streaming platforms and inspiring millions of fan-created moments to evolving into an acclaimed cinematic story, the song has become one of the defining South African releases of its generation.
