Nomcebo Zikode is a South African singer and songwriter best known internationally for her powerful vocals on “Jerusalema,” the global hit she recorded with Master KG. Her career, however, goes far beyond one song. Before becoming an internationally recognized artist, she spent years working as a backing vocalist and building experience within South Africa’s music industry.
Today, Nomcebo Zikode is a Grammy Award-winning artist, a mother, songwriter and performer whose music combines South African sounds with emotional and spiritual themes. She has also released music as a solo artist, including her debut album Xola Moya Wam.
This biography explains Nomcebo Zikode’s age, real name, early life, family, education, career, popular songs, Grammy achievement and what is publicly known about her net worth.
Nomcebo Zikode Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Nomcebo Nothule Zikode |
| Date of birth | 28 October 1985 |
| Age | 40 years old in 2026 |
| Birthplace | Hammarsdale, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Profession | Singer and songwriter |
| Music style | Afro-house, house and African music |
| Best-known song | “Jerusalema” with Master KG |
| Debut album | Xola Moya Wam |
| Grammy Award | Best Global Music Performance, 2023 |
| Husband | Selwyn Fraser |
| Children | Three |
| Estimated net worth | Not officially disclosed |
Note: Age is calculated from the publicly reported birth date of 28 October 1985. Estimates of celebrity net worth found online vary considerably and should not be treated as audited financial figures.
Who Is Nomcebo Zikode?
Nomcebo Zikode is a South African vocalist and songwriter from Hammarsdale in KwaZulu-Natal. She became widely known after her collaborations with South African producers and artists, particularly DJ Ganyani and Master KG.
Although many people discovered her through “Jerusalema,” music was not a sudden career choice for Zikode. She spent many years developing her skills as a backing vocalist before achieving international fame.
Her early career included work with established South African performers such as Deborah Fraser, Zahara, Lundi Tyamara and Nhlanhla Nciza. Reports about her career indicate that she spent more than a decade working behind the scenes before her own name became widely recognized.
That long period of supporting other artists helped her develop the vocal control and performance experience that later became central to her solo career.
Nomcebo Zikode Age and Date of Birth
Nomcebo Zikode was born on 28 October 1985 in Hammarsdale, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
As of September 2026, she is 40 years old. Her 41st birthday will be on 28 October 2026.
Her birthplace, Hammarsdale, is part of KwaZulu-Natal, a province with a strong cultural and musical heritage. Zikode’s connection to the region has remained an important part of her identity as a South African artist.
What Is Nomcebo Zikode’s Real Name?
Nomcebo Zikode’s full name is commonly reported as Nomcebo Nothule Zikode.
Some entertainment websites have published a different surname or version of her birth name, which has created confusion online. However, major biographical references identify her as Nomcebo Nothule Zikode, and she is professionally known worldwide as Nomcebo Zikode.
For readers looking for her real name, the safest commonly documented form is Nomcebo Nothule Zikode.
Nomcebo Zikode Early Life and Education
Zikode grew up in KwaZulu-Natal and developed an interest in music before becoming a major name in the industry.
She reportedly attended Ukusa High School and later studied Information Technology at Havatech College. Although her education was not directly connected to becoming a professional singer, her technology background gave her another skill set outside music.
Her route into professional music was gradual. Rather than becoming famous immediately after leaving school, she worked as a backing vocalist and gained experience by performing alongside other musicians.
This part of her story is important because it shows that her success did not happen overnight. Years of supporting other artists helped prepare her for the opportunities that eventually came her way.
How Nomcebo Zikode Started Her Music Career
One of the early milestones in Nomcebo Zikode’s career was her participation in a talent search associated with Ukhozi FM in 2003. She reportedly won the competition, giving her an early platform to develop her musical career.
She later spent years working as a backing vocalist. During this period, she performed and recorded with several South African musicians.
Her association with DJ Ganyani became particularly important. Zikode provided vocals for songs including “NTO,” “Jabulile” and “Emazulwini.” Her contribution to “Emazulwini” helped introduce her voice to a much wider audience in South Africa.
This experience eventually opened the door to bigger collaborations and her transition toward becoming a recognized recording artist in her own right.
Nomcebo Zikode and “Jerusalema”
The biggest turning point in Nomcebo Zikode’s career came through “Jerusalema,” the song associated with Master KG.
Released in 2019, “Jerusalema” became a worldwide phenomenon, especially after a dance challenge helped the song spread across social media and different countries.
Nomcebo’s vocals became one of the song’s defining features. Her performance helped give the record its emotional and spiritual character, while Master KG’s production supplied its infectious dance sound.
The success of “Jerusalema” transformed Zikode from a respected South African vocalist into a globally recognized artist.
The song also helped introduce South African house and Afro-house music to audiences who may not previously have been familiar with the genre.
Importantly, “Jerusalema” was not the end of her story. Zikode has repeatedly continued releasing music and has built a career beyond the song that made her internationally famous.
Did Nomcebo Zikode Win a Grammy?
Yes. Nomcebo Zikode is a Grammy Award winner.
At the 65th Annual Grammy Awards in 2023, Nomcebo Zikode, Wouter Kellerman and Zakes Bantwini won Best Global Music Performance for the song “Bayethe.” The official Grammy database lists the award as one win from one nomination for Zikode.
This achievement was significant because it placed Zikode among African musicians recognized at one of the world’s most prominent music award ceremonies.
“Bayethe” also demonstrated that her career had moved beyond her association with “Jerusalema.” Instead of being known only for one international hit, she had become an award-winning artist with a broader musical catalogue.
Nomcebo Zikode Songs
Nomcebo Zikode has worked on numerous songs as a featured vocalist and has also released music as a solo artist.
Some of the songs most closely associated with her include:
- Jerusalema – Master KG featuring Nomcebo Zikode
- Emazulwini – DJ Ganyani featuring Nomcebo Zikode
- Xola Moya Wam
- Bayabuza
- Imizamo Yami
- Inkanyezi
- Nguwe
- Kobanini
- Thando Unamanga
- Impilo
- Jabulile
Her official music catalogue includes releases such as “Bayethe,” “Imizamo Yami” and Xala Moya Wami, while “Jerusalema” remains one of her most internationally recognized collaborations.
Nomcebo Zikode’s Debut Album
Nomcebo released her debut studio album, Xola Moya Wam, in 2020.
The project helped establish her as more than a featured vocalist. It gave listeners an opportunity to hear her artistic identity across a larger body of work.
The album includes songs such as “Xola Moya Wam,” “Bayabuza,” “Indlela,” “Njabulo,” “Ngiyesaba,” “Imizamo Yami” and “Siyafana.” Master KG and other artists also contributed to the project.
The album’s title track became particularly important to her solo career and helped demonstrate that her success could continue outside “Jerusalema.”
Nomcebo Zikode Family
Nomcebo Zikode is married to Selwyn Fraser, who has also been associated with her professional life. In a 2023 interview, Zikode discussed her husband and explained that he had supported her career and was also her manager at the time.
Family is an important part of Zikode’s life, although she generally keeps many personal details away from the public.
Earlier reports described her as a mother of two. However, that information has since changed. In June 2025, TRUELOVE reported that Zikode had welcomed a baby boy, making her a mother of three. The report also said that she was focusing on her newborn, her two older children and her husband.
In 2026, Zikode continued to speak about the importance of family. News24 reported that she described her family as her place of peace and said her children and husband helped give her strength while she navigated the demands of public life.
Because Zikode values her family’s privacy, detailed information about her children should be treated carefully and should not be confused with unverified celebrity gossip.
Nomcebo Zikode Husband
Nomcebo Zikode’s husband is Selwyn Fraser.
The couple have kept much of their relationship private, although Zikode has occasionally spoken positively about him in interviews.
Her song “Inkanyezi” was inspired by her relationship with Fraser, according to an interview with TshisaLIVE. The publication also reported that Fraser had worked as her manager.
The couple have children together and continue to maintain a relatively private family life despite Zikode’s international profile.
What Is Nomcebo Zikode’s Net Worth?
There is no publicly verified figure for Nomcebo Zikode’s net worth.
Various entertainment websites have published estimates ranging from hundreds of thousands of dollars to around $2 million. However, these figures are estimates rather than audited financial statements, and they can change depending on assumptions about music royalties, performances, publishing, endorsements and other income.
For that reason, it is more accurate to say that Nomcebo Zikode’s exact net worth is not publicly known.
Her potential sources of income include music recordings, songwriting, live performances, royalties, collaborations, brand opportunities and other entertainment-related work. Her Grammy win and international profile have also strengthened her position in the global music industry.
Readers should therefore be cautious about websites presenting a precise “Nomcebo Zikode net worth” figure as confirmed fact.
How Nomcebo Zikode Makes Money
Like many successful recording artists, Zikode can earn income from several areas of the music business.
Music royalties
Songwriters, performers and rights holders can receive royalties when their music is used or played under applicable licensing arrangements.
Live performances
International recognition can create opportunities to perform at concerts, festivals, private events and other entertainment events.
Songwriting and collaborations
Zikode is not only a vocalist. Her songwriting and collaborations form another important part of her professional identity.
Brand and media opportunities
Artists with a strong public profile may also earn money through endorsements, appearances and partnerships.
Because private contracts and personal financial records are not publicly available, it would be misleading to assign an exact percentage or annual income to any of these categories.
Awards and Achievements
Nomcebo Zikode’s career includes several important milestones.
Her most significant international achievement is undoubtedly her 2023 Grammy Award for Best Global Music Performance for “Bayethe,” alongside Wouter Kellerman and Zakes Bantwini.
She has also received recognition in South Africa. Her career has included award nominations and wins connected to her work as a vocalist and solo artist.
Her international success with “Jerusalema” is another major achievement. The song became part of a worldwide cultural moment, with its dance challenge spreading across social media and bringing South African music to millions of listeners.
Why Is Nomcebo Zikode Famous?
Nomcebo Zikode is famous mainly because of her distinctive vocals and her contribution to internationally successful South African music.
For many listeners, her name is closely connected to “Jerusalema.” However, describing her as only the singer behind that song would leave out much of her career.
She spent years as a backing vocalist, collaborated with several established musicians, released her own album and later won a Grammy Award for “Bayethe.”
Her career is therefore an example of how a supporting musician can eventually build an independent identity and reach a worldwide audience.
What Makes Nomcebo Zikode’s Music Popular?
One reason for Zikode’s appeal is the emotional quality of her voice.
Her songs often combine danceable African rhythms with lyrics and vocal performances that communicate emotion, hope, faith, love and personal reflection.
This combination allows her music to work in different settings. A song can be enjoyed as dance music while still carrying a deeper emotional message.
Her use of South African musical influences also gives her work a distinctive identity in the international music market.
Nomcebo Zikode’s Career Beyond “Jerusalema”
A common challenge for musicians who become famous through one enormous hit is being labelled a one-hit artist.
Zikode’s career demonstrates why that label does not fully describe her work.
Following “Jerusalema,” she continued releasing music, developing her solo catalogue and collaborating with other artists. Her debut album Xola Moya Wam gave her an opportunity to establish a stronger identity outside the Master KG collaboration.
Her Grammy win for “Bayethe” in 2023 provided another major career milestone and further demonstrated her ability to succeed on international stages.
She has also continued releasing new music. In 2023, for example, she released “Inkanyezi” through her own Emazulwini Productions label.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nomcebo Zikode
How old is Nomcebo Zikode?
Nomcebo Zikode was born on 28 October 1985, making her 40 years old in September 2026.
What is Nomcebo Zikode’s real name?
Her commonly documented full name is Nomcebo Nothule Zikode.
Where is Nomcebo Zikode from?
She is from Hammarsdale in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Who is Nomcebo Zikode’s husband?
Her husband is Selwyn Fraser. He has also supported her professional career and has been described as her manager.
How many children does Nomcebo Zikode have?
Public reporting indicates that Nomcebo Zikode is a mother of three. She welcomed her third child, a baby boy, in 2025.
What is Nomcebo Zikode’s most famous song?
She is best known internationally for “Jerusalema,” her collaboration with Master KG.
Did Nomcebo Zikode win a Grammy?
Yes. She won the 2023 Grammy Award for Best Global Music Performance for “Bayethe,” together with Wouter Kellerman and Zakes Bantwini.
What is Nomcebo Zikode’s net worth?
Her exact net worth has not been publicly verified. Online estimates vary widely, so figures such as $500,000 or $2 million should be regarded as estimates rather than confirmed wealth.