December in Mzansi always gives rise to new songs that carry us right through the festive season. These are songs that have been planned months in advance, strategically placed for the dizzy tyd, aka December.
But when Funk 55 was created on a whim and with zero plans around it, little did songstress Zee Nxumalo, alongside duo Shakes and Les, know how much the song would become a success.
Number #2 in the country, to be exact.
“I had just finished recording some soulful songs with producers Shakes and Les, and I had already requested my Uber as I was ready to leave. It was then that Les played the beat for Funk 55 and I just jumped on it, freestyling in one take. I left because the Uber was waiting and I legit didn’t look back,” she said.
Days passed, and the songstress had already forgotten about the song when she received a call from music exec Benza, letting her know that DBN Gogo saw potential in that song and they wanted to mix it up.
“I really didn’t take him seriously because, like I said, that song was a one-take, never-to-be seen again type of song that I, myself, didn’t think much of,” she added.
But that one unexpected diamond that was recorded at that random moment went on to become the most played song in Mzansi, and is still receiving so much love, which also saw her perform on so many stages right through December.
“What that song did for me can never be undone. I feel like now I will finally be seen by all the artists that I’ve always wanted to work with, including DBN Gogo herself. It was such an organic process, from how it was made to how people are receiving it.
“And the way I was so detached from the song, because honestly, I didn’t even get a chance to listen to it or perfect it—hence, I was detached. It was only when I heard DBN Gogo play it that I believed, ‘Wow, that’s me’. I did that in one take; they cooked it, and now we are here,” she said excitedly.
Explaining the concept of the song, she freestyled based on what was happening in the studio. Seeing her talent blossom like that has encouraged her to believe that she belongs in the music industry.
“This one non-serious take has really taken me to serious places, and I am so grateful. December saw me work more than I ever did; it has shown my talent to an even greater pool of artists and shown my versatility. I hope to work with the likes of DJ Maphorisa, DJ Tira, and many others.
“Social media numbers have skyrocketed, all thanks to a song that was unplanned. This is proof that everything that we do has value, and nothing should be taken for granted.
