THE South African reggae scene has seen many great acts but none like the talented star, Nkulee Dube.

The 27-year-old singer was recently honoured at the 2012 edition of the International Reggae and World Music Awards, for being the first artist to be nominated six times since it began 31 years ago. The event was held at the Washington Park in Chicago and the award list featured big international stars like Akon, Rihanna, Pitbull and Beanie Man.

Nkulee, who is the daughter of legendary SA reggae musician Lucky Dube, walked away with the Most Promising Entertainer Award and performed with her idol, the iconic Jamaican female reggae star,Tanya Stephens.

She spoke with Sowetan about the experience: "It was such an honour and I nearly cried when she looked at me and said, 'wow! I didn't know that there was talent like that in Africa'."

Nkulee was also honoured for being the first artist from a non-Carribean country to be nominated at the awards.

The bubbly rising star's interest in music started at 16.

"My five friends and I had a group called Voices of the Ghetto," Nkulee said. She also did a solo album but it is her debut album My Way she is best known for.

Nkulee is fitting in a two-month tour of US cities including Los Angeles, California, San Diego and New York into her tight schedule.

So far, on tour, she has shared the stage with famous Bob Marley offspring, Damain Marley's band, as well as shows including the popular Reggae on the River. She has also been invited to perform in a show headlined by rock and roll legend Mick Jagger in his private theatre.