Ornica Bellz has joined forces with Zee Nxumalo for a new Gqom single titled “Inkomishi,” bringing together two rising female voices over production from Goldmax.
Released on 11 September 2026, the track is positioned as a club-ready Gqom record, but behind its infectious energy is a story about romantic disappointment, unexpected attraction and a love triangle that does not quite go according to plan.
‘Inkomishi’ is about the unexpected happening
“Inkomishi” translates to “cup,” but the song uses the phrase “Zaphambana Inkomishi” to capture the moment when things unexpectedly turn upside down.
The storyline follows a man who is interested in a woman, only to discover that she is actually attracted to his friend instead. It is a simple, relatable scenario that Ornica and Zee turn into a dancefloor-ready Gqom record.
Ornica spent R6,500 she barely had to get Zee Nxumalo on the song
Perhaps the most interesting part of the collaboration is how it came together.
Ornica initially recorded the hook and her verse with longtime collaborator Goldmax, who felt the record needed another powerful voice. Two days later, he suggested that they travel from Durban to Johannesburg and approach Zee Nxumalo.
There was one problem: Ornica says she did not have the money for the trip.
“At that point I had no money to book flights for the Johannesburg trip from Durban but I made a plan.”
She eventually managed to secure approximately R6,500 for the flights, a gamble that resulted in the collaboration becoming a reality. Ornica describes Zee as welcoming and hands-on during their recording session.
From doing Zee Nxumalo’s makeup to making music together
Interestingly, “Inkomishi” is not the beginning of Ornica and Zee’s relationship.
Outside of music, Ornica works as a makeup artist and had previously done Zee’s makeup on numerous occasions. Their existing relationship appears to have translated naturally into the studio.
The two have already recorded another collaboration together, with Ornica and Zee appearing on “Cosh’uPin” from Woza Bakzin and Goldmax’s Gqom In Black project.
Ornica Bellz’s journey started as DJ Tira’s dancer
Born Ornica Dasi in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, Ornica moved to Durban after high school to further her studies.
Her journey into entertainment took an unexpected route. After joining a church choir, she became involved with a dance agency, which eventually led to an opportunity to work as a dancer for DJ Tira.
From there, she gradually moved from dancing into recording music and developing herself as a vocalist.
Over the years, she has appeared on projects involving DJ Tira, Goldmax, Dladla Mshunqisi, Beast and Mr Thela, while building towards establishing herself as an artist in her own right.
‘I started as a dancer, now I am a full-grown artist’
Ornica has now spent more than five years within the Afrotainment family, and she credits DJ Tira with supporting her transition.
“I started as a dancer now I am a full grown artist and I am happy working with Afrotainment.”
She says becoming a vocalist was always part of the bigger plan, although there were moments when she questioned whether she was ready to make the transition.
That uncertainty appears to be behind her now.
“At times I felt I was not ready but now I am ready to take in everything that is coming.”
‘Inkomishi’ opens the door to Ornica’s next chapter
The Zee Nxumalo collaboration is more than a standalone release. “Inkomishi” is being positioned as the lead single from a planned six-track EP, as Ornica prepares to step further into the spotlight as a vocalist.
Behind that ambition is also a deeply personal motivation. Ornica says much of what she is building is ultimately for her son, Alakhe.
“I love my son Alakhe very much and everything that I am doing I am doing for him to live a better and comfortable life.”
