Anele Zondo’s Best Hip Hop win at the Basadi in Music Awards has given the musician more than a trophy: it has affirmed that her work and influence within the culture have been noticed.
A trophy earned through persistence
After years in the public eye, Zondo understands that applause can disappear quickly. This recognition, however, feels especially meaningful because it validates the contribution she has been making to hip hop and the wider cultural landscape.
She described the honour as confirmation that people have been watching her progress and acknowledging her efforts. That feeling is closely tied to the difficult circumstances surrounding the creation of Whole City.
Zondo filmed the song’s music video shortly after welcoming her daughter. At the time, she was navigating what she called a limbo period while personally funding the project and bringing her creative vision to life.
Releasing the track exactly as she imagined demanded a great deal from her, but the experience also revealed her resilience. She had trusted herself enough to invest in her own ability. Although streams and digital encouragement remain important, holding a gold trophy gave that support a physical form, making the achievement feel even more real.
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A new identity in hip hop
The award arrives as Zondo continues to define her place in the genre. While she is already a recognisable public figure, she does not believe fame automatically makes her an established hip hop artist. She says her introduction to the space is still relatively new and that she has more work ahead before earning the level of respect she received in her other professional fields.
That mindset has shaped her latest transformation. The artist previously known as Ney The Bae has now chosen to work under her given name, Anele Zondo.
- Her official artist identity is now Anele Zondo.
- She says the change means rebuilding her music career from the beginning.
- Her Spotify presence was also reorganised so that her work sits under one name.
- She is determined to keep her own name at the centre of her career permanently.
Ney The Bae allowed her to experiment with a persona, but Zondo now wants listeners to connect with the individual creating the music. The moods and energy in her songs may vary, she explained, yet the person constructing that world remains Anele Zondo.
Rather than being discouraged by doubt from others, she uses underestimation as motivation. In her view, people who overlook her will be surprised by what she is preparing, with bigger and more unexpected moves still to come.
Competing only with herself
Her self-belief is not rooted in rivalry with other women. Zondo measures her progress against her own earlier work, including previous recordings, visual projects and biggest releases.
She sees herself as unique, balancing several careers and responsibilities at once:
- She acts and presents.
- She records and releases music.
- She is a mother.
- She continues to work relentlessly.
- She considers her fashion sense another area where she stands apart.
For Zondo, there is no second version of herself to compete with. The Basadi win therefore represents less a final achievement than a sign that a new phase is beginning. She jokingly described the moment as a season of collecting wins, fuelled by fresh management, new strategies and a renewed sense that everything is falling into place.
Refusing to be limited to one lane
Her instinct to explore different disciplines goes back to childhood. Zondo took part in netball, hockey, ballet, choir and drama, experiences that helped establish her belief that she can master a range of skills at an exceptionally high level.
Now she is determined to realise the broadest possible version of that potential. She says that once she gains entry to the right opportunity, audiences will witness something spectacular. Her ultimate goal is to leave the world knowing she used every gift God gave her to the fullest.
The gold trophy is a powerful symbol, but the greater reward is the momentum it has created. Zondo is moving into her next chapter without an alter ego standing between her and the audience.
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