Nomcebo Zikode

Thanks to her soothing, emotive vocals, Nomcebo Zikode has become one of South Africa’s most beloved singer/songwriters. Born in Hammarsdale, KwaZulu Natal in 1985, Nomcebo was first discovered in 2003 after winning a talent search by music executive Tshepo Nzimande in 2003. After 15 years of being a backing singer for superstars like Lundi Tyamara, Deborah Fraser and Zahara, Nomcebo sprang into the spotlight when she featured on DJ Ganyani’s 2017 hit house track “Emazulwini”. Thereafter, she signed with Open Mic Productions and debuted with 2019’s “Imizamo Yami”, before joining forces with stablemate Master KG for the globetrotting anthem “Jerusalema”. The song’s spiritual, uplifting message elevated her career so much that her dance-inflected debut album, Xola Moya Wami (2020), went platinum within a month of release. Nomcebo’s thoughtfulness goes beyond music. The vocalist started the Nomcebo Zikode Foundation to assist the less fortunate around the world.