Zoë Modiga - Biography, Real Name, Age and Career
Palesa Nomthandazo Phumelele Modiga, known professionally as Zoë Modiga, is a South African singer and songwriter. She first gained national attention as a contestant on ‘The Voice South Africa’ in 2016. Hailing from KwaZulu-Natal, the 31-year-old artist has become known for her remarkable vocal talent. Her upbringing has had a significant influence on her music style, helping her connect deeply with her audience. In 2020, she released her second studio album, ‘Inganekwane’, which debuted at number one globally, marking a major milestone in her career.
Zoë Modiga’s profile
| Full Name | Palesa Nomthandazo Phumelele Modiga |
| Year of Birth | 1993 |
| Place of Birth | Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal |
| Age | 31 as of 2024 |
| Nationality | South African |
| Profession | Songwriter, Singer |
| Marital Status | Single |
| @zoemodiga |
Early Life and Education
Palesa Nomthandazo Phumelele Modiga, professionally known as Zoë Modiga, was born in Overport, Durban, and grew up in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. Her passion for music began early; at just 10 years old, she started singing in local music competitions. Modiga attended the National School of the Arts in Johannesburg, where she studied classical piano, clarinet, and vocals, laying a strong foundation in music.
From 2013 to 2015, she continued her studies in jazz performance at the College of Music at the University of Cape Town. In 2015, she won the South African Music Rights Organisation's (SAMRO) Overseas Scholarships Competition for Jazz, a significant achievement in her musical journey. The following year, Modiga competed on The Voice South Africa, making it to the Top 8 and gaining broader recognition.
Career
Zoë Modiga's music career truly took off after winning the 2015 SAMRO Overseas Scholarship Competition for Jazz. Her debut studio album, "Yellow: The Novel," was released in 2017 and featured 23 tracks. This album garnered critical acclaim and was nominated for Best African Artist Album and Best Jazz Album at the South African Music Awards.
Her second studio album, "Inganekwane," was released on June 26, 2020. Blending jazz, Motown soul, and African storytelling, "Inganekwane" debuted at number one globally. The album, which Modiga describes as a "love letter to Black people worldwide," was inspired by her song "Inganekwane" from her previous album. The central message of the album is that Black people should embrace self-love and celebrate their identity. Written in 2019, recorded in March 2020, and released in July, the album embodies untold African stories that Modiga hopes will resonate deeply with listeners.
In December 2021, Modiga headlined the 14th Annual Mzansi Fela Festival at the State Theatre in Gauteng. The following year, she announced her "Cos Cos Yaphela Tour," which ran from September to October 20, concluding at The Star Theatre in Cape Town.
Recognition for her contributions continued, with Modiga receiving Glamour's "Women of the Year" title in November 2023. In early April 2024, she revealed her third album, "Nomthandazo," available for pre-save, and released it on April 26. By June, she was named Spotify's EQUAL Africa ambassador for the month, highlighting her influence in African music. Most recently, she announced her upcoming "Nzalabantu" concert, set for October 4, at The Star Theatre in Cape Town.
Awards and Nominations
- South African Music Award for Best Jazz Album
- South African Music Award for Rest of Africa Artist
- Mbokodo Award - an event to recognise women who have shown leadership, fostered growth and made efforts to strengthen the arts.
- Mzantsi Jazz Awards for the Best Jazz Contemporary Album
- Mzantsi Jazz Awards for the Best Newcomer in Jazz
- Mzantsi Jazz Awards for the Best Jazz Song
- SAMRO Overseas Scholarship Competition
- AFRIMMA for Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African Jazz
- Basadi in Music Awards for AC Wines Jazz Artist of the Year
- Glamour Awards for Woman of the Year
- Musician of th Year for Feather Awards
Discography
Studio Albums
- Yellow: The Novel (2017)
- Inganekwane (2020)
- Nomthandazo (2024)
Singles
2019 - Lengoma
2020 - Umdali
2020 - Instha
2021 - Umolozelo
2024 - Ngelosi
2024 - Amen
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