Zonke

Zonke Dikana was born on October 11, 1979, in KwaZakhele, Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa. She grew up in a musical family; her father, Vuyisile Dikana, was a drummer, and her late stepmother, Anneline Malebo, was a singer. Zonke graduated from the University of the Free State in 1997 with a degree in human resource management. Her early career involved collaborations with various artists, including Ringo, Joe Nina, and Deborah Fraser. Zonke’s initial breakthrough came when she composed “Africa, My Motherland” for the German band Jazzkantine, which later evolved into Culture Clan. In 2003, Culture Clan released an album titled “Africa” in Germany, which garnered awards from Channel O and the Metro FM Music Awards. During her time in Germany, her first solo album, “Soulitary,” was launched in 2004 by Upper Street Records, with distribution extending to Germany, Japan, and Italy.

In 2007, Kalawa Jazmee Records released her second album, “Life, Love ‘n Music.” A significant turning point occurred in June 2011 when Zonke moved to TMP Records, where she began recording her third studio album, “Ina Ethe.” This album, released with lead singles “Jik’Izinto” and “Feelings,” was self-produced and achieved double platinum status commercially. Following this success, in October 2013, Zonke recorded a live album, “Give and Take Live,” at the Lyric Theatre in Johannesburg. This album, released by Sony Music Entertainment, quickly achieved gold status within two months and earned her two awards at the 20th South African Music Awards. She officially signed a record deal with Sony Music Entertainment in 2013, solidifying her presence in the music industry.

Zonke’s fourth studio album, “Work of Heart,” released in September 2015, followed the passing of her sister, Lulu Dikana. This album, featuring singles “Reach It” and “Meet Me in My Dreams,” was critically acclaimed and earned multiple nominations at the 15th Metro FM Music Awards and the 22nd South African Music Awards, winning one, and was certified platinum in July 2016. Her seventh studio album, “L.O.V.E,” released in June 2018, included a collaboration with Kwesta on “Soul to Keep.” The lead single “Tonight” achieved platinum sales, and the album itself was certified gold, later winning Best R&B/Soul Album at the 25th South African Music Awards. Zonke has also embarked on tours, such as “Zonke: The Evergreen In Concert” in 2020, and released recent albums like “Embo” in November 2023.