Zoë Modiga Biography: Age, Husband, Albums, Net Worth, Height, Parents, Movies & TV Shows, Songs

Zoë Modiga is a luminous South African singer-songwriter whose soulful blend of jazz, Motown, and African storytelling has captivated audiences worldwide.

Known for her evocative albums Yellow: The Novel and Inganekwane, she’s a celebrated voice of modern African music, weaving themes of identity, love, and spirituality into her work.

A Standard Bank Young Artist Award winner and independent artist, Zoë’s vibrant performances and bold fashion make her a cultural force, inspiring a new generation through her music and advocacy.

Profile

• Full Name: Palesa Nomthandazo Phumelele Modiga
• Stage Name: Zoë Modiga
• Born: September 14, 1994
• Age: 30 years old
• Birthplace: Overport, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
• Nationality: South African
• Occupation: South African Singer, Songwriter, Pianist, Actress
• Height: 5’6
• Parents: Mr and Mrs Modiga
• Siblings: unknown
• Spouse: None
• Children: None
• Relationship: Single
• Net Worth: $100,000–$500,000

Early Life and Education

Zoë Modiga, born Palesa Nomthandazo Phumelele Modiga on September 14, 1994, in Overport, Durban, grew up in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Her musical journey began at age 10, singing in local competitions, where her natural talent shone through. Raised in a supportive environment, she was drawn to music’s emotional power, influenced by jazz, gospel, and African sounds.

Details about her parents and siblings remain private, as Zoë keeps her family life out of the spotlight, focusing instead on her art.

Her passion for music led her to the National School of the Arts in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, where she studied classical piano, clarinet, and vocals, laying a strong foundation for her career.

From 2013 to 2015, she pursued Jazz Performance Studies at the South African College of Music, University of Cape Town (UCT), immersing herself in jazz vocals. Her time at these institutions, combined with her early choir experiences, shaped her distinctive style, blending technical skill with raw emotion.

Zoë’s education also fueled her advocacy for unconventional music education, later inspiring her work with South Africa’s Department of Higher Education on projects like the Heritage Careers Expo.

Career

Zoë Modiga’s career took flight after winning the SAMRO Overseas Scholarship Competition for Jazz in 2015, a pivotal moment that spotlighted her talent.

In 2016, she gained widespread recognition as a Top 8 contestant on The Voice South Africa Season 1, captivating audiences with her soulful voice. Her debut album, Yellow: The Novel (2017), a 23-track double disc released under her independent label Yelloëwax, explored self-realization and love, earning two South African Music Awards (SAMA) nominations for Best Jazz Album and Best African Artist Album.

The album’s seasonal themes—autumn, winter, spring, summer—reflected her life at 23, introducing her to the world with bold authenticity.

Her sophomore album, Inganekwane (2020), debuted at number one globally, blending jazz, Motown soul, and African storytelling. Its lead single, Lengoma, featuring Tubatsi Mpho Moloi, received strong radio play in South Africa.

Zoë’s third album, Nomthandazo (2024), launched with a sold-out performance at Gold Reef City’s Lyric Theatre, cementing her status as a leading voice in contemporary jazz. X posts from @Zoe_Modiga in 2024 highlight her excitement for the Nomthandazo launch in eSwatini and the Cape Town International Jazz Festival.

Zoë has performed at prestigious festivals, including the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, Standard Bank Joy of Jazz, Afropunk JHB, Oppikoppi, and Basha Uhuru, sharing stages with icons like Lira, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and Simphiwe Dana.

Her 2019 AfroPunk JHB performance was a career-defining moment, showcasing her transcendent stage presence. She’s collaborated with artists like Soul Sessionz, Kaapstad, and the JoKunnuji Experiment, and is a member of the multi-national neo-soul quartet Seba Kaapstad, signed to Mello Music Group.

Her contribution to the Oscar-nominated film Noem My Skollie (2016), singing “Amazing Grace” under Kyle Shepherd’s score, marked her cinematic debut.

In 2022, Zoë made her acting debut in Netflix’s Savage Beauty, showcasing her versatility. Her workshops on legacy, identity, and storytelling, in partnership with South Africa’s education departments, inspire young artists from diverse backgrounds.

Zoë’s fashion, often featuring her favorite color yellow, and her evocative individualism have made her a cover star for publications like Songlines UK (2020) and Sowetan Magazine’s “Fab 30” issue (2024), celebrating 30 years of South African democracy.

Awards and Nominations

• 2015: SAMRO Overseas Scholarship Competition, Jazz Category (Won)
• 2018: South African Music Awards (SAMA), Best Jazz Album – Yellow: The Novel (Nominated)
• 2018: South African Music Awards (SAMA), Best African Artist Album – Yellow: The Novel (Nominated)
• 2018: Mzantsi Jazz Awards, Best Jazz Contemporary Album (Won)
• 2018: Mzantsi Jazz Awards, Best Jazz Song (Won)
• 2018: Carol Bouwer Mbokodo Award for Music (Won)
• 2020: South African Music Awards (SAMA), Best Engineered Album – Inganekwane (Won)
• 2020: VN Streaming Awards, Female Artist of the Year (Nominated)
• 2020: African Design League, Dopest Album Cover – Inganekwane (Won)
• 2021: All Africa Music Awards, Best African Jazz Artist (Nominated)
• 2023: Glamour Woman of the Year, Musician Game Changer Award (Won)
• 2023: Standard Bank Young Artist Award, Music (Won)

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @zoemodiga
• Facebook Handle: Zoë Modiga
• Twitter Handle: @Zoe_Modiga

Personal Life

Zoë Modiga resides in Johannesburg, South Africa, where she balances her thriving career with a grounded lifestyle.

She is single, with no publicly confirmed relationships, spouse, or children, keeping her personal life private to focus on her music and advocacy. Her love for yellow, her favorite color since childhood, is a recurring theme in her fashion and art, symbolizing her embrace of individuality.

Zoë’s spirituality, intertwined with her music, reflects her belief that music evokes emotion and connects people across cultures.

She’s confronted identity politics in the industry, navigating challenges as a Black woman, as shared in a 2018 City Press interview, yet her confidence and commitment to excellence keep her grounded.

Zoë’s influences include Nina Simone, Lizz Wright, and Busi Mhlongo, whose bold artistry inspires her to challenge the status quo. An avid reader and fashion enthusiast, she enjoys creating evocative imagery through her style.

Her workshops and community work uplift young artists, emphasizing legacy and self-love. Zoë’s humility and vibrant energy, evident in X posts about her Nomthandazo album launch, resonate with her growing fanbase.

Filmography

• Television: • The Voice South Africa (2016, M-Net, Season 1) – Contestant (Top 8) • Savage Beauty (2022, Netflix) – Supporting Role
• Films: • Noem My Skollie (2016) – Vocalist, “Amazing Grace” (Soundtrack)

Discography

• Albums: • Yellow: The Novel (2017, Yelloëwax) – Debut Album • Inganekwane (2020, Yelloëwax) – Sophomore Album • Nomthandazo (2024, Yelloëwax) – Third Album
• Singles: • Lengoma (2020, feat.. Tubatsi Mpho Moloi) • Indlela (2024)
• Collaborations: • Member of Seba Kaapstad, neo-soul quartet (Mello Music Group) • Featured in tracks with Soul Sessionz, Kaapstad, and JoKunnuji Experiment

Net Worth

Zoë Modiga’s net worth is estimated at $100,000–$500,000.

Her income derives from album sales, live performances at major festivals, and acting roles, including Savage Beauty. As an independent artist with Yelloëwax, she retains creative control but likely earns modestly compared to mainstream acts.

Additional revenue comes from workshops, collaborations, and endorsements.