Born and raised in Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), Zethe, is a musician who blends jazz, soul, and urban traditional African sounds.
Her music is deeply rooted in advocating for mental health and social justice. She uses her powerful voice to inspire change and unity through art.
Zethe, who now lives in Johannesburg, will release her latest single, Abantu, on Friday October 25. This single is a deeply moving anthem urging unity, compassion, and a return to our shared humanity, Zethe said.
She draws from the philosophy of Ubuntu, which teaches that “I am because we are.” Zethe’s new track is a timely reminder of kindness, compassion and humanity.
Zethe graduated with a degree in music, majoring in jazz, from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) in 2016. Since then, she has made a significant impact on the South African music scene.
She has performed at prestigious events such as the South African Music Awards (SAMAs), DSTV Delicious Festival, Durban International Film Festival, and at venues like The Durban Playhouse, The Chairman, and Durban ICC. In 2017, she won the Vodacom Nxt Lvl competition, boosting her career.
Zethe released her debut single, Zazi in 2018, followed by her five-track EP Qhawekazi, which continues her exploration of themes of healing and empowerment.
Her upcoming releases promise to further solidify her influence as an artist committed to driving meaningful change through music.
“Abantu isn’t just a song—it’s a movement. Let’s take this message of compassion and unity into our daily lives and make healing a shared experience.” said Zethe.
“This single’s gentle and peaceful vocals and emotive lyrics propel the listener to look past individual differences to the core values of Ubuntu. I believe that the exercise of Ubuntu begins with the loving perspective of each other and that its triumph requires a collective effort. Similarly, it takes more effort to hold onto anger than it does to extend compassion.”
The album was composed and produced by Sibusiso ‘Mash’ Mashiloane, with Zwelihle Kunene on piano, Qhubekani Mthethwa on bass, Frank Mavhimira on guitar and Riley Giandhari on drums.
The lyrics and message of Abantu further proclaim the depth of Ubuntu as a herb for most kinds of people’s social ills, Zethe added. Abantu embodies healing and restoration qualities, she said. The album will be available on all major streaming platforms.
