1. Life
Zséda's early life and education laid the foundation for her artistic career, which was further shaped by her experiences in theatrical activities before she fully committed to music.
1.1. Early Life and Education
Zséda grew up in Szentes, a town in Hungary. She attended the Mihály Horváth Secondary School, where she actively participated in drama and literature groups, fostering her early artistic interests. At the age of 15, she began formal singing lessons with Olga Sík and also learned to play the violin. Demonstrating a commitment to both arts and academics, Zséda pursued higher education and earned an undergraduate degree in social work from the University of West Hungary.
1.2. Theatrical Activities
Before dedicating herself primarily to her music career, Zséda gained valuable experience as an actress in various theatrical productions. She performed with several notable theatre groups, including the Arany János Theatre, the Independent Theatre, the Krétakör Theatre, and the New Theatre. These experiences contributed to her stage presence and performance skills, which later became hallmarks of her musical career.
2. Career
Zséda's career spans her foundational years with the Cotton Club Singers and her extensive, award-winning solo journey, marked by numerous album releases, chart successes, and significant collaborations.
2.1. Cotton Club Singers (1994-2001, 2020)
In 1994, Zséda co-founded the Hungarian vocal group Cotton Club Singers alongside Gabi Szűcs, Péter Kovács, and Boldizsár László. The group quickly gained recognition, performing at prominent venues such as the Buda Park Stage and the Budapest Congress Center. During her six-year tenure with the group, Zséda contributed to five of their albums. She departed from the Cotton Club Singers in 2001, prior to the group's eventual disbandment in 2009. Following her departure, Zséda formed another group called White Chocolate, while also beginning to explore a solo career. In 2020, Zséda had planned to rejoin the Cotton Club Singers for a special 25th-anniversary concert at the Béla Bartók National Concert Hall; however, the event was unfortunately cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2.2. Solo Career (2002-present)
Zséda's solo career, launched in 2002, has been prolific, marked by a series of successful albums, hit singles, and collaborations, establishing her as one of Hungary's leading female vocalists.
2.2.1. Debut and Early Success
In 2002, Zséda released her highly anticipated debut solo album, simply titled Zséda. The album was produced by Viktor Rakonczai at the Kőbánya Music Studio and quickly achieved gold record certification. A standout track from the album, Valahol egy férfi vár (Valahol egy férfi várSomewhere a Man WaitsHungarian), became a major hit, topping the VIVA TV charts for three consecutive weeks. Her visibility further increased in 2003 when she performed the theme song for the popular RTL Klub soap opera, Szeress most! (Szeress most!Love Me Now!Hungarian), which significantly contributed to her widespread recognition across Hungary. Early in her solo career, Zséda also had the honor of performing with renowned Hungarian accordionist Mihály Tabányi in Washington D.C., as part of the Hungarian delegation to the Folger Shakespeare Library.
2.2.2. Album Releases and Chart Performance
Following her successful debut, Zséda continued to release a string of commercially and critically acclaimed albums. In 2004, she released her second album, Zséda-Vue, which was her first to achieve platinum certification. This album featured several successful singles, including Motel, Mindhalálig mellettem vagy (Mindhalálig mellettem vagyYou Are By My Side ForeverHungarian), and Újhold (ÚjholdNew MoonHungarian). Her first Christmas album, A szürke patás (A szürke patásThe Grey Hoofed OneHungarian), released in 2005, also earned platinum certification.
In 2008, Zséda's fourth album, Rouge, was released. Its lead single, Fekete rúzs (Fekete rúzsBlack LipstickHungarian), became another significant hit on VIVA TV. Subsequent albums included Legyen úgy (Legyen úgyLet It Be SoHungarian) in 2011, followed by Más világ (Más világAnother WorldHungarian) and Ötödik érzék (Ötödik érzékFifth SenseHungarian) in 2012. In 2013, she released Hétköznapi mennyország (Hétköznapi mennyországEveryday HeavenHungarian), and in 2014, Hány percet élsz (Hány percet élszHow Many Minutes Do You LiveHungarian). Her later singles include Óceán (ÓceánOceanHungarian) and Adj még levegőt (Adj még levegőtGive Me More AirHungarian), both released in 2016.
2.2.3. Collaborations and Duets
Throughout her solo career, Zséda has engaged in notable musical collaborations and duets. In 2007, she recorded the song Valahol (ValaholSomewhereHungarian) as a duet with Ákos Létray. This song proved highly popular on VIVA TV and spent an impressive forty weeks on the MAHASZ radio charts. In 2015, Zséda collaborated with Csaba Vastag on the song Legyél a másé (Legyél a máséBe Someone Else'sHungarian).
2.2.4. Concerts and Live Performances
Zséda is also known for her captivating live performances. A significant milestone in her career was her sold-out concert at the Papp László Budapest Sports Arena on May 28, 2009, which showcased her immense popularity and stage presence.
2.2.5. Television Appearances and Judging
Zséda has made numerous appearances on Hungarian television. Beyond performing theme songs for series, she has also served as a judge on prominent music competitions. In both 2016 and 2017, Zséda was a member of the selection jury for A Dal, the Hungarian national selection process for the Eurovision Song Contest.
3. Discography
Zséda's discography includes a range of studio albums and special releases that have defined her musical journey.
- Zséda (2002)
- Zséda-Vue (2004)
- Ünnep (2005)
- Rouge (2008)
- Ötödik érzék (2012)
- Kémia (2016)
- Szívizomláz (2021)
4. Awards
Zséda has received numerous accolades throughout her career, recognizing her significant contributions to the music industry.
- Fonogram award (2004, 2009 (x2), 2010)
- VIVA Comet (2005 (x2), 2009 (x3), 2010)
- BRAVO OTTO award (2010 (x4))
- Glamour Woman of the Year (2009, 2010)
- eMeRTon award
- Artisjus award (2004)
5. Filmography and Television Appearances
Zséda's presence extends beyond music, encompassing various roles in film and television, primarily through her musical contributions and on-screen appearances.
5.1. Film
Zséda has contributed to film projects, predominantly through her musical talents.
- Nyugattól keletre, avagy a média diszkrét bája (Nyugattól keletre, avagy a média diszkrét bájaFrom West to East, or the Discrete Charm of the MediaHungarian)
- Csudafilm (CsudafilmWonderfilmHungarian) (theme song)
- Megy a gőzös (Megy a gőzösThe Steamer Is GoingHungarian) (film music)
5.2. Television
Her television career includes performing theme songs for popular series, participating in reality shows, and serving as a judge on talent programs.
- Szeress most! (Szeress most!Love Me Now!Hungarian) (theme song)
- Szombat esti láz (Szombat esti lázSaturday Night FeverHungarian) (competed)
- Megasztár 4 (guest singer)
- Csináljuk a fesztivált (Csináljuk a fesztiváltLet's Make the FestivalHungarian)
- X-Faktor (guest singer)
- A Dal (2016) (jury member)
- A Dal (2017) (jury member)
6. Activism and Social Contribution
Zséda is actively involved in various social causes and public service campaigns, demonstrating her commitment to societal well-being. She has lent her support to initiatives such as the Fight against Breast Cancer Campaign, aiming to raise awareness and support for those affected by the disease. She also champions environmental protection through her involvement with the Together for Nature campaign. Furthermore, Zséda has contributed to efforts combating domestic violence, supporting the Uniting Against Domestic Violence campaign.