Zee’s achievements at the Basadi in Music Awards represent her swift rise within the South African music industry. In 2025, she surpassed 100 million streams, establishing herself as the most-streamed local artist in South Africa and a significant figure in the sector.
Zee Nxumalo leads the Main Awards
With great excitement, Zee Nxumalo shares her experience of receiving four nominations in the Basadi in Music Awards, putting her in a leading position. On June 23, 2026, she posted about her nominations on Facebook, saying:
“Please vote 😭Artist of year.”
Zee Nxumalo’s musical career gained traction after her mainstream breakthrough with the song Funk 55 (2023), which achieved a 5× Platinum certification in South Africa. The 24-year-old Amapiano sensation has secured four nominations for the 2026 Basadi in Music Awards:
- Artist of the year
- Best styled artist of the year
- Song of the year for Mamma
- Amapiano artist of the year
The Main Awards, where Zee has garnered recognition, celebrate artists and rising talents from a variety of musical genres.
Alongside Zee, the nominations feature a lineup of distinguished African talent. Global sensations such as Tyla and Nigeria’s Ayra Starr also contend for the Artist of the Year title.
Other notable nominees include MaWhoo, Nkosazana Daughter, and Kharishma. The Amapiano category showcases fierce competition, with prominent artists like Kamo Mphela, DBN Gogo, and Nobuhle in the mix.
Public Reactions to Zee’s Nominations
The talented musician has received an outpouring of support, with thousands liking and hundreds commenting on her posts:
@ShörtïïLøøzïïeÿ expressed her support with the remark:
“Obviously, Zee Nxumalo. That’s you mama.”
@Isiphile Bhut John sent his good wishes:
“May God be with you my sister. You deserve all the best.”
@Syamthanda Mbili motivated Zee by commenting:
“We are voting this time and we are making sure you win🥰💗”
About the Basadi in Music Awards
The awards ceremony is set to take place over two days on August 7 and 8, 2026, in Johannesburg. The event will highlight a broad spectrum of genres, including Afro Pop, Dance, Gospel, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Pop, Reggae, and Traditional music.
The nominations are distinguished by their strong pan-African representation, with artists from Lesotho, Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, and eSwatini being recognized alongside South African talents.
The 2026 Basadi in Music Awards promises to be a significant celebration of female musical talent. With Zee Nxumalo, also featured in the Forbes 30 Under 30, taking charge, the Johannesburg event is expected to showcase the extraordinary abilities and influence of women in the African music landscape.
