ABOUT ZEE
Being influenced by many different genres of music, Zee Essential thrives to take his listeners on a sonic journey built up by cinematic, dreamy and melancholic sounds of electronic music.
His main goal as an artist, whether it may be in the studio or during a performance, is to draw emotion out of his audience or listeners while having the music touch their soul.
Having performed across the country at some of South Africa’s finest events, Zee Essential has opened for and played alongside the likes of Black Coffee, Vanco, Lazarusman, Ryan Murgatroyd, Lemon & Herb and Culoe De Song. He has also gone on to make his international mark headlining shows in Kenya, Zambia and an upcoming 2025 debut in London.
Zee Essential has marked releases on labels such as Belgian’s Tanzgemeinschaft as well as a milestone release on esteemed German label – Einmusika, where he featured on the label’s infamous Bella Mar 09 VA compiled by Einmusik. His record ‘Time’ together with Berlin based singer/songwriter/composer & producer Ben Haydie, has gone on to receive support from artists such as Nora En Pure, Julian Wassermann, Bebetta and Mees Salomé. The record had also gone on to feature as the opening song for Nora En Pure’s Purified Radio – 305, as well as being featured as part of Einmusika’s best of 2022 mixed by Einmusik.
To show his diversity sonically, Zee Essential kicked off 2023 with the release of his single ‘Ibala’ together with Bun Xapa and award winning vocalist – Toshi, out on Moojo’s Calamar Records, which received heavy support from the likes of Kasango, Shimza, Caiiro, Da Capo, Lemon & Herb, Hyenah, Nitefreak, Rocco Rodamaal & Jamiie to name a few.
His next offering – ‘Reset’ out on Soave Records, together with Ben Haydie & Amsterdam based artist Descend, continued to show his diverse exploration with electronic music. The record went on to be featured as part of Cornelius SA’s Anjunadeep Edition – Episode 477 – mix.
Starting off in 2024, Zee Essential had already marked a release which once again shows his ability to move through genres of electronic music. His record titled ‘Follow’ together with Dubai based artist Yes No Maybe features on Tube & Berger’s label Zehn Records VA – Elements 15.
Later that year, he went on to collaborate on a record titled ‘Soul Of My Soul’ out on Aluku Records in which all proceeds of the song went to the Gift Of The Givers Foundation in aid of children, women & families affected by the war in Palestine.
2025 kicked off with an amazing start for the artist having released his new record ‘Calling’ out on Enhanced Music together with Italian artist Nihil Young & fellow South African artist Jordan Arts. The record went on to receive early support from the likes of Andrew Rayel, Cosmic Gate and an incredible feature by Above & Beyond on their Group Therapy 617 (AGBT 617) DJ mix.
His artistic vision goes beyond storytelling—each piece he creates or performs is a journey designed to captivate and connect with the audience. Rooted in devotion to God and harmony with the Universe, his work becomes an immersive experience that resonates on a deeper level.