Zoë Mabaso Talks Her New Album, 3 Step, and Ignoring the Algorithm

The fast-rising vocalist on writing in isiZulu first, studio sessions at 4am, and why she refuses to chase TikTok trends.

Zoë Mabaso arrives at our Braamfontein studio with a notebook full of lyrics and absolutely no interest in small talk about streaming numbers.

On writing

"I write in isiZulu first. If the song doesn't move me in my home language, it won't move anyone in English."

On 3 Step

"3 Step gives the vocals more room. Piano was so busy for a while — this sound breathes."

"The algorithm doesn't buy tickets. People do."

Her album is out Friday on all platforms. Watch the full sit-down in our video section.

NM
Naledi Mokoena · Senior Music Editor

Pretoria-raised, log-drum obsessed. Covering Amapiano since the Bacardi house days.

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