Entering 2026 with clear intent and strong momentum, Zee Nxumalo is poised to make a significant impact following an impressive year that transformed South Africa’s streaming scene. Her inaugural single of the year, Aweh Mah, signifies not just another release but the beginning of a new chapter.
In 2025, Zee Nxumalo accomplished a remarkable feat. She emerged as the most streamed female artist in South Africa, breaking Taylor Swift’s four-year dominance atop the national streaming rankings. Prior to Swift, Billie Eilish had held the position. This shift was substantial, showcasing a local artist gaining international recognition.
What makes this achievement more noteworthy is that Zee accomplished it with only one standalone single in 2025. The majority of her success came from features and collaborations. After accumulating over 100 million streams, she stood as the highest-streamed local artist for the year, regardless of gender.
Now, she embarks on her most intentional promotional campaign.
“Aweh Mah,” featuring Dlala Thukzin, has already garnered significant attention online. For three months, the track went viral on TikTok, becoming the background for countless user-generated videos and creating buzz well in advance of its official release.
“This one has been sitting with the people for months,” Zee explains. “Every time I open TikTok, it’s there. It’s rare to experience a song developing before it’s released.”
The single, characterized by a vibrant and energetic sound, embodies the confident persona that Zee has cultivated. It has a lively rhythm, perfect for both dance floors and festival stages. This release, however, symbolizes more than just a song.
“In some ways, Zee in 2025 reminds me of Drake in 2012,” remarks Wandile Madondo, CEO of TGTM Agency and Zee’s A&R. “He stayed relevant without a single new release. 2026 is the year we turn visibility into lasting impact.”
Recorded in Durban, the creation of “Aweh Mah” was a different experience from her breakout hit Mamma. This time, Zee approached the project with complete confidence. “It wasn’t about chasing a moment,” Madondo explains. “It was about creating one.”
Zee’s influence extends beyond music as well. Her partnerships with brands such as Puma and McDonald’s, combined with sell-out merchandise launches and international tours, indicate her expanding reach. A new merchandise collection is anticipated to accompany this era, reflecting her evolution and ownership.
With her streaming success established and her cultural impact recognized, Zee Nxumalo begins 2026 from a unique position: at the forefront, moving ahead with determination.
Don’t miss out on streaming “Aweh Mah” on all digital platforms HERE.
