South African singer-songwriter Zoë Modiga has long been celebrated for her genre-defying artistry, and her latest single, “Sombhuluka,” released on June 13, 2025, is no exception. Featuring Malian vocalist Fatoumata Diawara and local act Muneyi, the track is a transcendent blend of jazz, Afro-soul, and traditional African sounds. Hailed by OkayAfrica as a “masterful” work that “resonates far beyond local borders,” “Sombhuluka” is positioning Modiga as a global voice for healing and unity.
Modiga, a Soweto native, has built a career on authenticity. Her 2020 album Inganekwane earned her multiple South African Music Awards, and her performances at festivals like Glastonbury have showcased her magnetic stage presence. “Sombhuluka,” meaning “to unfold” in isiZulu, is her most ambitious release yet. The song explores themes of vulnerability and renewal, inspired by Modiga’s personal journey through mental health struggles. “It’s about daring to speak what’s hidden,” she told Music In Africa.
The collaboration with Diawara and Muneyi elevates the track’s emotional depth. Diawara’s ethereal vocals, rooted in Malian Wassoulou tradition, intertwine with Modiga’s soulful delivery, while Muneyi’s harmonies add a distinctly South African texture. Produced by Banda Banda, known for his expansive live music arrangements, the song features lush instrumentation, including kora and ngoni. “We wanted to create something that feels like a prayer,” Modiga said. The track’s music video, shot in Cape Town’s Kirstenbosch Gardens, has garnered over 1 million YouTube views, with fans praising its cinematic beauty.
“Sombhuluka” arrives at a time when South African artists are increasingly embracing cross-cultural collaborations. OkayAfrica highlights 2025 as a year of pan-African musical synergy, with artists like Tyla and Nasty C also bridging regional sounds. Modiga’s global outlook is evident in her recent performances at the 2025 Afropunk Festival in Atlanta, where she shared the stage with Diawara. “Music connects us across borders,” she told Rolling Stone. Her nomination for the 2025 All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), announced on June 18, further underscores her international impact.
Locally, “Sombhuluka” has sparked conversations about mental health, a topic rarely addressed in South African music. Modiga’s openness has resonated with fans, particularly young women, who share their stories on X using #Sombhuluka. “Zoë’s music makes me feel seen,” tweeted user @Naledi_M. Her advocacy extends beyond music; she partners with the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), hosting workshops in Johannesburg during June.
Despite her acclaim, Modiga faces industry challenges. Female artists in South Africa often receive less airplay than their male counterparts, a disparity highlighted at the 2025 Basadi in Music Awards. Yet, Modiga remains undeterred. “I make music for the soul, not for the charts,” she said. With a European tour planned for September and a new album in the works, her star continues to rise.
“Sombhuluka” is more than a song—it’s a movement. As Modiga’s voice echoes from Soweto to the world, she’s proving that music can heal, unite, and inspire change.
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