Nkululeko Nciza, professionally known as Ciza, is a South African singer, songwriter, and performer. He was born on 23 August 2001 in Benoni, Gauteng, South Africa. He is the eldest son of music executive and businessman TK Nciza and Nhlanhla Mafu, the celebrated lead vocalist of the award-winning Afro-pop group Mafikizolo. Growing up in a household deeply connected to the entertainment industry, Ciza was exposed to music and performance from an early age. Despite having famous parents, he has often spoken about the importance of building his own identity and career rather than relying on his family’s name. He began writing and composing music as a teenager and was actively involved in school performances and talent shows. Away from music, Ciza’s family life has been marked by both privilege and tragedy. He is one of four siblings, and in 2009 the family suffered the heartbreaking loss of his younger sister, Zinathi, who died following a car accident at the age of five. The experience had a profound impact on the Nciza family and remains one of the most difficult chapters in their lives. Ciza generally keeps his private life out of the public eye, preferring to let his work speak for itself. Those close to him describe him as ambitious, disciplined, and determined to create a legacy of his own while honoring the influence of his parents. Outside of music, he has expressed a strong interest in sports and fitness, saying that he likely would have pursued a career in sports if he had not become a musician.
Four: Adje
Released on 21 August 2020, Adje is widely recognized as one of the songs that introduced Ciza to the South African music scene and marked the beginning of his professional recording career. Arriving when he was still a teenager, the single showcased his ability to blend Afrobeats, Afro-pop, and contemporary African sounds while also highlighting the influence of growing up in one of South Africa’s most prominent music families. Although Adje didn’t become a massive commercial hit, the song has garnered over 340K streams on Spotify and over 1.3M views on its official music video on YouTube. The song generated considerable attention online, helping establish Ciza as an artist to watch and earning him recognition beyond simply being the son of Mafikizolo star Nhlanhla Mafu and music executive TK Nciza. Although Adje did not achieve the widespread commercial success or chart dominance of his later hit Isaka (6AM), it played a crucial role in building his fanbase, introducing his musical style, and laying the foundation for the career breakthrough that would follow in subsequent years. Today, the song remains an important milestone in his catalog as one of the records that launched his journey as a recording artist.
FYI
- His breakthrough hit, Isaka (6AM), became one of the biggest South African songs of 2025 and introduced him to a much wider African audience.
Three: Isaka II (6AM) ft. Tems & Omah Lay
Released on 28 August 2025, Isaka II (6AM) is the high-profile follow-up to Ciza’s breakthrough smash Isaka (6AM). The song features Nigerian superstars Tems and Omah Lay alongside collaborators Thukuthela, Jazzworx and Lekaa Beats, transforming the original record from a regional hit into a pan-African collaboration. Garnering over 44M streams on Spotify and over 4.9M views on YouTube, the track retained the melodic and infectious appeal of the original while introducing fresh vocals and perspectives from two of Africa’s biggest global exports. The release was issued through CIZARIO Records and LVRN Records, marking one of the most significant releases of Ciza’s career. The collaboration generated substantial excitement before release because it brought together three artists from different corners of African music. At the time, Tems was already a Grammy-winning global star, while Omah Lay had established himself as one of Afrobeats’ most successful voices. Their involvement elevated Ciza’s profile considerably and exposed his music to a much broader international audience. The song quickly secured placements on major streaming playlists, including prominent Apple Music African playlists and year-end selections. Commercially, the song also achieved chart success. Isaka II (6AM) reached the Top 10 on Nigeria’s TurnTable charts, a notable achievement considering the competitive nature of the Afrobeats market.
Two: Yivule
Produced by Ciza’s frequent collaborators and built around a fusion of Afro-pop and Amapiano sounds, Yivule is one of the latest additions to the singer’s growing catalog. The song was released on 17 April 2026 and arrived as his first major solo release following the success of Isaka (6AM). With its infectious melodies, polished production, and vibrant energy, the track quickly caught the attention of fans who had been eagerly waiting to hear what Ciza would do next. Despite being one of the newest songs in Ciza’s catalog, Yivule has already amassed over 356K streams on Spotify and over 784K views on its official music video on YouTube. Built around infectious melodies, rhythmic percussion, and a feel-good atmosphere, Yivule highlights Ciza’s ability to blend South African sounds with contemporary Afrobeats influences. The song quickly found support across major streaming platforms and editorial playlists, including Apple Music’s Africa Rising, Mzansi Hits, 3-Step Groove, and Isgubhu, helping introduce the track to a wider audience. In addition to its streaming success, the music video also gained traction on South African television, ranking among the country’s most-played music videos during May 2026.
Awards/Nominations
- Ciza’s major award recognition began to accelerate in 2026 following the success of Isaka (6AM).
- In 2026, he earned nominations for Best Male Artist and Artist of the Year at the Metro FM Music Awards 2026, while Isaka received nominations for Song of the Year, Best Dance Song, and Best Music Video.
The same year, he went on to win Artist of the Year and Best Male Artist, marking the biggest award achievements of his career so far and cementing his rise as one of South Africa’s most promising young stars.
Discography
- Although Ciza has built an impressive catalog of singles and EPs, he is only now preparing to release his debut studio album, CIZA’S PALACE, in June 2026.
One: Isaka (6AM)
Powered by an infectious blend of Afro-pop, Amapiano, and 3-Step influences, Isaka (6AM) became the song that transformed Ciza from a promising newcomer into one of South Africa’s most talked-about young artists. Released in 2025 alongside collaborators Jazzworx and Thukuthela, the record quickly gained traction thanks to its catchy melodies, vibrant production, and dance-friendly energy. This track has garnered over 51.7M streams on Spotify and over 48M views on its official music video on YouTube. What began as a regional hit soon evolved into a continental phenomenon, dominating streaming platforms, inspiring viral dance trends, and earning widespread support across radio stations, playlists, and social media. The song went on to become the most-streamed song in South Africa on Spotify in 2025, making it by far the biggest hit of Ciza’s career. Its success helped introduce him to a much larger audience across Africa and beyond, while also earning recognition at major award ceremonies. More than just a commercial success, Isaka (6AM) became a cultural moment that cemented Ciza’s status as one of the continent’s fastest-rising stars and remains the defining record of his career to date.
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