Apple Music has announced South African singer-songwriter and Amapiano star Zee Nxumalo as the newest addition to its Up Next program, a global initiative spotlighting rising talent.
This marks another milestone for the Swati-born artist, whose rapid ascent in the music industry has cemented her as a force to be reckoned with.
The Up Next program’s South Africa edition, launched in 2021, aims to elevate local artists to international prominence. Zee Nxumalo (real name Zandile Nxumalo) expressed her excitement about the recognition:
“My new project, Inja Ye Game, is all about claiming my place in the spotlight—I’m next, and I’m owning it,”
she told Apple Music.
“Being named Apple Music’s Up Next artist is a huge moment for me. It’s a bold stamp of approval from one of the biggest platforms in the world. To be part of a list that’s highlighted global stars like Tems and Giveon is incredible, especially as Amapiano gets its well-deserved global shine with its own Apple Music category. This project shows my range, and I can’t wait for the world to hear it.”
Born in Eswatini and raised in Alexandra, Johannesburg, Zee rose to fame as a TikTok sensation before transitioning into an Amapiano prodigy. Her 2023 breakout single, “Funk 55,” featuring DBN Gogo and Shakes & Les, went 5x platinum and became a defining summer anthem.
This year, Zee continued her meteoric rise with “Ama Gear,” an Afro-tech anthem produced in collaboration with Dlala Thukzin and Funky Qla. The track’s viral success and chart-topping performance further solidified her status as a leading figure in the Amapiano movement.
Her latest EP, Inja Ye Game (2024), now streaming on Apple Music, features ten tracks showcasing her versatility and bold confidence as she declares herself the “top dog” of the genre.
As the newest Up Next artist, Zee Nxumalo will be featured on Apple Music’s Up Next playlist, which highlights emerging artists from various genres worldwide. This curated playlist offers a global audience a chance to discover promising new talent, hand-picked by Apple Music editors.
With her unique sound and undeniable charisma, Zee Nxumalo is poised to bring Amapiano to even greater heights, inspiring audiences both at home and abroad.
Listen to her project: https://platoon.lnk.to/InjaYeGame
