20-year-old Afropop/Amapiano artist Zee Nxumalo has just released KwaNxumalo (Deluxe), the eagerly anticipated deluxe version of her popular debut EP.
It comes exactly a year since Zee, who was then 19 years old, burst onto the scene with her stellar debut single Siyajola, which has since amassed more than 100,000 streams on various platforms. This has cemented her as one of the best new acts in South Africa.
Zee Nxumalo’s ‘KwaNxumalo (Deluxe)’
Zee is excited about her new project. “This project means a lot to me because it shows not only the growth in my career, but also in my personal life. I feel like I’m growing into the strong and confident young woman I’ve always wanted to be. I’m also having fun and enjoying being young and carefree, which I wanted to showcase on this project,” she explains.
“But most importantly, the music is also sounding better than it ever has, and I just can’t wait for everyone to hear it. I’m super honoured to have worked with such talented artists like Profound, Azana, Mlindo The Vocalist, MFR Souls and Ntokzin on this project – everything just came together so perfectly.”
The focus track on the project is Pholile 2.0, which is a collaboration between Zee, Azana and Mlindo The Vocalist. The single marks a full circle moment as it comes four years since a teenage Zee first captured the public’s eye with her viral cover of Mlindo’s hit single AmaBlesser, which is currently sitting on 1.4 million views on Youtube.
KwaNxumalo (Deluxe) was co-executive produced by Dennis “Profound” Masilo, who has firmly established himself as one of the top young producers in South Africa through his work with the likes of Khuli Chana, Azana, Emtee and Riky Rick.
“KwaNxumalo (Deluxe) is an extension of the KwaNxumalo series, which is reflective of her roots & beginnings,” Profound explains. “However, with the initial series being purely focused on such a narrative, this project also aims to bring out the more youthful, carefree and joyful version of Zee. When we worked on tracks such as Sobabili and Phila, Zee reminded us that as much as she works hard, she plays hard too.
“The common thread in this extended play was for us to explore different avenues of her life with ingenuity and humility – a theme that we persist to keep in the KwaNxumalo brand. From the honesty and keenness to love in Imizwa and the hopefulness in Ngi Mncane, the EP ties who Zee is, with all aspects of her life, and how she really feels in those aspects. We’re super happy and proud of all the playlist support we’ve received from Apple Music, and we’ve got a few more surprises on the way soon.”
Stream KwaNxumalo (Deluxe) here.