THE FUSE

Zee Nation Fest is back for its third edition, and DJ Zinhle is preparing to give fans another unforgettable celebration of South African music, culture and creativity. Set to take place on Sunday, 9 August 2026, at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg, this year’s festival promises a vibrant experience, while also marking a special moment in the DJ and businesswoman’s career with the release of her new EP, ZINHLE.

As the countdown to the highly anticipated festival continues, DJ Zinhle recently hosted a celebration with industry friends and family to honour three major milestones. The evening commemorated the release of her new EP, the return of Zee Nation Fest and the success of her hit Baba Yilwa, which has officially gone Double Platinum.

Reflecting on the occasion, she wrote on Instagram, “My EP is finally out!

As we build up to Zee Nation Fest this Sunday, we spent last night celebrating three very special milestones with our industry friends and family: the release of my EP, Zee Nation Fest, and Baba Yilwa officially going Double Platinum. What a beautiful night it was.”

While the EP release is a significant achievement, much of DJ Zinhle’s excitement is centred on Zee Nation Fest, a festival she has worked tirelessly to grow over the past three years. She expressed her appreciation to the team that has helped turn her vision into reality.

“We’re now in year three of this Zee Nation journey together. Can you believe it? Thank you for growing this dream with me. I hope you’re as proud as I am of what we’ve built.”

She also thanked the people who have supported her behind the scenes.

“And to my husband, my family, and everyone who continues to support me with so much love, patience, and understanding-thank you. I truly couldn’t do any of this without you. Now… it’s time for Zee Nation Fest.”

For DJ Zinhle, the festival is more than just a music event. It is a celebration of South African talent and a platform designed to showcase local artists and culture on a world-class stage.

Speaking on the L-Tido Podcast, she shared how the idea for Zee Nation Fest was born.

“I was speaking with my partners and I said, think about it South Africa is the hub for a lot of things that are happening in terms of music and and culture internationally. Everyone is benchmark marking our music, sampling our music and following our trends, they hosting festivals and hosting our artists. Why don’t we do something like that. We have all this talent here so that’s why my festival is a truly South African festival because whose better than us.”

This year’s festival will also introduce three creative dress themes: Diamonds and Denim, Pink Pinky Club, and Heritage on a Horse Back. Each theme embraces cowboy and cowgirl-inspired fashion, giving festivalgoers the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the experience.

The entertainment line-up is expected to feature some of South Africa’s biggest names, including Mawhoo, Boohle, Big Zulu, Thabsie and Pearl Thusi, as well as many more artists.

With Zee Nation Fest now in its third year, DJ Zinhle continues to build a festival that celebrates homegrown talent while creating unforgettable moments for music lovers. As fans prepare to gather at Nasrec this Sunday, the release of her new EP adds another exciting chapter to what is already shaping up to be a milestone weekend.

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