South African kwaito artist Zola 7 (Bonginkosi Dlamini) has released his first solo single in several years, “She Nailed It (Amazipho)”, on 1 August via ONErpm. The track follows a prolonged absence from recording and performing due to health complications related to epilepsy.
Career Roots in Television and Music
Zola 7 gained prominence through his role in the television drama Yizo Yizo, which depicted township life. He later launched a music career with the kwaito single “Mdlwembe,” building a following with storytelling rooted in everyday South African experiences.
His unscripted television series, Zola 7, took him into villages and townships to highlight community issues such as poverty, education, and mental health. The programme earned him recognition beyond music.
Managing Epilepsy and Stepping Back
The artist has spoken openly about living with epilepsy, a condition that significantly affected his ability to work. During difficult periods, he was often confined to bed and required extensive rest, which prevented consistent recording, live performances, and long-distance travel.
Recovery involved lifestyle adjustments, including rest, a proper diet, and time spent with his children and family in Soweto. He noted that even driving long distances became too risky because of the potential impact on his health.
Return to the Studio
As his health improved, those close to him encouraged a return to music. The result is “She Nailed It (Amazipho),” a single that marks his re-entry into recording after years of managing his condition.
