South African Amapiano sensation Zee Nxumalo recently gave fans an intimate look into her musical journey during an interview with Drum Magazine.

Reflecting on her growing career and the success of her latest hit song Mamma, the 23-year-old opened up about her creative process, unexpected transition into the Amapiano genre, and aspirations for future collaborations across the continent.

Zee shared her excitement about the warm reception Mamma has received, expressing how the song’s popularity has fueled her drive. “Mamma is doing very well, and people love it, so the song’s buzz motivates me; it’s a supply and demand thing, so I’ll deliver,” she said.

The sonb, which blends classical elements into Amapiano, was inspired by renowned producer Dlala Thukzin. Zee revealed that she initially doubted her ability to match his intricate beats. “I never thought I could match his beat, but I did. I freestyled the song, and some lyrics don’t make sense, but it became a hit,” she added.

The song’s success is another milestone in a career already filled with bold moves. Earlier this year, Zee made headlines when she publicly asked her fans for R250,000 to fund a music video. Despite the controversy, her determination and connection with her audience have only strengthened her position in the Amapiano scene.

Zee also discussed her dream collaborations, mentioning how she would have loved to work with the late Zahara, whom she feels would have been the perfect fit for her sound. However, looking forward, she expressed her desire to collaborate with some of Africa’s biggest stars, including Nigerian heavyweights Rema, Davido, and Omah Lay. “I want to take my sound across Africa and work with artists who bring something unique to the table,” she said with enthusiasm.

Interestingly, Zee revealed that her journey into Amapiano was unplanned. “I didn’t set out to make Amapiano music—it just happened to me. At first, I wasn’t a fan. My real passion was always Afro-Pop, but I started making Amapiano because that’s what the market wanted, and my biggest hit ended up coming from it,” she admitted.

Despite her initial reluctance, she now embraces the genre, noting that adaptability is key to longevity in the music industry. “I don’t feel any pressure, though, because I know every song performs differently. Things change over time, and being able to adapt is what helps you last.”

Zee Nxumalo’s candid reflections highlight her authenticity and willingness to evolve as an artist. From freestyling lyrics that turned into hits to crossing over into a genre she once resisted, Zee’s journey is a testament to the power of flexibility and listening to the pulse of her audience.

As she continues to rise in the Amapiano scene, fans can expect more genre-defying hits and groundbreaking collaborations from this young artist.