Never allow yourself to tire out, Grammy award-winning Nomcebo Zikode advises

From viral dance hit Jerusalema to singing about forgiveness and triumph in Xola Moya Wam', Nomcebo Zikode's recent global success is testament that while a false start is cruel and harsh, there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

The mother of two, for 15 years of her music career sought out a solo career, while tirelessly working as a back-up singer for Zahara, Nhlanhla Nciza, Deborah Fraser and Lundi Tyamara. Before the success of Jerusalema, she was even the lead vocalist for Emazulwini by DJ Ganyani's and Imizamo Yami featuring Bongo Beat.

"I was in this place where I was stuck in this funk of sleeping and waking up, but there was nothing happening for me. I was depressed that I felt like I was close to taking my own life," Zikode opened up to Sowetan in 2020 when Jerusalema finally garnered her the recognition that she had for so many years yearned for.

Fast-forward to three years later and Zikode has been presented with the biggest music prize in the world thanks to Bayethe, a sleeper hit featuring Zakes Bantwini and Wouter Kellerman.

The newly minted Grammy winner exclusively talks to SMag about the euphoria she has experienced in the 24 hours after scooping a win on Sunday night for Best Global Music Performance in Los Angeles, California.

We spoke for a minute after you won and then you vanished. Must have been a crazy time?

I'm sorry, my angel. There was just a lot on my side, I had so many interviews and it was already morning in SA but night time in the States. I have to say I was so exhausted and the dress Gert-Johan Coetzee made for me looked beautiful, but it was so tight and he made sure my figure was perfectly shaped. So when I got to my hotel room, I took it off and just slept. 

How are you feeling now?

Honestly speaking I’m over the moon, coming from a small township in Hammarsdale, I never thought I could be here, representing SA on the world stage.

I wrote and sang the biggest song in the world Jerusalema, which I was sure would be nominated for a Grammy but didn’t. However, God knew that Bayethe was coming and made sure that he put me in the right place at the right time and now look, I'm a Grammy-winning artist.

What was it like being on stage accepting the award?

I couldn’t believe what was happening. I actually shouted out uncontrollably when they announced our names.

It didn't hurt that you happened to be dressed like a winner too?

I was dressed by Gert-Johan Coetzee, and it was inspired by Gert wanting to show me off as an African queen and I think he nailed it. Everyone couldn’t stop complimenting it.

How do you plan to celebrate your Grammy?

It’s back to work. We can’t lay down just yet, we’re actually going to Miami then Trinidad for the biggest carnival in the Caribbean, the Soca Take Over. Maybe afterwards, we’ll have time to celebrate with everyone.

What is your message to young aspirant artists?

My message to young African females is to keep going and never give up. Never allow yourself to tire out… if this can happen to a girl from a small township in Hammarsdale, it can most definitely happen to you.