Zonke

Zonke Dikana, (born 11 October 1979), known simply as Zonke, is a South African singer-songwriter and record producer.[1] Her rise to stardom came in 2011 following the release of her third album Ina Ethe, which was certified double platinum and was nominated at the 18th South African Music Awards.[2][3] In 2013, she recorded and released Give and Take Live, which was certified gold just two months after its release[3] and earned her a place in the Channel O list of "Africa's Top 10 Female Singing Sensations".[4] In September 2015, Zonke released Work of Heart, her fifth album, to critical acclaim with nominations in several categories at the 15th Metro FM Music Awards and 22nd South African Music Awards.[5] She is currently signed to Sony Music Entertainment. On 15 June 2018, she released L.O.V.E, her fifth studio album with Sony.

Zonke
Birth nameZonke Dikana
Born (1979-10-11) 11 October 1979
KwaZakhele, Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa
OriginJohannesburg, South Africa
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • singer-songwriter
  • record producer
InstrumentsVocals
Years active1997–present
Labels
Associated acts
Websitezonkedikana.com

Early life and education

Zonke was born in KwaZakhele, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Her father, Vuyisile Dikana, was a drummer for a group called Black Slave and the Flamingo while her late stepmother Anneline Malebo was a singer for a musical band known as Joy.[6] She is an alumna of the University of the Free State from where she graduated with a degree in human resource management in 1997.[7]

Career

1996–2007: early beginnings, Soulitary and Life, Love 'n Music

During Zonke's early years as a singer, Anneline Malebo introduced her to several artists including Ringo, Joe Nina and Deborah Fraser who she worked with either in writing or vocal capabilities. Zonke had her big break when she wrote a song titled "Africa, My Motherland" for the band Jazzkantine, based in Germany.[8] The band later became known as Culture Clan after Zonke and the rappers Mandla and Mzo.[9]

In 2003, Culture Clan released an album titled Africa. It was released in Germany, winning awards from the Channel O and Metro FM Music Awards.[8] During her time in Germany, Zonke's first studio album, Soulitary, was released by Upper Street Records with distribution in Germany, Japan and Italy in 2004. In 2007, Kalawa Jazmee Records released her second album, Life, Love 'n Music.[10]

2008–13: Ina Ethe and Give and Take Live

In June 2011, Zonke left Kalawa Jamzee for TMP Records and started to record Ina Ethe, her third studio album. Preceding the album's release were two singles, "Jik'Izinto" and "Feelings". Ina Ethe was self-produced and was released by TMP Records to critical reviews.[11] The album did well commercially, going double platinum.[12]

On 25 October 2013, Zonke recorded a live album at the Lyric Theatre in Goldreef City, Johannesburg, released by Sony Music Entertainment as Give and Take Live.[13] The album achieved gold status within less than two months of its release.[14] Give and Take Live also won two category awards at the 20th South African Music Awards.[15]

2014–present: Work of Heart

Following the death of Zonke's older sister Lulu Dikana,[16] Zonke started working on her fourth studio album titled Work of Heart by releasing the singles "Reach It" and "Meet Me in My Dreams".[17] In an interview with Katlego Mkhwanazi of The Mail & Guardian, Zonke said that the album was inspiried by everything that happened to her.[18] The album contains 13 songs and was released on 11 September 2015 by Sony Music Entertainment to critical acclaim.[19] Work of Heart was nominated in the Best Female Album and Best African Pop Album categories at the 15th Metro FM Music Awards.[20] It was also nominated in five categories at the 22nd South African Music Awards, winning one.[21] On 14 July 2016, it was certified platinum.[22]

L.O.V.E was released in June 2018. It is a 9-track album featuring Kwesta on a song titled "Soul to Keep". In April 2018, Zonke released the lead single "Tonight", which had platinum sales. The album has gold status.

Tours and notable performances

On 5 July 2013, Zonke performed and recorded her live album Give and Take Live at a sold-out concert at the Lyric Theatre in Johannesburg after it was postponed following the death of her sister Busisiwe Dikana.[23] On 20 March 2016, Zonke performed at the Ticketpro Dome in Johannesburg alongside the famous US soul singer Lionel Richie who was touring South Africa as part of his "All The Hits All Night Long" tour.[24]

Artistry

Zonke Dikana is a versatile singer who sings in English and Xhosa language. During her time as a Kalawa Jazmee Records artist, her genre of music was mostly house music before she switched to afrosoul and neo soul on signing to TMP Entertainment.[25] Her musical influences include Busi Mhlongo, Miriam Makeba and Brenda Fassie.[26]

Discography

Live album
Title Album details Peak chart positions Certifications Sales
FIMI GER GHA RIAJ RSA UK US
Give and Take Live
  • Released: 25 October 2013
  • Label: TMP Entertainment, Sony Entertainment Africa
  • Format: DVD, digital download
 ––––––— RISA: Gold[27] 70,000 units
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Studio albums
Title Album details Peak chart positions Certifications Sales
FIMI GER GHA RIAJ RSA UK US
Soulitary ––––––—
Life, Love 'n Music ––––––—
Ina Ethe
  • Released: 1 October 2011
  • Label: TMP Entertainment
  • Format: CD, digital download, vinyl
 ––––––— RISA: 2x platinum[28] 100,000 units
Work of Heart
  • Released: 11 September 2015
  • Label: TMP Entertainment, Sony Entertainment Africa
  • Format: CD, digital download, vinyl
 ––––––— RISA: Platinum[29]
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Television appearance

In July 2014, Zonke was announced as one of three celebrities to act as judges in the first episode of the X Factor SA which was broadcast on SABC 1 between September and December 2014.[30]

Awards and nominations
Main article: List of awards and nominations received by Zonke

Zonke's contribution to the South African music industry has earned her several awards and nominations in music award events including the South African Music Awards, Metro FM Music Awards, the Channel O Music Video Awards and MTV Africa Music Awards.

References
  1. "Top 10 Most Powerful female singers in Africa (See if your favorite singers make the list)". How Africa. 17 October 2015. Retrieved 9 June 2016.
    - Meyers, Sherita (26 November 2013). "Zonke releases her first live concert DVD". South African Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 8 June 2016.
  2. "Africa's fierce female singing sensations". Channel O. 22 February 2015. Retrieved 11 June 2016.
    - "Zonke Signs Exclusive Deal with Sony Music Entertainment". Rockstar. 7 August 2013. Retrieved 8 June 2016.
  3. Gqirana, Thulani (14 January 2014). "Zonke's DVD a golden hit". Times Live. Retrieved 8 June 2016.
  4. "Tiwa Savage & Waje included in Channel O's Africa's Top 10 Female Singing Sensations". Daily Post Music. 23 February 2015. Retrieved 11 June 2016.
  5. "Zonke Dikana Profile" (PDF). Power FM. Retrieved 11 June 2016.
  6. "ZONKE: Africa's next big star". Capital Lifestyle. 21 November 2012. Retrieved 8 June 2016.
  7. "Zonke Dikana Biography". LoudestGist. 31 May 2016. Retrieved 8 June 2016.
  8. "Zonke". TM Performing Arts Management. Retrieved 8 June 2016.
  9. "Kenya: Zonke Dikana for Tusker Malt Lager 100 Club". Capital FM. 13 November 2012. Retrieved 8 June 2016.
  10. Zbee (9 October 2008). "African Musician: Zonke". Museke. Retrieved 8 June 2016.
  11. "Album review: Ina Ethe". Channel O. 6 March 2012. Retrieved 9 June 2016.
    - Tsumele, Edward (11 December 2011). "Can't take the soul out of her". Sowetan Live. Retrieved 9 June 2016.
  12. "ZONKE'S DOUBLE PLATINUM STRIKE/UN OFFER". Showbizone. 21 January 2013. Retrieved 8 June 2016.
  13. Ndlovu, Andile (6 July 2013). "Zonke more than delivers at Give and Take Live DVD recording". Times Live. Retrieved 9 June 2016.
  14. Thulani Gqirana (14 January 2014). "Golden start to year". Herald Live. Retrieved 8 June 2016.
  15. "Mafikizolo biggest winners of SAMAs". Sunday World. 29 April 2014. Retrieved 8 June 2016.
  16. "Soul singer Lulu Dikana, sister of Zonke dies, tributes pour in". Times Live. 4 December 2014. Retrieved 9 June 2016.
  17. "Listen to Zonke's brand new single and pre-order her album here!". Channel24. 21 August 2015. Retrieved 9 June 2016.
    - "ZONKE IS A WORK OF ART". Showbizone. 24 August 2015. Retrieved 9 June 2016.
  18. Mkhwanazi, Katlego (16 October 2015). "Q&A: Zonke Dikana talks about songs from the heart". The Mail & Guardian. Retrieved 9 June 2016.
  19. Pantsi, Nandipha (8 October 2015). "Zonke Dikana's new album is all about growth". Times Live. Retrieved 9 June 2016.
    - Mdaka, Yamkela (22 September 2015). "Zonke and her work of heart". Destiny Connect. Retrieved 9 June 2016.
    - "Zonke Announces New Album Release Date, Reveals Art Work". Entertainment Afrique. 24 August 2015. Retrieved 9 June 2016.
  20. George, William (15 January 2016). "2016 Metro FM Music Awards nominees announced". The Citizen. Retrieved 9 June 2016.
  21. "SAMAs 2016: Winners List! (SA Music Awards)". MyTVNews. 4 June 2016. Retrieved 9 June 2016.
  22. Kekana, Chrizelda (15 July 2016). "Zonke's 'Work of Heart' goes platinum". Independent Online. Retrieved 17 July 2016.
  23. Ngubane, Sandiso (22 May 2013). "Zonke Dikana's concert is postponed". Sowetan LIVE. Retrieved 11 June 2016.
  24. Theletsane, Winnie (22 March 2016). "Lionel Richie seals SA tour with a promise". Eyewitness News. Retrieved 2 July 2016.
  25. Tlhoaele, Boitumelo (27 November 2011). "Ready to reveal the real Zonke". Sunday World. Retrieved 9 June 2016.
  26. "Zonke Dikana". Power FM. 16 October 2015. Retrieved 2 July 2016.
  27. "Zonke's album goes gold". Zalebs. 4 November 2015. Retrieved 9 June 2016.
  28. Ngubane, Sandiso (22 May 2013). "Zonke Dikana's concert is postponed". Sowetan Live. Retrieved 9 June 2016.
  29. Makhele, Tshepiso (14 July 2016). "Zonke's album goes platinum". The Citizen. Retrieved 17 July 2016.
  30. "Zonke, Arno Carstens announced as X Factor SA judges". The Citizen. 9 July 2014. Retrieved 5 July 2016.
    - "ZONKE DIKANA TALKS X FACTOR". Elle South Africa. 1 September 2014. Retrieved 5 July 2016.
    - "Oskido is holding thumbs for 2016 'X-Factor'". Tabloid Info. 16 July 2015. Retrieved 5 July 2016.


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