WeeklySA_AdminINFLUENCE: Soweto newcomer K’zee Donga makes her long-awaited debut on July 10 with a vibrant Amapiano anthem celebrating music, friendship and the freedom to let go…
By Entertainment Reporter
After years of quietly writing songs and keeping her music to herself, Soweto-born singer-songwriter K’zee Donga is finally ready to introduce her voice to South African audiences with the release of her debut single, Friday Night, on July 10.
The emerging artist, born Khumbuzile Tshabalala, is teaming up with producer Airburn Sounds and rapper CPT Switch for the upbeat Amapiano-House collaboration, which promises to celebrate friendship, freedom and the joy of escaping the pressures of everyday life.
For K’zee Donga, the release marks more than just the arrival of a new song. It represents the culmination of years spent developing her craft while overcoming self-doubt that kept her music hidden from the public.
“This song represents a new chapter for me,” she said.
“For years, I kept my music to myself because I wasn’t sure if I was ready. Releasing Friday Night is my way of choosing courage and finally sharing a piece of who I am with the world.”
Built around infectious Amapiano rhythms blended with House influences, Friday Night captures the spirit of South Africans who work hard throughout the week before embracing the opportunity to relax, dance and reconnect with friends.
The track encourages listeners to forget their worries, celebrate life’s simple pleasures and enjoy the present moment.
K’zee Donga says working alongside Airburn Sounds and CPT Switch gave her confidence while shaping the song into the vibrant record she had envisioned.
“Working with Airburn Sounds and CPT Switch was an incredible experience,” she said.
“Airburn brought a unique energy and vision to the production that helped bring the song to life, while CPT Switch added a fresh and exciting dimension with his verse. We all shared the same goal of creating a feel-good record that people can connect with.”
She believes the natural chemistry in the studio is reflected throughout the song and says the collaboration taught her valuable lessons as she begins her professional music career.
Although this is her official debut, K’zee Donga’s relationship with music stretches back to childhood.
She recalls writing her first song at the age of eight after watching the film Titanic. Inspired by the emotions of the story, she performed the song for her childhood friends, whose enthusiastic response planted the seeds of a lifelong passion.
Music has always formed part of her family life. Her late sister sang in gospel choirs, while her brother later became a choir leader. K’zee herself participated in theatre productions and school musicals, experiences that helped shape her confidence as a performer.
Despite growing up in a musical household, she admits uncertainty about her own talent often held her back.
“For years, I kept my lyrics hidden on my computer because I questioned whether I was good enough and whether people would connect with my music,” she said.
Today, she hopes her music will inspire listeners not only to dance but also to believe in themselves.
“Life can be challenging, but there is always space for joy, celebration and creating memories with the people around us,” she said. “Friday Night is about leaving your worries behind, hitting the dance floor and giving yourself permission to simply have a good time.”*
Drawing inspiration from everyday experiences and ordinary people, K’zee Donga says authenticity remains at the heart of her music. Rather than chasing trends, she hopes to build a career centred on honest storytelling, positive energy and meaningful connections with audiences.
Friday Night will be available on all major digital streaming platforms from Friday, 10 July, marking the first chapter in what K’zee Donga hopes will be a long musical journey.
