In an exclusive interview with The Daily Bugle, Grammy-nominated rapper Zola Diamondé has shared her powerful story of self-discovery and triumph, revealing for the first time that she is a proud transgender woman who has been living authentically for the past three years.

"For so long, I felt like I was performing a role that wasn't me," Diamondé, 28, told The Bugle from her Manhattan penthouse, her voice steady with conviction. "When I finally embraced who I truly am, everything changed. My music became more honest, my relationships became more real, and I found a peace I never knew was possible."

The Johannesburg-born artist, whose real name is Zola Ndlovu, burst onto the international hip-hop scene in 2021 with her debut album "Lioness Rising," which earned her three Grammy nominations and a devoted global fanbase. Since then, she has become one of the most influential voices in contemporary hip-hop, known for her powerful lyrics about identity, resilience, and empowerment.

A Journey Years in the Making

Diamondé says she knew from a young age that something felt different about her experience of the world. Growing up in Johannesburg's vibrant Soweto neighborhood, she found solace in music, writing her first songs at age 12.

"Music was always my safe space," she reflected. "When I couldn't find the words to express what I was feeling in everyday conversation, I could write it into a verse. Hip-hop gave me permission to be bold, to be honest, to tell my truth even when I didn't fully understand it myself."

It wasn't until she moved to New York City in 2019, at age 21, that Diamondé began to truly explore her gender identity. Working with a therapist and connecting with the city's vibrant LGBTQ+ community, she began the process of understanding and embracing herself.

"The moment I accepted myself, it was like the sun came out after years of clouds. I finally understood why I had felt like I was watching my life from outside my own body."

"The moment I accepted myself, it was like the sun came out after years of clouds," she said. "I finally understood why I had felt like I was watching my life from outside my own body. Transitioning wasn't about becoming someone new—it was about finally becoming myself."

Support From Family and Friends

Diamondé credits her inner circle with helping her through her transition, particularly her mother, Nomvula Ndlovu, who flew from South Africa to be with her daughter during the early stages of her journey.

"My mother said something I'll never forget," Diamondé recalled, tears forming in her eyes. "She said, 'I didn't raise a son or a daughter. I raised a light. And that light shines brighter now than ever.' That moment changed everything for me."

Her close friends in the industry have also been unwavering in their support. Fellow artist and longtime collaborator Marcus "M-Tec" Thompson, who has worked with Diamondé since her first album, spoke exclusively to The Bugle about his friend's journey.

"I've known Zola for five years now, and I've never seen her more confident, more creative, more alive," Thompson said. "As an artist, she's always been incredible. But watching her step into her full self? That's when she became unstoppable."

Music as a Platform

Diamondé's latest album, "Phoenix," released earlier this month, contains her most personal work yet. Tracks like "Metamorphosis," "Born Again," and "Mirror, Mirror" deal directly with her experience of self-discovery and transformation.

"I wrote 'Phoenix' as a love letter to everyone who's ever felt like they had to hide who they are," she explained. "The phoenix burns and rises from its ashes. That's what transition felt like to me—a death of the person I was pretending to be, and a rebirth of who I was always meant to become."

The album has already broken streaming records, garnering 50 million streams in its first 24 hours. Critics have hailed it as her most accomplished work yet, with Rolling Stone calling it "a triumphant declaration of self-love that transcends genre."

Looking Forward

Diamondé says she hopes her story will help others who may be struggling with their own identity. She has announced the launch of the Diamondé Foundation, which will provide $5 million in scholarships for transgender youth pursuing careers in music and the arts.

"I was lucky. I had resources, I had support, I had a platform," she said. "Not everyone has that. If sharing my story helps even one young person feel less alone, helps one family understand their child better, then every difficult moment was worth it."

She paused, looking out the window at the Manhattan skyline, before turning back with a smile.

"My journey isn't about what I left behind. It's about finally becoming who I was always meant to be. I hope my story helps someone else find their courage."