Nomcebo Nothule Zikode is a singer and songwriter, born on born 1985 at Hammarsdale, KwaZulu-Natal, Republic of South Africa.
Zikode was a backing singer for several years. She has 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’s chart-topping single “Jerusalema” (2019), which debuted #1 on Billboard Music charts and Apple Music charts .
Her debut album Xola Moya Wam’ was released in 2020, containing two successful singles “Xola Moya wam” and “Bayabuza”.
Education
Zikode matriculated at Ukusa High School, later enrolling at Havatech College, obtaining an Information Technology degree.
Career
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 Master KG on his 2019 hit single “Jerusalema” and later remixed by Burna Boy, debuted #1 on Billboard Music charts.
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, Nomcebo revealed that she wasn’t paid for her feature on the song by her label Open Mic Productions.