Media personality Somizi Mhlongo has stepped in with emotional and reflective advice for singer Zee Nxumalo after she walked away empty-handed from the Metro FM Music Awards.
The awards, held on 25 April 2026 at the Durban ICC, saw Zee Nxumalo earn seven nominations but no wins on the night, a result that sparked emotional reactions from the rising star.
Following the ceremony, Zee took to X to express her frustration and confusion about her music journey.
“God, you’re confusing me. I just lost 7 awards, but my new EP is doing WELL, what must happen?” she wrote.
Her post quickly drew attention across social media, with fans sympathising and others weighing in on the realities of the music industry.
In response, Somizi Mhlongo shared a long and heartfelt message aimed at encouraging her to stay grounded and focused on her long term growth rather than awards alone.
“Two things, and I’m going to be honest with you. In life, there’s something called your journey. You need to keep your eye on the prize, and your prize is who you are now and who you’re going to become moving forward,” he said.
Somizi went on to challenge the idea that awards define success, adding that longevity matters more than short term recognition.
“If the universe told you one day, I’m giving you the option: do you want seven awards and to be overexposed, only for it to diminish next year? Or do you want me to sustain you so that your career lasts long term?”
He further explained that many celebrated artists are no longer active despite having multiple accolades.
“Because there are people who have 40 awards, but the last time they performed was four or five years ago. So you are proof that awards are great. They’re a booster, a pat on the back, a ‘well done’.”
Somizi also reminded her that passion should always come before fame.
“If you say you’re doing this for fame, you’ve already lost. You have to do it for the passion, because when fame fades, what’s going to keep you going?”
He closed off his message by encouraging humility and sportsmanship in the industry.
“As long as you don’t lose your passion, you’ll be alright … but also, when we have Ubuntu, you must always be a good sport and say, ‘There are others with four or five awards, and they’re there for a reason. They deserve it too’.”
His message was widely praised by fellow celebrities. Kayise Ngqula described him as “the father you think you are,” while Boity Thulo called the message “powerful,” and DJ Zinhle simply described it as “real advice.”
As the conversation continues online, Somizi’s words have shifted the focus from disappointment to perspective, reminding many in Mzansi that longevity in entertainment often matters more than trophies.
