Nomcebo Zikode

Nomcebo Nothule Zikode is a South African singer and songwriter whose voice has become one of the most recognizable in African music. She is best known for co-writing and featuring on Master KG's global hit "Jerusalema," a song that became an anthem of hope during the COVID-19 pandemic. The track topped charts on Billboard and Apple Music and was the most Shazammed song in history at its peak.

As of 2026, Zikode is a Grammy Award winner and RIAA certified-platinum artist. She continues to release new music, including her recent project Thelumoya, and has expanded into television with a guest appearance on a "Love and Hip Hop" franchise. Her soulful, gospel-infused style and powerful stage presence have earned her a devoted following across Africa and beyond. [edit]

Nomcebo Zikode grew up in Hammarsdale, a township in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. From a young age, she was drawn to music, influenced by the gospel sounds of her church and community. She spent years working as a backing vocalist for some of South Africa's top-tier musicians, an experience that sharpened her craft and taught her the nuances of performance and stage presence.

During this period, she remained patient and persistent, honing her skills behind more established artists while waiting for her own moment. Her religious upbringing deeply shaped her musical direction, infusing her later work with themes of faith and hope. These early years were marked by hard work and dedication, laying the foundation for her future success.

In 2018, her big break came when she collaborated with DJ Ganyani on the hit single "Emazulwini." The track introduced her to a wider South African audience and served as a springboard for her solo career. [edit]

After the success of "Emazulwini," Zikode signed with Open Mic Productions in 2019. That same year, she co-wrote and featured on Master KG's "Jerusalema," a song that would change her life. The track became a global phenomenon, especially during the pandemic, when it was adopted as a symbol of unity and hope. It topped charts worldwide and sparked a viral dance challenge that swept across social media.

In 2020, Zikode released her debut album Xola Moya Wam, which included the title track and "Bayabuza," both well-received in South Africa and internationally. On 28 October 2020, Sony/ATV Music Publishing signed her to an exclusive global publishing deal, recognizing her as a featured artist and co-writer of "Jerusalema."

In 2021, she won a Grammy Award for her work on the song, cementing her status as a global artist. In May 2026, she danced with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Africa Summit, a moment she described as "magical." She continues to release new music, including her recent project Thelumoya and a collaboration with DJ Tira on "Nguwe." [edit]

Zikode is portrayed in media as a soulful, gospel-infused artist whose music carries messages of hope and faith. Her signature style blends traditional South African musical elements with contemporary house beats. Her content is characterized by uplifting, spiritual themes, and she is known for her powerful, emotive stage presence. Her fandom has grown substantially since "Jerusalema," with her Facebook page attracting over 5.6 million followers. [edit]

Nomcebo Zikode is currently evaluated by the iFANN Global Fame Engine but holds no placement in the published rankings, a status reflecting her immense scale without a specific ordinal position in the Top 1,000. Her influence transcends standard metrics, driven by a fanbase that mobilized globally to turn "Jerusalema" into a cultural phenomenon without centralized direction. While there is no single officially recognized name for her supporters, they are collectively identified as fans or "Jerusalema lovers," united by the song's message of resilience rather than rigid organizational structures. This decentralized community demonstrated its power through viral TikTok challenges and street performances across continents, propelling the track to number one on the Billboard Global 200 and securing her a Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance. The bond between Zikode and her audience is characterized by frequent, personal interactions on social media platforms, where she engages directly with followers who celebrate her milestones as collective victories. Recent events, such as her 40th birthday celebration featuring a surprise Bentley gift and a vow renewal, were widely shared online, reinforcing the close-knit nature of her following. Despite the lack of a formal fandom title, the movement surrounding her music acts as a de facto identity, creating a dynamic environment where fans champion her advocacy for artist rights and celebrate her historic achievements as global ambassadors for African sound.[edit]

Zikode's lyrics for "Jerusalema" reportedly came to her when she was "about to lose hope," adding a deeply personal dimension to the global hit. She founded two companies: Emg Afrika and Emazulwini Productions. Her music blends gospel, house, and Afro-house genres, reflecting her religious upbringing. She spent years as a backing vocalist before achieving solo fame. Her Facebook page has over 5.6 million likes. A defining legend of her career involves the viral dance challenge sparked by "Jerusalema," where millions from world leaders to street performers adopted the choreography during the pandemic. In May 2026, French President Emmanuel Macron joined her on stage at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, dancing to her track in a moment widely retold as a reflection of her diplomatic charm. Another enduring narrative concerns the unresolved royalty battle regarding "Jerusalema," where Zikode vowed to fight for her rights against major labels, evolving into a heroic story of integrity within her fanbase. The song also saw a viral resurgence in June 2026 after Kylie Jenner reignited interest in the dance challenge on TikTok, ensuring the lore remains active for new generations.[edit]

Zikode is married, and her husband was present at her 40th birthday celebration in October 2025, where they renewed their vows. The vow renewal was described as "heartfelt," suggesting a long-standing relationship. Details about her husband's name and the date of their original marriage are not widely documented. Information about whether Zikode has children is not publicly available. [edit]

Zikode is closely associated with Master KG, her collaborator on "Jerusalema" and central figure in the ongoing royalty dispute. She also worked with DJ Ganyani on "Emazulwini" and more recently with DJ Tira on "Nguwe." Burna Boy featured on a remix of "Jerusalema." [edit]

Zikode is married, though her husband's name is not publicly documented. In October 2025, at her 40th birthday celebration, the couple renewed their vows in a heartfelt ceremony, signaling a strong and enduring partnership. No reports suggest any previous public relationships or marriages. As of 2026, she remains married. [edit]

Per iFANN's editorial analysis, Nomcebo Zikode's net worth is estimated at $10 Million as of 2026. This figure reflects her diverse revenue streams, including substantial music streaming royalties from hits like "Jerusalema," which continue to generate significant income long after its initial release. Publishing royalties flow through her deal with Sony/ATV, while live performance fees contribute to her financial standing. Her business ventures, specifically Emg Afrika and Emazulwini Productions, further diversify her assets. The Grammy win and RIAA platinum certification in the US have notably boosted her earning potential in the international market. Additional income sources include brand endorsements and television appearances, such as her role on a "Love and Hip Hop" franchise. Her financial success was highlighted in 2025 when she received a Bentley as a gift for her 40th birthday celebration.[edit]

Zikode won a Grammy Award for her work on "Jerusalema" with Master KG, a historic achievement for an African artist. She is also RIAA certified-platinum in the United States, a rare distinction. [edit]