She is one of the most talented vocalists to enter Idols SA in 2017. She made it to the semi-finals before going about her music career as a solo vocalist. But Matatiele-born Afro-pop songbird Nikki Zee Lunye says the music business is no child's play, and she is still waiting for her big breakthrough.

STARTING OUT

She started making music in 2007 with two music groups; Siyethemba gospel group and Ntambende, a maskandi group and in 2023, she pursued her solo career as a gospel singer and released her album, Adam Ukuphi? Inspired by the late singer, Bulelwa "Zahara' Mkutukana, she changed genres and moved to Afro-pop in 2017 and entered Idols SA.

BIG NAMES

But the music game has not been too kind to her, as she awaits her breakthrough. "I have performed everywhere and have shared the stage with big acts such as Lwah Ndlunkulu, Kabza De Sma; Big Zulu, Mduduzi Ncube, DJ Tira and DJ Hlo, just to name a few,' she said. She has also been on mainstream TV shows including, Uzalo, Skeem Saam, and House Of Zwide, and has expanded her career to even radio presenting on Voice FM. "I've struggled so much to the point where I decided to move from one province to another, hoping that right eyes and ears will see me. At home, I left my 87-year-old grandmother and my 11-year-old son. When they would check up on me, asking how things are going, I didn't want them to lose hope in me. It has been hard, and I am not working,' she said. Nikki added that she can't buy food or pay rent. "I have been emailing companies like Open Mic to try and assist or sign me. I emailed DJ Tira, Master KG whom I only meet when I get a booking every now and again. The sad part is going to events looking classy and successful, but I don't even have a cent in my account.'

MULTI-TALENTED

But she has not lost hope. "I know I am talented. I can do anything, presenting, broadcasting, acting. I have tried so many different soapies, doing some lines. At home, they will be happy seeing me on TV, but not knowing that I am struggling. They will ask for money, and I will send the one that I have.' Nikki Zee says during COVID-19, she survived with the money from the relief fund. "I really want to thank our government for the compensation grant. I lived on it, at home they took care of the child using that money,' she added, adding that she knows the pain of sleeping for days with an empty stomach.

FEELING USED

Nikki Zee says her hardships include being promised the world. "I met so many people who used me, some saw a profit in me,' she says. "I worked, hoping that they would give me what I always dreamed about, but I could write a book about the experiences. I volunteered in so many radio stations because they promised me that they would connect me to the right people to achieve this goal, but it never happened,' she added. "My career has not blown up yet, yet I've done so many things in this industry. I changed genres from gospel, Amapiano, afro house, and maskandi, to afro pop. I am so talented, and I can do anything with my voice.'