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Lady Zamar
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Key Information
Yamikani Janet Banda, professionally known under the alias of Lady Zamar, is a South African singer, songwriter and author.[1]
Career
[edit]2015-2016: Lady Zamar & Junior Taurus, Cotton Candy
[edit]Lady Zamar and Junior Taurus met in 2011.[2] On October 14, 2015, their debut album Cotton Candy was released.[3] The album produced three singles, including "Mamelodi", "Run Away" and "Pitori".
At the 22nd South African Music Awards, Cotton Candy was nominated for Duo/Group of the Year and Best Dance Album.[4][5] Soon after its release, Lady Zamar decided to pursue a solo career.
2017-present: Solo projects, King Zamar, and Monarch
[edit]Lady Zamar's first solo album, King Zamar, was released in March 2017.[1] In February 2018 the album was certified gold,[6][7] and in June 2019 it was certified double platinum.[8][9]
In 2017, Lady Zamar won the Song of the Year Award at the DStv Mzansi Viewers Choice Awards for her song "Charlotte", produced by Prince Kaybee.[1] At the 24th South African Music Awards she won the award for Best Dance Album.[10] On 11 March 2018, she headlined the Vivo Nation Festival.[11]
On 9 August 2018, National Women's Day, she performed at a concert dedicated to women, alongside fellow artists Mafikizolo and Sho Madjozi.[12]
Her second solo album Monarch was released on 21 June 2019.[13][14]
At the 4th Mzansi Kwaito and House Music Awards in 2019, her single "This is Love" won Best House Single.[15]
In the first quarter of 2024, she announced and promoted her album titled Rainbow, dropping in April.
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions | Certifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZA | |||
| Cotton Candy (with Junior Taurus) |
|
— | |
| King Zamar |
|
— | |
| Monarch |
|
— | |
| Rainbow |
|
— |
Awards and nominations
[edit]In her career as a solo artist, she has received several awards, including 5 SAMA awards, 1 Independent Music Award, 1 DMVCA, 2 Dance Awards, 1 Darling Award and Coolest Female Celebrity Award.[17]
Dance Music Awards South Africa
[edit]| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Herself | Best Female Vocalist | Nominated | [18] |
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "Lady Zamar, the rising star | IOL Entertainment". Retrieved 15 September 2018.
- ^ Nkonyana, Ayanda (7 March 2018). "Lady Zamar: The Queen of house music | Truelove". News24. South Africa.
- ^ "Junior Taurus & Lady Zamar". Zalebs. 22 June 2020.
- ^ "All the nominees for the 2016 Samas | Channel". News24. South Africa. 21 April 2016.
- ^ Herimbi, Helen (1 June 2016). "Sweet dreams on Cotton Candy". Independent Online.
- ^ "Lady Zamar Certified Gold with Debut Album King Zamar! | Yule Dark". Yule Dark. 16 February 2018. Retrieved 15 September 2018.
- ^ "Lady Zamar's album goes gold | Bona Magazine". www.bona.co.za. Archived from the original on 15 September 2018. Retrieved 15 September 2018.
- ^ Davis, Desere (23 June 2019). "Lady Zamar celebrates - she reached double platinum with 'King Zamar'". Briefly.
- ^ adejoy (23 June 2019). "Lady Zamar celebrates album, King Zamar's double platinum | Fakaza News". Fakaza News.
- ^ "[WATCH] Lady Zamar on winning Best Dance Album at the 2018 SAMAs". 8 June 2018. Retrieved 15 September 2018.
- ^ "LADY ZAMAR IS READY VIVONATION". Daily Sun. 21 February 2018.
- ^ "Mafikizolo, Lady Zamar & Sho Madjozi Set To Headline Tribute To Women concert - SA Music Magazine". South African Music Magazine. Archived from the original on 16 June 2022. Retrieved 7 September 2021.
- ^ "Lady Zamar Monarch Album". 20 June 2019. Retrieved 15 August 2019.
- ^ Rethabile, Thandi (14 June 2025). "Lady Zamar – russian roulette Music Video". CeeMuzic. Retrieved 14 June 2025.
- ^ Reporter, Sun (2 December 2019). "MZANSI KWAITO AND HOUSE MUSIC AWARDS WINNERS!". Daily Sun.
- ^ "South Africa certifications". Recording Industry of South Africa.
- ^ Neo Koza (8 June 2018). "[WATCH] Lady Zamar on winning Best Dance Album at the 2018 SAMAs".
- ^ "Dance Music Awards South Africa 2019: All the winners". Music in Africa. 4 October 2019. Retrieved 26 July 2024.
Lady Zamar
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Lady Zamar, whose real name is Yamikani Janet Banda, is a South African singer, songwriter, and dancer renowned for her soulful vocals and innovative blend of house, pop, and Afropop music.[1] Born in Tembisa and raised in Mamelodi, Pretoria, she has become one of the most prominent female artists in the South African music industry, earning acclaim for her poetic storytelling and genre-defying sound.[2][3]
Her career gained momentum through a collaboration with producer Junior Taurus, culminating in the release of their debut album Cotton Candy in 2015, which featured tracks like "Mamelodi" and introduced her distinctive style to audiences.[2] Transitioning to solo work in 2017, Lady Zamar released King Zamar, an album that achieved gold certification in 2018 and double platinum status by 2019, propelled by hit singles such as "Collide," "My Baby," and "Love Is Blind."[2][3] This success was followed by Monarch in 2019, the album Rainbow on April 19, 2024, and several singles in 2025 including "Russian Roulette," "show me," "W O R K," "come my way," and the collaboration "Right Now," with a new album slated for release later in 2025.[2][4][1][5][6]
Lady Zamar's accolades include five South African Music Awards (SAMAs), notably Best Dance Album for King Zamar in 2018, as well as the Song of the Year at the 2017 DStv Mzansi Viewers' Choice Awards for "Charlotte."[2][3] Her influence extends beyond music, as she has performed at major events like the Durban July and served as a guest judge on Idols South Africa in 2019, solidifying her role as a trailblazer in contemporary South African house music.[7][8]
These achievements underscore her impact on South African dance music, with King Zamar earning top honors and Monarch receiving nominations for their innovative blend of house, pop, and R&B elements.[100][103]
Early life and education
Family and upbringing
Lady Zamar, born Yamikani Janet Banda on 19 June 1995, entered the world in Tembisa, a township east of Johannesburg in Gauteng Province, South Africa. Her given name reflects her multicultural heritage, with "Yamikani" drawing from Chichewa roots meaning "praise," a nod to her father's Zambian background.[9] Raised primarily in Mamelodi, a vibrant township in Pretoria, Banda grew up in a household shaped by her Zambian father's traditions and her South African mother's customs, creating a rich tapestry of cross-border influences.[10] The family's relocation from Tembisa to Pretoria during her early years immersed her in the dynamic urban environment of the nation's capital, where she navigated the complexities of dual cultural identities that sometimes left her grappling with a sense of belonging.[10] She has described this blended upbringing as a "curry pot" of Southern African elements, fostering an "intra-continental" perspective that enriched her worldview.[10] The Banda home pulsed with musical energy, as her father served as an enthusiastic vocal coach, guiding family performances and insisting on exposure to Broadway musicals like The Phantom of the Opera.[11] Her mother emphasized spiritual gatherings filled with hymn singing, introducing diverse traditions from gospel to structured choral practices that highlighted the household's emphasis on expressive arts.[11] This environment of cultural fusion and creative encouragement laid the groundwork for her early interest in music, including singing from around age six.[11]Initial musical development
Banda began her musical journey at the age of six, engaging in live singing within family gatherings and school environments in Pretoria. This early exposure allowed her to express herself creatively from a young age, drawing initial inspiration from the multicultural household where music was a cherished part of daily life.[9][12] As a child, she developed her vocal abilities through self-taught techniques, experimenting with sounds and rhythms without formal training. By her teenage years, this evolved into songwriting and poetry, where she honed her skills informally, often performing as a budding artist in local settings. Her innate talent for melody and lyrics emerged organically, reflecting a personal drive to entertain and connect through music.[9] During her adolescence in Pretoria's Mamelodi area, Lady Zamar immersed herself in the vibrant local South African music scenes, particularly the hip-hop culture thriving in Tshwane. She participated in street ciphers at Church Square, adopting the moniker "Afro Jay" to rap and showcase her freestyle abilities alongside emerging artists. These experiences exposed her to diverse influences, including gospel music, building her confidence through community-based performances.[12][9][10]Education
Lady Zamar attended schools in Pretoria, where she excelled in literature and the arts, showing early potential in creative fields.[13]Musical style and influences
Genres and vocal approach
Lady Zamar's music is rooted in the house and dance genres, often incorporating elements of pop and Afropop to create a fusion that appeals to a broad audience in South Africa's vibrant music scene.[14][15] As a prominent house vocalist, her work emphasizes soulful house and deep house subgenres, blending rhythmic electronic beats with melodic synth lines that drive the dancefloor energy.[16][17] This production style features layered electronic instrumentation, including pulsating basslines and atmospheric synths, which provide a foundation for her emotive performances.[18] Her vocal approach is characterized by a warm, nimble delivery that conveys soulful grit and emotional depth, allowing her to navigate complex themes with intimacy and power.[17][19] Zamar demonstrates high-range capabilities, effortlessly shifting between husky, grounded tones and angelic, soaring highs, showcasing remarkable versatility honed through vocal training and personal challenges.[20][21] She frequently employs layered harmonies to add richness and texture, enhancing the emotive impact of her singing while maintaining a nimble agility suited to upbeat tracks.[16] Over time, Zamar's sound has evolved from early collaborative efforts in pure house and dance productions to more solo-driven works infused with pop sensibilities, expanding her fusion of Afropop rhythms and accessible melodies.[14][21] This progression reflects a maturation in her production choices, incorporating broader sonic influences like amapiano elements alongside traditional electronic beats, while preserving her signature vocal emotiveness. In May 2025, with her single "Russian Roulette," she further incorporated Afrobeats, merging it with house, soul, and pop.[21][22]Key influences and themes
Lady Zamar's musical influences draw from a blend of international R&B and soul icons as well as African traditions, shaping her distinctive sound in South African house and Afropop. She has cited artists such as Lauryn Hill, Alicia Keys, Aretha Franklin, Jill Scott, Thandiswa Mazwai, Lebo Mathosa, and Brenda Fassie as key inspirations from an early age, crediting their emotive vocal styles and songwriting depth for motivating her pursuit of music. Additionally, her work reflects broader draws from diverse African musical traditions and continental literary giants, infusing her compositions with cultural depth and rhythmic vitality.[7][23][23][24] Her lyrical themes frequently center on empowerment, love, resilience, and the complexities of relationships, often weaving personal introspection with broader social commentary. Albums like Monarch emphasize royalty and African empowerment, portraying Black heritage as a source of strength and self-worth. Tracks across her discography, such as those on Rainbow, explore love's transformative power alongside emotional pain and letting go, highlighting resilience amid adversity. These motifs address relational dynamics, including vulnerability and self-discovery, without shying away from the emotional toll of interpersonal conflicts.[25][14][26] Personal experiences profoundly impact Lady Zamar's songwriting, particularly her navigation of cultural identity and emotional growth. Born in Tembisa and raised in Mamelodi, Pretoria, she has spoken about the challenges of feeling unmoored amid shifting cultural influences, which informs her themes of belonging and heritage. Health struggles, including multiple vocal surgeries and training, have fostered maturity in her artistry, allowing her to channel vulnerability into authentic narratives of healing and reinvention. This evolution is evident in her shift toward simpler, more direct lyrics, born from a period of hiatus and self-reflection that deepened her emotional authenticity.[10][27][21] These themes manifest in Lady Zamar's music as a fusion of Afropop storytelling—rich with narrative-driven lyrics on identity and emotion—and the pulsating rhythms of house, creating anthems that resonate on both personal and communal levels. Her approach blends introspective tales of empowerment with danceable grooves, reflecting South African urban experiences while celebrating African sonic heritage. This stylistic integration underscores her role in evolving house music toward more narrative and culturally rooted expressions.[3][28][23]Career
Debut collaboration and Cotton Candy (2015–2016)
Lady Zamar met producer and DJ Junior Taurus in the early 2010s, forming a creative partnership that blended her soulful vocals with his house music production.[19] Their collaboration began gaining traction in 2015 with initial single releases such as "Run Away" and "My Heart Goes," which showcased her emotive singing over deep house rhythms and introduced their chemistry to South African audiences.[29][30] On October 14, 2015, Junior Taurus and Lady Zamar released their debut collaborative album, Cotton Candy, through Universal Music South Africa, featuring 11 tracks that fused broken beat, deep house, and soul elements.[31] The project highlighted tracks like "Mamelodi" (featuring Odyssey 012) and "Pitori," which became staples in South Africa's dance music scene for their infectious grooves and Zamar's layered vocal delivery.[32] Cotton Candy received positive critical reception for revitalizing the broken beat genre and earned nominations at the 22nd South African Music Awards in 2016, including Duo/Group of the Year and Best Dance Album.[33] These accolades underscored the duo's impact on the local electronic music landscape, positioning them as innovative forces in a male-dominated production space.[34] During the promotional tours and live performances for Cotton Candy in 2015 and 2016, Lady Zamar built her stage presence, leveraging her dance training to deliver dynamic shows that combined fluid choreography with powerful vocal performances, captivating audiences across South Africa.[35] This period marked her emergence as a multifaceted performer, blending visual energy with musical depth to solidify her appeal in the house music circuit.[7]Solo breakthrough with King Zamar (2017–2018)
In 2017, Lady Zamar transitioned to a solo career, signing with Universal Music Group South Africa to release her debut solo album, King Zamar, on 31 March 2017.[36] The album marked a significant departure from her earlier collaborative work, showcasing her as a lead artist with a blend of house and soulful elements, produced primarily by Yamikani Banda and Sipho Msiza.[2] This move established her independence in the South African music scene, allowing her to explore personal themes of love and introspection through 14 tracks on the standard edition, later expanded in a deluxe version with additional songs.[37] The album's lead singles propelled its success, with "My Baby" emerging as a standout hit upon its release in May 2017, capturing widespread attention for its emotive vocals and relatable lyrics.[38] "Collide" followed as another major track, becoming one of the biggest digital songs by a South African artist by the end of 2018 and topping streaming charts on platforms like Deezer.[39] These singles drove the album to commercial milestones, earning gold certification from the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) in February 2018 for sales exceeding 22,000 units, and double platinum status in June 2019, reflecting over 40,000 units sold and millions of streams.[2][14] Promotional efforts included high-profile live performances and media engagements to build momentum. Lady Zamar showcased tracks from the album during a dedicated live session on Feel Good Live Sessions in July 2017, performing hits like "Kissing (King Zamar)" to connect with audiences.[40] She also appeared at major events, including radio takeovers and television spots, which amplified visibility across South African media outlets. The album debuted at number 8 on the South Africa Top 100 Albums chart in April 2017, demonstrating immediate appeal.[41] Commercially, King Zamar expanded Lady Zamar's fanbase beyond local house enthusiasts, achieving over 46 million combined audio and video streams by mid-2019 and solidifying her as a rising star in South African pop and dance music.[14] This breakthrough not only boosted her streaming numbers but also positioned her for international recognition, with the album's success highlighting the growing demand for female-led house narratives in the region.[2]Monarch era and professional disputes (2019–2020)
Lady Zamar released her second studio album, Monarch, on June 21, 2019, through Universal Music (Pty) Ltd. The 20-track project blended South African house and pop with elements of rap and hip-hop, exploring themes of love, desire, and personal growth. Pre-released singles included "This is Love" and "Our Process," with the former earning acclaim for its emotive vocals and production. The album featured collaborations with South African rapper Tellaman and American artist Rapsody on tracks like "Freedom," showcasing Zamar's evolving sound following the success of her debut King Zamar.[42][43] In early 2020, tensions arose in Zamar's professional collaborations when DJ Maphorisa, a prominent South African producer, publicly criticized her on social media for not owning the masters to her music. During a broader Twitter exchange in February 2020, Maphorisa named Zamar alongside artists Prince Kaybee and Mafikizolo, claiming they lacked control over their recordings and urging them to reclaim ownership, as exemplified by figures like Jay-Z. He positioned the comments as educational, stating, "Truth hurts and I am about it. I will teach you the real music industry." This sparked a heated public fallout, with Zamar responding indirectly at first via a subtweet implying Maphorisa was an "empty vessel" making noise without substance.[44][45] Zamar later addressed the dispute more directly, refusing to let the conversation devolve into a "joke" driven by ego and clout-chasing. She challenged Maphorisa to host a seminar or provide detailed guidance on masters ownership versus intellectual property rights, emphasizing the need for proper education to benefit emerging artists. The exchange fueled industry-wide debates on artist rights, exploitation in the music business, and the importance of financial literacy for musicians navigating label deals. While Maphorisa clarified his intent as inspirational rather than malicious, the controversy highlighted ongoing issues of power dynamics in South African music production.[46][47] The public scrutiny from the masters ownership debate contributed to a period of reduced visibility for Zamar, as she stepped back from some promotional activities amid the social media backlash and broader professional pressures. This episode underscored the challenges she faced in asserting creative and financial autonomy during the Monarch era.[44]Hiatus, Rainbow, and recent projects (2021–present)
Following the release of her second studio album Monarch in 2019, Lady Zamar entered a hiatus from major music releases starting in 2020, which intensified after undergoing throat surgery in November 2021 to address vocal issues that had begun the previous year.[48][49] During this period, she focused on personal reflection, healing from trauma, and vocal recovery, describing it as a time to set boundaries and rebuild her artistic voice after years of industry pressures.[49][50] This break, spanning nearly five years without a full album, allowed her to experiment with producers and refine her sound, culminating in the announcement of her third studio album, Rainbow, in early 2024.[51][26] Rainbow was released on April 19, 2024, marking Lady Zamar's return to the music scene and her first full-length project since Monarch.[52] Produced entirely by MegaDrumz, the 12-track album blends house, pop, and amapiano elements, emphasizing themes of resilience, healing, and self-empowerment as a narrative of personal rebirth.[53][54] Promotional singles leading up to the release included "Party in Heaven" and "Work for It," the latter serving as an uplifting anthem encouraging perseverance and effort in overcoming challenges.[55][56] In July 2024, she discussed the album's creation as a therapeutic process, highlighting tracks like "Our Love" and "Deeper" for their introspective exploration of emotional recovery.[57] Since the album's launch, Lady Zamar has remained active with performances and new releases into 2025. She signed with Virgin Music Group in May 2025 and released the single "Russian Roulette," signaling a bolder phase in her career.[58] Notable 2025 endeavors include headlining the Totalsports Women's Race events across Durban (August 3), Cape Town (August 9), and Johannesburg, where she performed to celebrate women's empowerment.[59][60] She also made a special guest appearance at the 13th Annual All Africa Business Leaders Awards (AABLA) in November 2025, alongside collaborations such as the summer anthem "Show Me" with Fido, fusing afrobeats, amapiano, and pop.[61][62] Further projects, including a cross-border feature with Zambian artist Vinchenzo Mbale, underscore her expanding international presence and openness to collaborative growth.[63][64]Personal life
Relationships and public allegations
In 2017, while in a romantic relationship with South African musician Sjava, Lady Zamar alleged that she was sexually assaulted by him following a concert in Thohoyandou, Venda.[65] She later described the incident as the beginning of a pattern of abuse, stating that she struggled to recognize it as rape due to self-blame and her religious upbringing, which emphasized avoiding situations that could lead to violation.[66] The allegations became public in October 2019 when Lady Zamar posted a series of tweets detailing emotional, physical, and sexual abuse in her past relationship, without initially naming Sjava, though it was widely understood to refer to him.[67] She claimed the abuse included constant violations that left her feeling obligated to stay, exacerbated by her ex's public stance against abuse while privately exerting control.[68] In March 2020, she formally opened a rape case against Sjava at a police station, prompting widespread media coverage and support from some celebrities, though it also led to significant online backlash and accusations of fabrication against her.[69] The case was withdrawn later that year by the National Prosecuting Authority, citing insufficient evidence for prosecution.[70] Lady Zamar has emphasized themes of forgiveness in reflecting on the matter, stating in 2023 that no one is perfect and expressing regret for the situation's impact, while prioritizing personal healing over ongoing conflict.[71] In a 2025 podcast appearance, she reiterated an apology to Sjava, acknowledging the harm caused by the public nature of the allegations and underscoring the importance of understanding mistakes.[72] Following the incidents, Lady Zamar has openly discussed the toll on her mental health, revealing diagnoses of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) and depression, which manifested as constant reminders of the trauma and a sense of isolation.[73] She described the backlash, including online bullying, as "horrific" and contributing to her decision to take a hiatus for self-focus and recovery.[74] In addressing boundaries, she has stressed the need to speak out for personal safety rather than seeking validation, noting that keeping secrets prolonged her vulnerability and that setting limits post-trauma has been essential to reclaiming agency.[66] In June 2025, Lady Zamar revealed she is currently in a relationship but maintains she is single until married.[75]Other professional endeavors
Beyond her musical career, Lady Zamar has established herself as an author, publishing her debut children's book, Amara Goes to the Olympics, in August 2022, which aims to inspire young readers through themes of perseverance and achievement.[76] The book reflects her interest in using writing to promote positive narratives for youth, drawing from her background as a writer and essayist.[77] Lady Zamar holds academic qualifications in Language and Literature, having majored in English and Literature during her studies.[78] She also pursued three years of Civil Engineering but did not complete the degree, ultimately channeling her creative interests toward literary fields.[78] Her academic foundation in literature informs her broader artistic pursuits, including an emphasis on visual storytelling in recent projects to enhance narrative depth and audience engagement.[23] In terms of public engagement, Lady Zamar has voiced aspirations to become a public speaker, particularly on topics of personal empowerment and resilience.[79] She is passionate about youth empowerment initiatives, including plans to establish a bursary fund for young girls pursuing studies in arts or music, as part of her commitment to charitable work supporting emerging creatives.[77] Following professional disputes in 2020, Lady Zamar has advocated for greater awareness of artist rights within the music industry, notably addressing the importance of understanding master recordings versus intellectual property ownership and the need for informed contract negotiations to combat misinformation.[47] She has also critiqued cancel culture's impact on artists, highlighting how personal allegations can unjustly hinder professional opportunities and reception of creative work.[49]Discography
Studio albums
Lady Zamar's debut project, Cotton Candy, was a collaborative album with producer Junior Taurus, released on October 14, 2015, under CapCity Records. The 11-track house album introduced her soulful vocals blended with electronic beats, featuring tracks like "Mamelodi" and "Run Away Child," but it did not receive any formal certifications from the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA).[32][80] Her first solo studio album, King Zamar, arrived on March 31, 2017, via Universal Music (Pty) Ltd South Africa, marking a shift to mainstream pop and house fusion. The record achieved gold certification in February 2018 and reached double platinum status by June 2019, reflecting its commercial success driven by hits that resonated widely in South Africa.[2][1][81] The sophomore effort, Monarch, was released on June 21, 2019, also through Universal Music, comprising 20 tracks that explored themes of love and empowerment with a mix of pop, R&B, and Afro-house elements. It propelled Lady Zamar to become the second most-streamed local artist on Spotify in South Africa for 2019, underscoring its strong chart impact through associated singles.[42][82] Following a five-year hiatus, Rainbow debuted on April 19, 2024, under Universal Music, a 12-track collection produced by MegaDrumz that emphasizes resilience, self-awareness, and playful Afro-pop experimentation. The album received positive initial reception for its themes of healing and musical diversity, though specific sales figures as of November 2025 remain unreported, with no RiSA certifications announced yet.[26][83][84]Extended plays
Red – 2021[85] Royal Flush – 2022[86]Notable singles and collaborations
Lady Zamar's pre-album singles marked her entry into the South African music scene through her collaboration with producer Junior Taurus on the 2015 project Cotton Candy, though the standout track "Mamelodi" (featuring Odyssey 012) emerged as a key release that showcased her soulful vocals over house beats.[87] Released in October 2015, "Mamelodi" highlighted her early fusion of R&B and electronic elements, gaining traction on local radio and establishing her as an emerging talent.[88] Following this, her 2017 single "My Baby" from the King Zamar era became a romantic anthem, blending smooth melodies with introspective lyrics about devotion, and it amassed approximately 3.5 million streams on Spotify as of November 2025. The track contributed to the album's double platinum certification.[89] Post-album releases further solidified her solo presence, with "This Is Love" serving as the lead single for her 2019 Monarch project, released in March of that year as a reflective R&B track exploring relational complexities.[90] The song contributed to her growing international appeal through its radio edit version.[91] In 2024, leading up to her Rainbow album, "Work For It" dropped in March as the promotional single, emphasizing themes of perseverance with upbeat house production by MegaDrumz, and it charted prominently on local streaming platforms.[83] By 2025, additional standalone singles like "Show Me" (featuring Afrobeats artist Fido), released on July 25, 2025, and "Russian Roulette", released on May 16, 2025, continued her momentum.[92][93] Beyond her full-length albums, Lady Zamar has engaged in notable collaborations with fellow South African artists, including the 2018 hit "Charlotte" with DJ and producer Prince Kaybee, which won Song of the Year at the 2017 DStv Mzansi Viewers' Choice Awards and amassed over 50 million streams across platforms.[94] This track, a deep house gem, blended her emotive delivery with Kaybee's rhythmic production, topping South African iTunes charts for weeks.[16] Another key feature was on Prince Kaybee's "Collide" in 2018, which became the biggest digital song by a South African artist that year, surpassing 11 million Spotify streams and earning platinum certification.[95][39] In 2025, she expanded her collaborative reach with "Right Now" alongside Zambian artist Vinchenzo M'bale, Sam KotKot, and Mido Mi, a piano-infused track that debuted on South African charts and highlighted cross-border Afro-house influences.[96] Her singles have achieved significant chart success and streaming milestones in South Africa, with "Collide" accumulating 10.9 million streams by October 2025 according to Official SA Charts data, underscoring its enduring popularity.[97] These accomplishments reflect her consistent dominance in the house and pop genres, with monthly Spotify listeners exceeding 365,000 as of November 2025.[6]Awards and nominations
South African Music Awards
Lady Zamar has been recognized multiple times at the South African Music Awards (SAMAs), the premier accolade for South African recorded music, with nominations highlighting her collaborative and solo work in dance and house genres.[2] Her breakthrough EP Cotton Candy (2015), featuring collaborations with Junior Taurus, earned nominations at the 22nd SAMAs in 2016 for Duo/Group of the Year and Best Dance Album.[98][99] Subsequent solo albums solidified her success, leading to wins in key categories.| Year | Awards Edition | Category | Work | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 22nd SAMAs | Duo/Group of the Year | Cotton Candy (with Junior Taurus) | Nominated[98] |
| 2016 | 22nd SAMAs | Best Dance Album | Cotton Candy (with Junior Taurus) | Nominated[99] |
| 2018 | 24th SAMAs | Best Dance Album | King Zamar | Won[100] |
| 2019 | 25th SAMAs | SAMPRA Highest Airplay of the Year | "Collide" | Won[101] |
| 2019 | 25th SAMAs | SAMRO/CAPASSO Highest Airplay Composer's Award | "Collide" | Won[102] |
| 2020 | 26th SAMAs | Best Dance Album | Monarch | Nominated[103] |
| 2020 | 26th SAMAs | Record of the Year | "This is Love" | Nominated[104] |