Amapiano artist Zee Nxumalo is experiencing a significant career boost after her hit single “Ngisakuthanda”, featuring TBO, received two nominations at the 32nd South African Music Awards (SAMAs). The track has been nominated for the esteemed Record of the Year and Music Video of the Year categories, marking yet another impressive milestone in her burgeoning career.
Launched in September 2024 via her label and artist services partner Platoon, Ngisakuthanda swiftly emerged as one of the standout Amapiano tracks of the year. Focusing on themes of love, vulnerability, and forgiveness, the song has struck a chord with audiences, gaining traction on streaming platforms, radio, and social media.
Since its debut, the song has gathered over 166 million global streams, showcasing its broad appeal within South Africa and beyond. This extraordinary streaming performance has established Ngisakuthanda as a defining record in Zee Nxumalo’s career and one of the notable Amapiano songs in recent memory.
The double nomination at the SAMAs adds to the remarkable achievements that have characterized the trajectory of this gifted vocalist. It follows a string of significant successes that have solidified her status as one of South Africa’s prominent young artists.
Among her major accomplishments, Spotify named Zee Nxumalo South Africa’s most-streamed female artist of 2025, underscoring her prominence on the country’s leading music streaming service. This accolade not only acknowledges her commercial achievements but also her rising influence within the Amapiano genre.
In addition to her music career, Zee has gained recognition as a cultural icon. She was recently acknowledged as one of Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30, highlighting her role as one of the continent’s emerging stars. Her influence extends into fashion and lifestyle, where she has also been celebrated as one of GLAMOUR South Africa’s Women of the Year and appeared on the magazine’s December/January 2026 cover.
She further established her cultural impact by featuring on the GQ South Africa Music and Creativity Issue double cover in June/July 2026, emphasizing her significance beyond music.
The nominations for the SAMAs provide an additional opportunity for Zee Nxumalo to gain recognition from one of South Africa’s leading music institutions. Competing in both the Record of the Year and Music Video of the Year categories showcases not only the strength of the song but also the creative storytelling depicted in the music video.
As her growing list of achievements continues to evolve, Zee Nxumalo is demonstrating that she is much more than merely a hit artist. With her international streaming success, accolades from the industry, and an expanding fanbase, she is challenging the boundaries for a new wave of South African artists.
Regardless of whether Ngisakuthanda wins at the awards, its dual nomination secures its status as one of the most significant Amapiano tracks of its time and represents another key milestone in Zee Nxumalo’s impressive journey.
