Official 2026 release photograph: Thelumoya (feat. Mthunzi) - Single — Apple Music
Bio
Nomcebo Zikode, born in Hammarsdale, KwaZulu-Natal in 1985, spent more than fifteen years as a backing singer — working behind artists including Zahara and Deborah Fraser — before stepping forward. Her break arrived through house music: 'Emazulwini' with DJ Ganyani, then the vocal on Master KG's 'Jerusalema' (2019), which travelled from South African radio into a worldwide hit with chart runs and remixes across continents.
Her debut album Xola Moya Wam' (2020) is certified platinum, and in February 2023 she won the Grammy for Best Global Music Performance for 'Bayethe' with Zakes Bantwini and Wouter Kellerman. The 2023 SAMAs recognised her International Achievement and Forbes Woman Africa named her Top Entertainer. The success carries a shadow: in May 2025 the Pretoria High Court dismissed her royalties application against Open Mic Productions over 'Jerusalema', a fight she says she will continue.
Verified facts
- Provided the vocals on Master KG's 'Jerusalema' (2019), which became a global hit with chart-topping success and worldwide remixes.Wikipedia
- Won the Grammy for Best Global Music Performance on 5 February 2023 for 'Bayethe' with Zakes Bantwini and Wouter Kellerman — her first Grammy nomination and win.OkayAfrica
- Her debut album Xola Moya Wam' (2020) was certified platinum, and its title single topped Apple Music and iTunes charts in South Africa.Wikipedia
- In May 2025 the Pretoria High Court dismissed her application against Open Mic Productions in the long-running 'Jerusalema' royalties dispute; she maintains she has received no recording royalties for the song and her team said it was considering an appeal.TimesLIVE
- Received the International Achievement recognition at the 2023 SAMAs and was named Top Entertainer at the 2023 Forbes Woman Africa awards.Wikipedia
- Born 28 October 1985 in Hammarsdale; she worked mostly as a backing singer for more than fifteen years, including for Zahara, Deborah Fraser, Lundi Tyamara and Nhlanhla Nciza, before her solo breakthrough.Wikipedia
Notable work
- Jerusalema (with Master KG)
- Bayethe (with Zakes Bantwini & Wouter Kellerman)
- Xola Moya Wam' (album, 2020)
- Emazulwini (with DJ Ganyani)
Categories
Music & Links
At a glance
- Active since
- 2005
- From
- Hammarsdale, KwaZulu-Natal (based in Johannesburg)
- Genres
- House, Afro-house, Afro-pop
Articles & Interviews
No Viranova coverage is published for Nomcebo Zikode yet.
Upcoming Events
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