Meet Bulawayo Artist Ziee Xayn, uKhwezi

Ziee Xayn – Ngicela Sibonisane

Ziee Xayn (Zibusiso Ndlovu) was born into a music loving family in the city of Kings and Queens Bulawayo, on the 11th of February. He was surrounded by sisters who enjoyed singing along to hit songs of the time by artists such as Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston. Little did they know they would be singing along to their little brother’s songs. He finds song writing therapeutic and puts his innermost emotions into each song, this is evident in his heartwarming lyrics. Let’s get to know this exceptional artist.

What’s the inspiration behind your stage name?

 Zie comes from my birth name Zibusiso, Xayn was a nickname they gave me while I was still in high school. I decided to put them together. It reminds me of the simpler days when MaKhumalo was still alive.

Tell me about your first song.

My first song was uThando (2017 I think), that was right after I moved from being under Cal-Vin and decided to try something new.

How did you feel when you heard your first song playing on radio?

I actually never heard my first song play on radio, I just got numerous calls from friends and family saying the song was playing all week. That for me was a game changer. How did I feel? I felt like I could do more.

Which genre does your music fall under?

Afro pop, soul, RnB. I like to sprinkle a little of all of that.

Do you believe social media has played a great role in your music journey?

Yes, quite a lot actually. I’ve met potential features, good gigs through that.

Apart from being an artist what do you do?

I have just finished my course in Civil Engineering.

Have you dedicated any of your songs to a loved one?

‘MaKhumalo’ was a dedication to my mother, its in my last project entitled Gold. You can find it on any streaming platform. I just released another song Ncela Sibonisane, its dedicated to someone, but I cannot disclose who it is, but, he’s a cancer patient.

Have you faced any challenges in the music industry?

 A few but I believe they are universal to every artist. Currently Covid really set the work back.

Which local artists have you worked with?

 Asaph, Pelah, M.U.S.E, Mc Chita, Ishmael Kay. I’ve worked with a lot more projects are yet to come out.

Do you prefer live performances to working in the studio?

Both actually…They play a different role…If I need some “me time” to produce and really get into it, the studio is best. Then for connection with the crowd, live performance is best.

What’s your favourite part of song writing?

People’s reactions when they understand what I mean, or singing about…Its priceless.

Would you describe yourself as multi-talented?

Hahaha… I wouldn’t want to describe myself really. But yes I do have a lot of things I do, Graphics, Comics, Animation, Script Writing, the list goes on and on.

Which international artists would you like to work with?

 Ami Faku, Omah Lay

What advise would you give to an aspiring musician?

Just do it…Skip the fear…Just do it!

By Nompumelelo Ncube