Zonke

Growing up and education

Zonke was born in KwaZakhele, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Her father, Vuyisile Dikana, was a drummer for a group called "Black Slave and the Flamingo" while her late step mother Anneline Malebo was a singer for a musical band known as Joy. She is an alumna of the University of Bloemfontein where she graduated with a degree in Human Resource Management in 1997.

1996–2007: Early beginnings, Soulitary and Life, Love 'n Music

During Zonke's early years as a singer, Anneline Malebo introduced her to several artists including Ringo, Joe Nina and Deborah Fraser who she worked with either in writing or vocal capabilities. Zonke had her big break when she wrote a song titled "Africa, My Motherland" for Germany-based band Jazzkantine. The band later became known as Culture Clan after Zonke and rappers Mandla and Mzo.

In 2003, Culture Clan released an album titled Africa. The album was released in Germany, winning awards from the Channel O and Metro FM Music Awards. During her time in Germany, Zonke released her debut studio album Soulitary through Upper Street Records with distribution in Germany, Japan and Italy in 2004 and in 2007, she released her sophomore album Life, Love 'n Music through Kalawa Jazmee Records.

2008–13: Ina Ethe and Give and Take Live

In June 2011, Zonke left Kalawa Jamzee for TMP Records and started recording Ina Ethe, her third studio album. Preceding the album's release were two lead singles "Jik'Izinto" and "Feelings". Ina Ethe was self-produced and was released through TMP Records to critical reviews. The album also did well commercially, going double platinum.

On 25 October 2013, Zonke recorded and released a live album through Sony Music Entertainment titled Give and Take Live at the Lyric Theatre, Goldreef City, Johannesburg. The album achieved gold status under two months of its release. Give and Take Live also won two category awards at the 20th South African Music Awards.

2014–present: Work of Heart

Following the death of Zonke's older sister Lulu Dikana, Zonke had started working on her fourth studio album titled Work of Heart by releasing "Reach It" and "Meet Me in My Dreams", the album's lead singles. In an interview granted to Katlego Mkhwanazi of The Mail & Guardian, Zonke revealed that the album was inspiried by everything that happened to her. The album contains 13 songs and was released on 11 September 2015 through Sony Music Entertainment to critical acclaim. Work of Heart was nominated at the "Best Female Album" and "Best African Pop Album" categories at the 15th Metro FM Music Awards. It also went on to be nominated in five categories at the 22nd South African Music Awards, winning one; and on 14 July 2016, it was certified platinum.

Tours and notable performances

On 5 July 2013, Zonke performed and recorded her live album Give and Take Live at a sold-out concert at the Lyric Theatre, Johannesburg after it was postponed following the death of her sister Busisiwe Dikana. On 20 March 2016, Zonke performed at the Ticketpro Dome, Johannesburg alongside the famous U.S soul singer Lionel Richie who was touring South Africa as part of his "All The Hits All Night Long" tour.

Artistry

Zonke Dikana is a versatile singer who can sing in English and Xhosa language. During her time as a Kalawa Jazmee Records artist, her genre of music was majorly house music before she switched to afrosoul and neo soul upon signing to TMP Entertainment. Her musical influences include Busi Mhlongo, Miriam Makeba and Brenda Fassie.

Television appearance

In July 2014, Zonke was announced as one of three celebrities to act as judges in the first episode of the X Factor SA which aired on SABC 1 between September to December 2014.

Awards and nominations

Zonke's contribution to the South African music industry has garnered her multiple awards and nominations in several music award events including the South African Music Awards, Metro FM Music Awards, the Channel O Music Video Awards and MTV Africa Music Awards.