Zanda Zakuza
Zanda Zakuza, also known as Zanda “Dragon” Zakuza is a South African house and kwaito singer and songwriter. Born and raised in Umlazi, she achieved widespread popularity after featuring on the singles "Skeleton Move" by Master KG and "Club Controller" (2019) by Prince Kaybee.[1]
Zanda Zakuza | |
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Birth name | Zanda Zakuza |
Born | 1993 (age 29–30)
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Genres | Afro-soul |
Occupation(s) | singer and songwriter |
Instrument(s) | vocals |
Labels | Open Mic Productions |
Life and career
Zakuza was born and raised in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal but her family are from Bizana in the Eastern Cape.
She attended Pinetown Girls’ High School and later enrolled at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, where she studied music, specialising in jazz. Zanda left in her second year to pursue a music career; she, however, later returned to college to study business management and human resources.[2]
At her early age she preferred dancing and sports then later engage in music while in high school. During events when she performed, people at the event mostly shed tears due to the type of soul she always performed with.[3]
Music career
After dropping out of university she made it clear that she spent a while without a job but before she was successful in music.[4][5] She joined the industry in 2015 and signed a record deal with Open Mic Productions. On May 25, 2018, She released her debut studio album Synthia The Journey, was released. The album describes the life of her mother supporting her music career. The album includes collaboration from Bongo Beats, Spirit Banger, Dr Moruti and Doc Shebeleza. On October 3, 2020, her single "Khaya Lam" featuring Master KG and Prince Benza was released.[6]
On September 24, 2021, her single "Afrika" featuring Mr Six21 DJ, Bravo De Virus and Fallo SA was released.[7] She received nominations for Best Female Artist in South Africa at All Africa Music Awards.[8]
Discography
Studio albums
- Synthia The Journey (2018)
Awards and nominations
Year | Awards | Category | Results | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
2020 | KZN Entertainment Awards | Best female artist | Nominated | [10] |
2021 | All Africa Music Awards | Best Female Artist in South Africa | Pending | [11] |
References
- FM, METRO, ZANDA ZAKUZA, retrieved 14 July 2020
- Karen, Carol (26 April 2019). "Top Zanda Zakuza facts: Age, Songs, Albums, Parents and Videos". Briefly. Retrieved 14 July 2020.
- Matjebele, Palesa. "Zanda's rise and fall to stardom". Move. Retrieved 14 July 2020.
- Maseko, Mbongiseni. "Zanda's music making waves". News24. Retrieved 14 July 2020.
- "Zanda Zakuza, 24, is the vocalist behind the house hit track uMvulo". 1 February 2018. Retrieved 2 March 2023 – via PressReader.
- Siyabonga, Thato. "Zanda Zakuza – Khaya Lam Ft. Master KG & Prince Benza". Retrieved 3 October 2020.
- "Zanda Zakuza - Afrika Ft. Mr Six21 DJ, Bravo De Virus & Fallo SA". Ubetoo. Retrieved 23 September 2021.
- Hansen, Gabriel Myers. "All Africa Music Awards 2021: All the nominees | Music In Africa". Music In Africa. Retrieved 23 September 2021.
- Israel A, John (19 July 2021). "Master KG (Jerusalema) Live In The UK Concert With Zanda Zakuza Excludes Nomcebo Zikode". Ubetoo.
- "Talent overload: All the winners from the first KZN Entertainment Awards". The South African.
- Hansen, Gabriel Myers (23 September 2021). "All Africa Music Awards 2021: All the nominees | Music In Africa". Music In Africa. Retrieved 21 November 2021.