Following her snub at the Metro FM Awards, Zee Nxumalo finds solace in Somizi Mhlongo's words of wisdom.
Image: File
The Metro FM Music Awards night did not go the way Zee Nxumalo and many of her fans expected.
Hosted by media personalities Lerato Kganyago and Lawrence Maleka, the prestigious awards took place at the Durban ICC on April 25.
Despite going into the award ceremony with seven nominations, Nxumalo walked away without bagging a single win, leaving both her and her fans questioning the outcome.
The rising star took to social media shortly after the ceremony to share her disappointment.
She wrote: “God, you’re confusing me. I just lost 7 awards, but my new ep is doing WELL, what must happen?”
Among those who showed support was fashion designer and media personality Somizi Mhlongo, who offered words of encouragement following Nxumalo’s tough loss.
“Two things, and I’m going to be honest with you. In life, there’s something called your journey. You need to keep your eye on the prize, and your prize is who you are now and who you’re going to become moving forward,” he said.
He went on to frame the moment as a bigger career decision rather than a single night’s outcome.
“If the universe told you one day, I’m giving you the option: do you want seven awards and to be overexposed, only for it to diminish next year? Or do you want me to sustain you so that your career lasts long term?”
He also pointed out that accolades don’t always translate to longevity.
“Because there are people who have 40 awards, but the last time they performed was four or five years ago. So you are proof that awards are great. They’re a booster, a pat on the back, a ‘well done'.”
Mhlongo added, “If you say you’re doing this for fame, you’ve already lost. You have to do it for the passion, because when fame fades, what’s going to keep you going?”
He closed off his message with a reminder about perspective and grace in the industry.
“As long as you don’t lose your passion, you’ll be alright … but also, when we have Ubuntu, you must always be a good sport and say, ‘There are others with four or five awards, and they’re there for a reason. They deserve it too'.”
Nxumalo’s nominations reflected just how strong her run has been, with recognition across different genres and categories.
She was nominated across several major categories, including Artist of the Year, Best Female Artist and Best Styled Artist.
Her music also earned recognition in multiple genre categories, with “Sajola Kamnandi” nominated for Best Maskandi, “Mamma” up for Best Music Video, “Rato Laka” competing in Best Lekompo, and “Ngyasindelwa” nominated for Best Kwaito/Gqom.