Zamajobe Sithole

Zamajobe
Born
Zamajobe Sithole

Frankfort, Free State, South Africa
OriginVosloorus, Gauteng, South Africa
GenresAfro-soul, jazz fusion, neo soul, R&B
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • guitarist
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • guitar
Years active2003–present
Labels
  • Sony BMG
  • Giant Steps

Zamajobe (born Zamajobe Sithole) is a South African singer-songwriter and guitarist. She gained public recognition as a top 10 finalist on the second season of Idols South Africa in 2003.[1][2]

Early life

Zamajobe Sithole was born in Namahadi, Frankfort in South Africa's Free State province.[3][4] Her parents, Nombuso and Themba Sithole, relocated to Johannesburg for work opportunities and settled permanently in Vosloorus, Gauteng.

Sithole was raised in a religious household and it was her mother who introduced her to gospel music while she was young. Zamajobe joined her local church choir at the age of nine, where her vocal talent was noticed by gospel artist and preacher, Pastor Benjamin Dube, who became her early musical mentor. She later convinced her father when she was 17 years old to buy her a guitar, which she taught herself to play and used to begin composing her own music.[5]

Music career

2003: Idols South Africa

In 2003, Zamajobe competed in the second season of the reality television competition Idols South Africa where she was voted out in 7th place.[6] Her performances garnered her a fanbase and also caught the attention of judge Dave Thompson, who was then the Marketing and A&R Director of BMG Africa. Recognizing her potential, Thompson signed her to BMG and offered her studio time to record and develop her original compositions.[7]

2004–2007: Ndawo Yami and breakthrough

In 2004, Zamajobe released her debut album, Ndawo Yami ("My Place"),co-written and produced alongside guitarist Erik Paliani, the album blended acoustic folk, jazz, and traditional African sounds.[8] Ndawo Yami became a commercial success, quickly achieving Gold sales status in South Africa (selling in excess of 25,000 units) and eventually going Multi-Platinum. The album attracted huge radio airplay and included songs like "Magic," "Hey Hey Hey," and the main track "Ndawo Yami".[9][10]

At the 11th annual South African Music Awards (SAMA) in 2005, Zamajobe received four major nominations and won the Best Newcomer award.[11] In 2006, she received international recognition when she was nominated for Best African Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards.[12]

2008–present: Continued output and 20-year tour

Zamajobe followed her debut with Ndoni Yamanzi, in 2008. In 2024, she launched her anniversary tour celebrating 20 years of her album Ndawo Yami where she performed in Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town.[13][14]

Discography

Studio albums

  • Ndawo Yami (2004, Sony BMG / Giant Steps)[15]
  • Ndoni Yamanzi (2008)
  • Thula Ndivile (2013)
  • Umi (2024)

Awards and nominations

YearEventCategoryNominated workResult
2005South African Music AwardsBest NewcomerNdawo YamiWon
2005South African Music AwardsBest Jazz Vocal AlbumNdawo YamiNominated
2005South African Music AwardsBest Joint Composition (with Erik Pilani)Ndawo YamiNominated
2005South African Music AwardsBest Engineer (Robin Kohl)Ndawo YamiNominated
2006MTV Europe Music AwardsBest African ActHerselfNominated

References

  1. ↑ "Idols 'flops' find there is life after the competition". Sowetan. 2012-08-29. Retrieved 2026-07-15.
  2. ↑ Motumi, Mpiletso (2026-03-08). "Zamajobe's magic for Ekurhuleni Comes Alive Jazz". The Star. Retrieved 2026-07-15.
  3. ↑ "Acclaimed songbird Zamajobe Tells Her Life Story". Power 98.7. Retrieved 2026-07-14.
  4. ↑ Sithole, Siyabonga (2023-05-10). "Afrosoul singer Zamajobe celebrates 20 years of 'Ndawo Yami' with tour". IOL. Retrieved 2026-07-15.
  5. ↑ "Zamajobe dusts herself off after toxic relationship". Sowetan. 2022-10-07. Retrieved 2026-07-15.
  6. ↑ "Zamajobe". JazzTimes. 2012-02-27. Retrieved 2026-07-15.
  7. ↑ NDLOVU, ANDILE (2012-04-25). "Music labels feud over singer". TimesLIVE. Retrieved 2026-07-15.
  8. ↑ "Zamajobe - Ndawo Yami". IOL. 2010-09-29. Retrieved 2026-07-15.
  9. ↑ "Zamajobe gets her groove on". IOL. 2021-07-18. Retrieved 2026-07-15.
  10. ↑ Digital, Drum. "Zamajobe finally gets a Metro FM Awards nod". News24. Retrieved 2026-07-15.
  11. ↑ Nontsele, Chuma. "'I want to reintroduce myself': 'Ndawo Yami' hitmaker Zama Jobe returns with SAMA-nominated album". News24. Retrieved 2026-07-15.
  12. ↑ Sokutu, Brian (2024-04-23). "Music treat: Zamajobe to take South Africa by storm". The Citizen. Retrieved 2026-07-15.
  13. ↑ Khulu, Ntombi. "The soulful Zamajobe returns to music after a 10-year hiatus". News24. Retrieved 2026-07-15.
  14. ↑ Pasiya, Lutho. "Why Zamajobe's comeback after a decade feels like a new beginning". Cape Times. Retrieved 2026-07-15.
  15. ↑ "Spotify – Web Player". Spotify. Retrieved 2026-07-15.
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