5 Reasons we love our Dec/Jan'25 cover star Zee Nxumalo

Bold, expressive and impossible to ignore, Zee Nxumalo is having a well-deserved moment. As our Dec/Jan ’25 cover star, she represents a generation that moves with intention, challenges expectations and shows up fully as itself. From the way she commands sound and style to the purpose guiding her next chapter, Zee embodies a new era of pop stardom rooted in authenticity and creative freedom. Here are five reasons we can’t get enough of her — and why this cover moment feels perfectly timed.

More than a cover star

Gracing the cover of GLAMOUR for the first time, this moment arrives at a pivotal point in Zee’s career. Fresh off her GLAMOUR Women of the Year 2025 Editor’s Choice win, alongside a growing list of nominations and industry recognition, she has firmly stepped into her own. No longer emerging, Zee has moved decisively into her era — one defined by confidence, momentum and a creative force that feels instinctive and uncontainable.

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A Snaphot of our Dec/Jan cover story featuring Zee Nxumalo

A career built with intention

Beyond viral moments and commanding live performances, Zee’s musical journey is supported by substance. With platinum-level streaming numbers, sold-out shows, international bookings and a rapidly expanding fanbase, her impact is undeniable. Her recent release, Ngisakuthanda, took the form of a short film — a cinematic extension of one of her most-loved songs. Rather than a conventional music video, the project offers an intimate, narrative-driven window into her evolving artistry, signalling a clear desire to expand her creative language beyond sound.

A generational voice

Zee’s presence now runs through festival line-ups, editorial spaces and digital culture as a defining voice of her generation. What we’re witnessing is a measured ascent — a young artist shaping her future with clarity and conviction. In full creative bloom, she leans into softness and strength in equal measure, embracing her role in redefining the sound and spirit of contemporary African music.

Purpose beyond the spotlight

Impact, for Zee, extends far beyond personal success. She is intentional about creating pathways for others, particularly young women aspiring to careers in music and creative industries. With a deep belief in the power of education, she hopes to one day fund scholarships for young women who lack access to higher learning. “There are women with so much potential who simply don’t have the financial means,” she says. Having not progressed as far academically as she once hoped, this vision is both a personal reckoning and a meaningful act of giving back.

Expanding the creative horizon

Led by curiosity and creative instinct, Zee continues to explore new forms of expression. Her growing interest in visual storytelling has opened doors to short films, music videos and acting. After quietly working with an acting coach to sharpen her skills, she describes the experience as both humbling and empowering. “It showed me that I’m far more resilient than I realised,” she reflects — a fitting sentiment for an artist continually pushing her own boundaries.