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Trending in Zano’s World
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Umakoti
Released Aug 28, 2020
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South Africa
South Africa
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Thokozani Nzima, professionally known as Zano or Zano Urban, is a highly distinguished South African singer, songwriter, music producer, vocal coach, and veteran musical theatre actor.
Born in the eMbalenhle township of the Mpumalanga Province, Zano dedicated himself to his artistic path in 2004 by relocating to Pretoria to undergo formal training. His rigorous studies at the Ochrim School of Music culminated in him graduating at the top of his class with a Diploma in Jazz and Popular Music, specializing in vocals—an education he credits for his technical proficiency in composition and production. Zano's career gained significant momentum around 2005 when he was discovered by the late, iconic singer Lebo Mathosa, who mentored him and employed him for nearly three years as a backing vocalist and vocal arranger until her untimely passing; she and fellow musician Shota were instrumental in giving him the stage name "Zano."
His national profile was cemented through crucial collaborations with House music maestro Black Coffee (Nkosinathi Maphumulo), notably delivering the popular underground track "Happiness" and the profoundly emotional anthem "Someday," featured on Black Coffee’s multi-platinum Home Brewed album. He has since become a consistent, reliable voice on dance floors, lending his talents to tracks by global producers such as Ralf Gum, AtJazz, Jullian Gomes, and Riky Rick. Beyond the realm of house music, Zano has demonstrated his creative versatility by managing his own label, ZanoUrban Global Music, and branching into Afro-Pop and R&B with well-received singles such as 2020's "Umakoti." Complementing his music career, Thokozani Nzima has an extensive history in performance, boasting substantial musical theatre credits, including the leading male role of Mister in The Color Purple, as well as major roles in productions such as Sister Act, Rent, and The Full Monty. His performing arts profile extends to television, where he has appeared in South African drama series such as Generations and Scandal, confirming his status as a complete, multifaceted contemporary performer.