South African artist Zee Nxumalo has released her first official single of 2026, titled “Aweh Mah.” The track marks her first solo release of the year following a commercially successful 2025.
2025 Streaming Milestone
In 2025, Zee Nxumalo became the most streamed female artist in South Africa, ending a four-year run at the top of the national streaming charts by Taylor Swift. Prior to Swift’s streak, Billie Eilish held the position.
Zee achieved the milestone after surpassing 100 million streams during the year. Notably, she released only one standalone single under her own name in 2025, with a significant portion of her streaming performance driven by featured appearances and collaborations. By year-end, she ranked as the most streamed local act overall, across both male and female artists.
“Aweh Mah” and TikTok Momentum
“Aweh Mah,” featuring Dlala Thukzin, was recorded in Durban. The track circulated on TikTok for several months prior to its official release, soundtracking user-generated content and building online traction.
The song follows a different creative process from her previous hit “Mamma,” with production shaped through a collaborative studio approach.
Management’s Strategic Outlook
Wandile Madondo, CEO of TGTM Agency and A&R representative for Zee Nxumalo, compared her 2025 chart presence to that of Drake in 2012, referencing sustained chart visibility without a high volume of solo releases.
According to Madondo, 2026 will focus on increasing output and strengthening Zee’s long-term positioning through more frequent self-led releases.
Career Growth and Brand Partnerships
Over the past two years, Zee Nxumalo has expanded her profile through touring and major festival appearances, including headlining Rocking the Daisies. She has also secured brand partnerships with Puma, McDonald’s, Heineken, and Nickelodeon.
In addition to domestic performances, she has toured the United Kingdom and parts of Europe.
Expansion Plans for 2026
Her team has outlined 2026 as a year focused on increasing original releases and expanding her presence across the African continent. A new merchandise collection is also in development, following the sell-out of a previous drop.
With “Aweh Mah,” Zee Nxumalo begins the year from a position of significant commercial visibility in the South African market.
