MBABANE – Amapiano sensation ,Zee Nxumalo, has been named Spotify South Africa’s Most Streamed Female Artist for 2025, according to industry tracking and public streaming data.
The 22-year-old hitmaker, known for chart-topping songs such as “Ngisakuthanda,” “Funk 55,” and the viral smash “Mamma,” has surged ahead of established stars, signalling a major shift in South Africa’s digital music landscape.
Nxumalo’s meteoric rise mirrors both the global boom of Amapiano and her distinct, authentic sound. Her 2025 catalogue delivered unprecedented streaming performance, driven by a consistent run of hit singles and high-impact collaborations that dominated charts across South Africa, West Africa and parts of Europe.
Her signature blend of soulful vocals and infectious Amapiano rhythms has resonated widely, pushing her beyond the two million monthly listeners milestone on Spotify earlier this year.
Strategic collaborations have also fuelled her ascent. Tracks featuring her, including the highly popular “Mali,” have consistently ranked among South Africa’s top daily Spotify tracks, helping her surpass 150 million total streams across her growing catalogue.
2025 has marked a defining year in her career. In August, she was crowned Artist of the Year at the Basadi in Music Awards (BIMAs). Alongside major brand partnerships with Puma and Nivea, her success highlights her increasing influence beyond music.
Zee’s journey to the top has been years in the making. She first made waves in 2022 with her debut EP, which showcased her love for Amapiano and her natural talent. Songs such as “Funk 55” and “Thula Mabota” helped transform her from a promising newcomer into one of South Africa’s most in-demand artists.
She commented on the socials, “101 million streams next to my name still doesn’t feel real. I’m just grateful. This win belongs to every single person who pressed play.”
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