Following a year of unparalleled commercial and cultural dominance, Zee Nxumalo is now in the running for one of South African radio’s most prestigious honours. Her hit collaboration with Thukzin, ‘Mali,’ has been confirmed as a top contender for the Ukhozi FM Song of the Year 2025, positioning her in a direct showdown with some of the industry’s biggest names.
The award, which celebrates the most impactful song of the year as determined by the station’s vast listenership, features a formidable shortlist. Zee’s ‘Mali’ will compete against MaWhoo’s ‘Bengicela, Ciza’s ‘Isaka,’ and Umafikizolo’s viral hit ‘Uyoncengwa Unyoko among others This places Zee at the heart of the musical rivalry that has defined the year’s soundscape.
This contention caps off a monumental year for Zee, who was recently celebrated for a series of staggering achievements. While her global smash ‘Ngisakuthanda’ made history by surpassing 100 million streams and earned her a Song of the Year nomination at the Basadi in Music Awards, it is the pulsating Amapiano anthem ‘Mali’ that is carrying her banner in this major public-voted category.
Her eligibility for such a top-tier award is a direct result of a year defined by breakthrough success. In 2025, Zee became the most streamed female artist in South Africa, ended Taylor Swift’s four-year local streaming reign, and saw multiple tracks—including ‘Mama’ and ‘Amandla’—chart consistently. This digital dominance has seamlessly translated into radio success, with ‘Mali’ becoming a staple on airwaves.
This artistic credibility was further cemented by her strategic evolution from viral star to live band powerhouse, a move that has deepened her connection with audiences beyond the screen. Her industry recognition, including winning the Basadi in Music Artist of the Year award, underscores a year where critical acclaim matched commercial success.
As the Ukhozi FM voting enters its crucial phase, Zee Nxumalo finds herself not just as a participant, but as a leading figure in a contest that captures the spirit of 2025’s music. Whether she takes the crown or not, her presence in this final lineup is a powerful testament to a year where she unquestionably owned the game.
ALSO READ: Ciza vs. Umafikizolo: A 2025 Song of the Year Rivalry No One Predicted
For continuous updates on this story and others shaping local culture, visit the NOWinSA Breaking News Hub
