The Captivating Journey of Zonke Dikana

The Captivating Musical Journey of Zonke Dikana (1996 - Present)

Africa, My Motherland... Soulitary and Life, Love n' Music (1996 - 2007)

Zonke Dikana began her musical journey in 1996. She worked as a writer and backup singer for other big artists including Ringo, Deborah Fraser, and Joe Nina. She later got her big break when she wrote the lyrics for a song titled "Africa, My Motherland" for the German-based band Jazzkantine.

While in Germany Zonke released her debut album "Soulitary" under Upper Street Records. She later signed with Kalawa Jamzee Records and released her second studio album "Life, Love 'n Music" in 2007.

Ina Ethe and Give and Take Live (2008 - 2013)

Zonke left Kalawa Jamzee Records in June 2011 and signed with TMP Records. On joining TMP she began recording her third studio album, Ina Ethe. The album was promoted by two singles, "Jik'Izinto" and "Feelings". The self produced album was a huge commercial success and gained double platinum status.

Zonke recorded a mesmerizing live album at the Lyric Theatre in Goldreef City, Johannesburg, on October 25, 2013. Sony Music Entertainment later released this unforgettable performance under the title "Give and Take Live." Remarkably, the album obtained gold status within a mere two months of its debut. At the 20th South African Music Awards, "Give and Take Live" won two prestigious category awards, further solidifying Zonke's position as a musical powerhouse.

Work of Art (2014 - 2017)

Zonke began work on her fourth studio album, Work of Heart, by releasing the singles "Reach It" and "Meet Me in My Dreams" after the death of her elder sister, Lungisa "Lulu" Dikana. Zonke stated in an interview with Katlego Mkhwanazi of The Mail & Guardian that the album was influenced by all of her experiences. The album contains 13 tracks and was released by Sony Music Entertainment on September 11, 2015.

At the 15th Metro FM Music Awards, Work of Heart was nominated in the Best Female Album and Best African Pop Album categories. Additionally, it was nominated in five categories and won one at the 22nd South African Music Awards. On July 14, 2016, it was certified platinum.

She was nominated for Best Afro Female Artist, Best Adult Contemporary, Best Afro Album, and Best Afro Producer at the 2017 South African Afro Music Awards, and won Best Afro-soul Album.

L.O.V.E (2018 - 2019)

Zonke Dikana released her fifth studio album L.O.V.E, on 15 June 2018. The album held 9 tracks and featured rap god Kwesta on "Soul to Keep". Preceding the album was the release of it's lead single "Tonight" which had platinum sales. The album itself received gold certification with a sales of 25000 units.

At the 25th annual South African Music Awards ceremony, L.O.V.E. won Best R&B/Soul Album. It was also nominated for Album of the Year while Zonke was nominated for Female Artist of the Year.

Tours, Enigma... Embo (2020 - present)

Zonke kicked off her "Zonke: The Evergreen In Concert" tour on February 19 2020 at Cape Town's Grand Arena, GrandWest. The tour spanned 10 dates, concluding on February 29.

Zonke released her sixth studio album "Embo" in April 2023. She chose to release the album in retro formats. The album is only available on CDs, USBs, and vinyl records.

Embo celebrates Zonke's return to the root of her music. She said in an interview - “’Embo’ emphasises that I am returning to my roots in live music and ‘ancient instruments’. Nobody uses live drums, live basses, or live guitars anymore. Most people use backtracks, but everything about my performance is 100% live. I will always look back for inspiration”.

You can purchase the album on Zonke Dikana's official website - https://zonkedikana.co.za/