The seasoned singer rose to prominence after signing a record deal with EL World Music and releasing her first studio album, Tugela Fairy, in 2018. The album, certified Platinum by the RiSA, had hit singles, including Ngiyesaba, Ubala, and Umahlalela.
Thabisile Zikhali
Simmy sings Afro-house and Neo-Soul music, but also blends Maskandi and RnB into her songs.
Quick Facts
Full name:
Simphiwe Majobe Nhlangulela
Born:
July 1994 (age 30 years old)
Place of birth:
Tugela Ferry, KwaZulu-Natal
Nationality:
South African
Education:
Social Sicences
Alma mater:
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Occupation:
Singer, songwriter
Years active:
2017–date
Genre:
Afro-house, neo-soul, neo-folk
Instrument:
Vocals
Label:
EL World Music
Siblings:
3
Early life
Simmy was born Simphiwe Majobe Nhlangulela on July 1994 in Tugela Ferry, a rural area in KwaZulu-Natal. She has three siblings, of whom she is the youngest.
Although her parents were strict, she played with boys and climbed trees and walls in the neighborhoods; she has some scars to show for it. She spent weekends with her cousins at her grandmother’s house.
Education
Simmy studied social sciences at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).
Career
While at the university, Simmy met Sun El-Musician through his younger brother, Sandile Sithole. She impressed him with her voice, and immediately, Sun El-Musician wanted them to do some music.
Simmy, who wanted to focus on her studies, declined the offer. After completing her studies, she moved to Johannesburg in 2016 to do music full-time. She had discovered her voice back in primary school.
In Johannesburg, Simmy started doing backing vocals for a few artists, which helped her learn more about recording music. She entered singing competitions, including Idols and South Africa’s Got Talent, but did not make it far in these competitions.
After a few months, Simmy reconnected with Sun El Musician. The music producer invited her to his studio. She continued visiting and discovered she could write music.
At first, she wrote in English, but Sun El Musician encouraged her to write in isiZulu, leading to the songs Ntaba Ezikude and Sonini on his album. By the time he was finished his album, Simmy had written many songs.
They decided to work on an EP, which led to the release of her debut album, Tugela Fairy, in 2018. She featured Sun-El Musician on her hit single Ubala, released on 22 February. Another hit single, Umahlalela, was certified platinum plaque.
Simmy rose to prominence after signing a record deal with EL World Music.
Her work, Tugela Fairy, was a nominee for Best Afro Pop Album at the 25th South African Music Awards. She bagged the Best Female Vocalist award at the 2019 South African Dance Music Awards.
In 2020, Simmy released a single, Ngihamba Nawe, in March and her second studio album, Tugela Fairy (Made of Stars), in November.
Her album Tugela Fairy (Made of Stars) featured Mthunzi, Sun-El Musician, S-Tone, Da Capo, Sino Msolo, Ami Faku, and Khuzani and debuted at number 3 on Apple Music Charts. It received a nomination for Best Afro-Pop Album at the 27th South African Music Awards.
She launched the Tugela Fairy (Made of Stars) Special Virtual Concert to promote her album. She announced she was working on another studio album in December 2023.
Her first live television performance was at the DStv Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards. She performed in front of 25,000 people at the Buyelekhaya Festival in East London.
