In a year marked by highs, heartbreaks and pivotal self-discovery, Zee Nxumalo emerged as one of South Africa's promising young stars.
She is solidifying her standing in the amapiano scene with the release of her eagerly awaited 10-track EP, “Inja Ye Game”.
The project is a declaration of her artistic autonomy and an emphatic statement of her ability to defy genre boundaries.
The EP encapsulates a transformative journey into the depths of love, loss and personal growth.
“‘Inja Ye Game’ is all about my journey this past year -good vibes, some tough times and everything in between.
“I don’t want to be boxed in, I’m not just an amapiano artist, not just an Afro-pop artist. I’m a star without limits, so the EP is inspired by love, loss and just figuring myself out as a young artist and person.
“I wanted it to feel real, fun, and something people can connect to, whether they’re dancing or just vibing at home,” said Nxumalo.
Describing the main theme of the EP, she said that it is about being bold and staying true to yourself, no matter what.
“‘Inja Ye Game’ means being a leader, not a follower, and that’s how I see myself. The EP is like a diary, it’s got moments of strength, fun, and even heartbreak, but it’s all about pushing forward and owning who you are.”
From the soulful confessions in “Sponono Sami” to the energetic collaboration with DJ Tira and others on the vibrant “Drip Juluka”, Nxumalo showcases her unique storytelling prowess, weaving narratives infused with themes of devotion, betrayal, resilience and joy.
“It’s been a dream working with such legends. The collaborations happened naturally - like with DJ Tira on ‘Drip Juluka’, it all started with a crazy beat and an idea to go big.
“It took a lot of effort to get everyone together, but it was so worth it. I’ve been blessed to meet and work with incredible artists who believed in my vision and brought their magic to the tracks,” she said.
Currently, Nxumalo’s favourite track on the EP is “Ucingo”.
“I’m not the type to sit and write in the studio, I just freestyle and let the music guide me, but with ‘Ucingo’ I told such a real and powerful story, and that’s what makes it so special to me.
“It’s raw and emotional, and I think so many people will feel it. The soulful amapiano beat gave me the perfect space to flow and bring the story to life naturally,” she shared.
Through this EP the multi-platinum artist wants listeners to get in touch with their emotions.
“I just want people to feel something, whether it’s dancing, crying, or remembering a special moment. This EP is about good vibes and showing people that no matter what you’re going through, you can bounce back stronger.
“It’s also about having fun and making memories, so I hope it becomes the soundtrack to their best moments.”
Looking forward, Nxumalo is brimming with excitement about her emerging opportunities, including live performances to connect deeply with her fans.
“There’s so much happening, and I’m really excited! I’m planning live shows to bring these songs to life and connect with my fans. I
“’I’ve also been honoured to be selected as the ‘Apple Music Up Next’ artist, which is a significant milestone for me as a young artist.
“On top of that, I’ve been nominated for the GQ Men Of The Year Awards 2024 in the People’s Choice Award category, such an amazing feeling to be the only female nominee in this category.
“It’s all about building on these big moments and showing the world what I can do,” she ended.