From Streams to Screens: How Zee Nxumalo Quietly Dominated 2025
Tue, Dec 30, Johannesburg, South Africa: 2025 will be remembered as the year Zee Nxumalo stepped fully into her power. Not just as a hitmaker, but as a cultural force whose influence stretched across music, film, fashion, television, and brand partnerships. From record-breaking streaming numbers to standout moments on screen and on stage, Zee’s year was defined by intention, range, and relentless momentum.
“Zee’s rise has never been accidental. What people are seeing now is the result of an unbelievable work ethic, a deep love for craft, and a hunger that never switches off,” says Shingai Darangwa, her long-time manager and co-founder of Punchline Projects. “She shows up every day with the same intensity, whether she’s in studio, on set, or in a boardroom, and that consistency is what separates generational talent from fleeting success.”
Here are seven reasons why Zee Nxumalo owned 2025
1. She became the most-streamed female artist in South Africa
Zee closed the year as the most-streamed female artist in the country, ending a four-year run at the top by Taylor Swift on local streaming platforms. The milestone cemented her position not just as a fan favourite, but as a dominant commercial force.
2. “Ngisakuthanda” crossed 100 million streams
Originally released in 2024, “Ngisakuthanda” took on a second life in 2025, surpassing 100 million streams across all digital platforms. Few songs enjoy that kind of longevity, and even fewer grow in cultural relevance with time.
3. Ngisakuthanda: The Short Film redefined her storytelling
Zee expanded her artistry beyond music with Ngisakuthanda: The Short Film, which has amassed over 600,000 views on YouTube. The project marked a bold creative pivot, positioning her as a storyteller and actress capable of translating emotion across mediums.
4. She went viral again with “Mamma”
“Mamma” became a standout TikTok sound while its music video topped television music charts, reinforcing Zee’s ability to consistently create moments that travel seamlessly between digital culture and traditional media.
5. She became the face of major brands across sectors
In 2025, Zee fronted campaigns for Puma South Africa, KFC Streetwise Loaded, and Brutal Fruit Spritzer’s The Pink Table, while also hosting the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards Pre-Show. Her brand presence reflected both mass appeal and cultural credibility.
6. She earned industry recognition with major awards
Zee was honoured with the GLAMOUR Women of the Year: Editors Award and named Basadi in Music Artist of the Year, recognition that spoke to both her artistic excellence and her impact as a young woman shaping the future of the industry.
7. Her merchandise sold out at retail
Zee’s merchandise drop with The Fix sold out, proving that her influence extends beyond music into fashion and consumer culture, and laying the groundwork for more ambitious merchandise expansions ahead.
“As proud as we are of what she’s achieved this year, we’re already fully tapped into 2026″
Behind the headlines, Darangwa points to something deeper than accolades. He notes that Zee’s growth has been rooted in discipline and a collective mindset. “One of the most special things about Zee is how seriously she takes the team around her,” he says. “She understands that greatness is built collectively. From creative to management to production, everyone is aligned around a shared vision, and that trust has allowed her to move fast, take risks, and keep raising the bar without losing herself in the process.”
While 2025 marked a year of dominance, Darangwa is clear that it is only a foundation. The focus has already shifted forward. “As proud as we are of what she’s achieved this year, we’re already fully tapped into 2026,” he adds. “There’s a new, bigger merchandise collection coming, a significant expansion of her live show, and a clear elevation in the level and scope of her brand partnerships. Zee is entering a new chapter where everything scales up, but the intention and authenticity remain exactly the same.”
At just the start of her career, Zee Nxumalo has already delivered a year many artists spend a lifetime chasing. If 2025 was about ownership, 2026 is shaping up to be about legacy.
