Zoë Modiga – Biography, Real Name, Age and Career
Zoë Modiga, whose full name is Palesa Nomthandazo Phumelele Modiga, is a South African singer and songwriter who rose to prominence after competing in The Voice South Africa in 2016. Her second studio album, Inganekwane, released in 2020, achieved global success by debuting at number one.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Palesa Nomthandazo Phumelele Modiga |
| Professionally known as | Zoë Modiga |
| Year of Birth | 1993 |
| Place of Birth | Overport, Pietermaritzburg, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal |
| Nationality | South African |
| Age | 32 years (2025) |
| Occupation | Singer, Songwriter |
| Genre | Jazz |
| Instruments | Vocals, Guitar, Piano, Clarinet |
| Labels | Yelloëwax,BandaBanda Agency |
| @zoemodiga |
Early Life
Zoë Modiga, born Palesa Nomthandazo Phumelele Modiga in Overport, Durban, grew up in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. She discovered her love for music at the age of 10 by participating in local singing competitions. She later attended the National School of Arts in Johannesburg, where she honed her skills in classical piano, clarinet, and vocals. Between 2013 and 2015, she pursued jazz performance studies at the University of Cape Town’s College of Music. In 2015, she earned the SAMRO Overseas Scholarship for Jazz, and the following year, she reached the Top 8 on The Voice South Africa.
Career
Zoë Modiga released her debut studio album, Yellow: The Novel, in 2017. The project earned nominations for Best African Artist Album and Best Jazz Album at the South African Music Awards. Her second album, Inganekwane, dropped on June 26, 2020, blending jazz, Motown soul, and African storytelling. It debuted at number one globally.
In December 2021, Modiga headlined the 14th Annual Mzansi Fela Festival at the State Theatre in Gauteng. On September 14, she announced her Cos Cos Yaphela Tour along with her third studio album. The tour included three dates and concluded at The Star Theatre in Cape Town on October 20.
In November 2023, Glamour honored Modiga with the Women of the Year title. The following April, she announced the pre-save for her third studio album, Nomthandazo, which was officially released on April 26, 2024. In June 2024, Spotify named her the EQUAL Africa ambassador for the month. Later that year, she unveiled her Nzalabantu concert, which took place on October 4 at The Star Theatre in Cape Town.
Discography
Albums
2019 – Yellow: The Novel
2020 – Inganekwane
2024 – Nomthandazo
Music Videos
2020 – Lengoma
2020 – Umdali
2021 – SINENKANI
Singles
2019 – LENGOMA
2020 – Umdali
2020 – Umlolozelo
2024 – Ngelosi
2024 – Amen
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