Empangeni-born songstress Zethe always loved music, but she never imagined that one day she would find herself performing on stage. Last night, to the sound of rapturous applause, the jazz singer launched her debut album, BREATHE, marking a significant milestone in her career.

Reflecting on her journey, Zethe, whose full name is Zethembiso Zimela, says, “It’s funny because growing up, I absolutely hated singing in front of people. But my mom saw something in me that I couldn’t see myself. She saw me singing in front of the mirror all the time and decided to push me. She made me sing at weddings and graduation parties, and I hated it. But I think she saw something bigger in me, something I couldn’t even fathom back then.”

Her mother, whom Zethe affectionately calls her “superfan", has been an unwavering pillar of support throughout her journey. “She still encourages all her friends and family to support me, buy tickets, and spread the word. I’m incredibly fortunate to have her by my side," Zethe shares with a smile.

The path to success wasn’t without its hurdles. Zethe graduated in 2016 with a degree in music from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, majoring in jazz. She performed at prestigious events, including the South African Music Awards (SAMAs), and even appeared on the popular TV drama Uzalo. But as life would have it, the COVID-19 pandemic brought everything to a halt. In the midst of this, Zethe was also pregnant, navigating the complexities of motherhood.

What followed was a period of deep introspection and emotional struggle. “After having my baby, I went through a difficult time of postpartum depression, and I withdrew from everything. I had a lot of time to reflect on the kind of artist I truly wanted to become,” Zethe recalls.

Journaling became an essential tool for Zethe during this dark phase. “Writing helped me process my emotions, and it became my outlet for healing,” she said. After almost three years of reflection and healing, Zethe decided it was time to return to her music. She reached out to jazz pianist and music producer Sibusiso Mashiloane to produce her album, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Her debut album, BREATHE, features eight deeply personal tracks. Zethe describes the album as “diary entries converted into songs".

“I really wanted to take my time with this project,” she says. “Because it’s so vulnerable, it required me to be honest with myself about what I wanted to share with the world.”

The album’s themes are rooted in mental health and self-discovery. Zethe, who acknowledges the high cost of therapy in South Africa, used alternative methods like exercise and journaling to manage her depression. “It’s not something that just disappears, but I’ve found ways to cope,” she shares. “Now, I’m in a place where I can proudly say that I’m ready to establish myself in the music industry again.”

One of the tracks on the album is dedicated to her partner, who stood by her during this difficult period. "He held my hand throughout the journey."

Zethe’s music is not just for her. It’s for everyone who has ever faced challenges and needed a second chance. “I want people to listen to my album and connect with it. It’s a message of hope,” she says. “Everyone deserves a second chance to follow their dreams, and sometimes, it doesn’t work out the first time. But you must keep going.”

Looking ahead, Zethe is preparing for her upcoming tour and is excited to share her music with the world. “The journey is just beginning,” she says. “I feel so at peace now. I’ve conquered a lot of my fears, and to be able to share this part of my journey with others feels incredible.”

Zethe’s mother, who continues to be her biggest cheerleader, plays a crucial role in her success. “My mom is still a superfan. She doesn’t even understand how the music business works, but she’s always rallying her friends and family to buy tickets and support me,” says Zethe. “I’m so lucky to have that kind of support. It’s made all the difference in my journey.”

As Zethe prepares to take the stage and tour, she has one final message to share: “If there’s one thing I want people to take away from this, it’s that you don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to have everything figured out on the first try. It’s okay to fall, to reflect, and to rise again. Just give yourself the chance.”

Zethe is undertaking a national tour to promote the album. She will be performing at UKZN Centre for Jazz and Popular Music in Howard College on March 26 at 5.30pm. Tickets from Webtickets. She will be at The Chairman at 146 Mahatma Gandhi Road on March 28 March at 10pm. Tickets from Quicket.

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Zethe finds her voice with debut album Breathe