Times Of Swaziland: ZEE NXUMALO REFLECTS ON EARLY PERFORMANCES

ZEE NXUMALO REFLECTS ON EARLY PERFORMANCES
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Mxolisi Dlamini on 17/01/2025 08:06:00


MBABANE – ‘Ama Gear’ hitmaker Zee Nxumalo has taken the music scene by
storm is now opening up about her experiences during her initial performances in
South Africa.
With her angelic vocals and captivating dance moves, Nxumalo is quickly
establishing herself as a rising star in the industry and her journey is one
filled with lessons and motivation.
In a recent interview with the South African entertainment platform, SA Clout,
Zee shared insights about what it was like to perform after established artists
at prominent shows. Initially, the experience was daunting, but it ultimately
laid a strong foundation for her career. “They always let me perform after big
musicians and at first, I would complain. My manager wanted me to learn from the
best and see how the audience responded to these established performers,” she
revealed.
Adjusting to this pressure was not easy. Nxumalo noted that stepping onto the
stage after renowned artists was intimidating and it often heightened her
nerves. However, she gradually realised the value of these opportunities.
“After all, when I got on stage, I would forget about being nervous and focus
on putting on a great performance. They always reminded me that if I saw myself
as young and inexperienced, I would remain that way forever,” she reflected.
Zee’s growth as an artist has been significantly shaped by these formative
performances, as they challenged her to embrace her talent and confidence. She
recounted a particularly memorable experience performing at a gathering hosted
by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). “I remember when I performed at the
EFF event, I took the stage right after Shebeshxt Mabhena, and I was incredibly
nervous. The atmosphere was electrifying and I wanted to make a good
impression,” she shared.
What truly inspired her after the performance was a tweet from EFF leader Julius
Malema, who expressed his appreciation for her music. “When Julius Malema
tweeted about me, I was so happy and motivated. It meant a lot to have someone
of his stature notice my work,” Nxumalo explained. Such recognition not only
boosted her confidence, but also affirmed her position as a talented artist on
the rise. Zee’s path is also a testament to the potential for collaboration
and growth within the Southern African music industry. With platforms like SA
Clout highlighting emerging talent and giving them a chance to share their
stories, it encourages a community that supports and uplifts its artists. With
her infectious energy and dedication to her craft, Nxumalo has positioned
herself as an artist to watch, not only in South Africa but also in neighbouring
countries like Eswatini.
Her rise is part of a larger movement within the region, where musicians are
breaking boundaries, sharing their culture and inspiring others along the way.
Zee Nxumalo’s journey thus far exemplifies the power of resilience and
dedication in the arts. Her story resonates particularly with young musicians in
Eswatini who aspire to follow a similar path. Support from established figures
in the industry can make a significant difference in an artist’s confidence
and audience reach.