Nomcebo Nothule Zikode (born 1985) is a South African singer and songwriter. Born in Hammarsdale, Zikode was a backing singer for several years. She collaborated with DJ Ganyani on their hit single "Emazulwini" (2018). Having signed a record deal with Open Mic Production, she co-wrote and was featured on

Master KG Kgaogelo Moagi (born 31 January 1996), known professionally as Master KG, is a South African musician and record producer. Born and raised in Tzaneen, his debut studio album ''Skeleton Move'' achieved acclaim including an AFRIMA Award for Best ...

's chart-topping single "

Jerusalema "Jerusalema" is a song by South African DJ and record producer Master KG featuring South African vocalist Nomcebo. The upbeat gospel-influenced house song was initially released on 29 November 2019 after it garnered positive response online, w ...

" (2019), which debuted #1 on

Billboard A billboard (also called a hoarding in the UK and many other parts of the world) is a large outdoor advertising structure (a billing board), typically found in high-traffic areas such as alongside busy roads. Billboards present large advertis ...

Music charts and

Apple An apple is an edible fruit produced by an apple tree (''Malus domestica''). Apple trees are cultivated worldwide and are the most widely grown species in the genus '' Malus''. The tree originated in Central Asia, where its wild ances ...

Music charts . Her debut album ''Xola Moya Wam'' was released in 2020, containing two successful singles, "Xola Moya wam" and "Bayabuza".

Life and career

Early life and education

Zikode was born in Hammarsdale,

KwaZulu-Natal KwaZulu-Natal (, also referred to as KZN and known as "the garden province") is a province of South Africa that was created in 1994 when the Zulu bantustan of KwaZulu ("Place of the Zulu" in Zulu) and Natal Province were merged. It is loca ...

. She matriculated at Ukusa High School, later enrolling at Havatech College, obtaining an

information technology Information technology (IT) is the use of computers to create, process, store, retrieve, and exchange all kinds of data . and information. IT forms part of information and communications technology (ICT). An information technology system ...

degree.

Career beginnings

After moving from home to pursue a career in music, she worked mostly as a backing singer for more than fifteen years. She worked with South African artistes, including Deborah Fraser, Zahara, Lundi Tyamara, and Nhlanhla Nciza. She was signed by Ganyani Entertainment, providing vocals for songs including "NTO", "Jabulile", and "Emazulwini", which received a nomination for Record of the Year at the SAMA awards. As she did not own the songs, she was not permitted to perform them without the consent of the label. Having signed record deal with Open Mic Productions, she gained worldwide popularity after working with

on his 2019 hit single "

" and later remixed by Burna Boy, debuted #1 on Billboard Music charts.

2020-present:''Xola Moya Wam''

On August 14, 2020, her single "Xola Moya Wam" featuring

was released as album's lead single. The song was certified gold certification by

Recording Industry of South Africa Recording Industry of South Africa (RISA) is a trade association representing the interests of major and independent record labels of South Africa. Located in Randburg, RISA is responsible for running the annual South African Music Awards (S ...

in the first 2 weeks. The single peaked number 1 on Apple Music Chart & iTunes Chart. In early August, album pre-order were made available. Her debut studio album ''Xola Moya Wam'' was released on August 21, 2020. It features

Makhadzi Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona (born June 30, 1996), known by her stage name Makhadzi, is a South African singer. Born and raised in Ha-Mashamba, Limpopo, her career began at the age of 12 as dancer prior pursuing a music career as a singer, while she ...

and Bongo Beats. The album was certified platinum after a month of its release with sales of 150 000 copies. In 2020, Zikode signed a global record deal with

Sony/ATV Sony Music Publishing (formerly Sony/ATV Music Publishing) is the largest music publisher in the world, with over five million songs owned or administered as of end March 2021. US-based, it is part of the Sony Music Group, which is itself owned ...

Music. On December 3, 2020, she won at the

1st KZN Entertainment Awards The 1st KZN Entertainment Awards were held at Durban ICC, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa (RSA), is the southernmost country in Africa. It is bounded to the south by of coastline that str ...

of KZN Entertainment Awards for Best Female Artist category. At the

27th South African Music Awards The 27th Annual South African Music Awards were the 27th edition of the South African Music Awards. The award show was broadcast live on SABC 1 on July 31, 2021 and was held virtually due to the effects of COVID-19 lockdowns. The nominees were a ...

, ''Xola Moya Wam'' was nominated as Best Dance Album. On July 29, 2021, she will embark on European tour. In late 2021, she will made her debut on screens as guest appearance on ''Love and Hip Hop'' franchise.

Controversy

In November 2019, she was featured on "Jerusalem" single by Master KG and went viral in early 2020, Burna Boy released a remix. On July 11, 2021, Zikode revealed that she wasn't paid for her feature on the song by her label Open Mic Productions.

Endorsement

In 2021, Zikode was named a Good Ambassador for AIDONIC.

Tours

Headlining

* European Tour (2021)

Discography

Studio albums

* ''

Xola Moya Wam Nomcebo Nothule Zikode (born 1985) is a South African singer and songwriter. Born in Hammarsdale, Zikode was a backing singer for several years. She collaborated with DJ Ganyani on their hit single "Emazulwini" (2018). Having signed a record de ...

'' (2020)

Singles featured in

;Others * "Jerusalema" (remix) - (Master KG feat.

Burna Boy Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu (born 2 July 1991), known professionally as Burna Boy, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and record producer. He rose to stardom in 2012 after releasing "Like to Party", the lead single from his debut studio album, ''L.I. ...

& Nomcebo Zikode) (2020) * "Jerusalema" (remix) - Master KG feat. Micro TDH & Greeicy & Nomcebo Zikode (2020)

Personal life

Zikode is married and has two children.

Awards and nominations

References

External links

* * {{DEFAULTSORT:Zikode, Nomcebo 1985 births Living people 21st-century South African women singers People from eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality Sony Music artists