Ami Faku

Last updated

Ami Faku
Ami Faku (2023).png
Background information
Birth nameAmanda Faku
Born (1993-05-28) 28 May 1993 (age 31)
Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape
Occupations
  • Singer
  • Songwriter
Musical career
Genres
InstrumentVocals
Years active2017- Present
LabelsVth Season

Amanda Faku (born 28 May 1993) is a South African singer, performer and songwriter. Born and raised in the township of eZinyoka, Port Elizabeth, developed musical interest at the age of 6 and participated on church choirs. Faku rose to fame as a contestant on The Voice SA season 2 in 2017, prior getting recognition in the music industry. [1] [2]

Contents

After she signed a record deal with The Vth Season, Ami released her debut studio album Imali (2019), debuted number one in South Africa. [3] It reached Gold by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA).

Mail & Guardian , ranked Faku number 27 on 200 Young South African, in 2020. [4]

Life and career

Early childhood

At the age of 6, Faku had developed a strong passion for music. [5] She started singing at a house church which her father pastored and is influenced by the church, reggae, and hip hop. She later started recording music in early 2012 where her producer only lived a few blocks away from her house. [6]

Career beginnings (2017–2019)

In 2017, she competed in the TV talent show, The Voice SA, which was her major breakthrough in the music industry. [7] Though she did not win, she was signed by The Vth Season record label. [7]

2019–present: Imali, EA Wave Reimagines

Following her success on The Voice SA, she launched her debut single titled "Ndikhethe Wena". [8] Faku later worked with De Mogul SA on the song "Ungowam". On 31 January 2020, her single "uWrongo" by South African DJ Prince Kaybee was released features Ami Faku, Shimza and Black Motion. [9] The song was certified gold certification on Recording Industry of South Africa with sales of 25 000 units. [10]

Faku collaborated with South African DJ and producer Sun-El Musician on a song titled "Into Ingawe", certified 3× platinum by Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA). [11] [12] [13] On 16 August, her single "Inde Lendlela" was released. The song later was certified platinum. On 26 September 2020, she released a single "Imali" featuring Blaq Diamond. The song was certified platinum by the Recording industry of South Africa. [14]

On 27 September 2020, her debut studio album Imali was released. [15] The album later was certified gold. It was produced by Blaq Diamond, Sun-El Musician, 37MPH Eternal Africa and Wilson. In November 2020, she was nominated for Best Female in Southern Africa and Best Newcomer at African Muzik Magazine Awards.

In 2020, she was named as the most-streamed female artist in South Africa by Deezer. [16] [17] [18]

On 21 August, she released her EP titled EA Wave Reimagines. On 31 October, her single with Wichi 1080 "Never Let you go" was released. [19]

2021–present: New projects

On 22 January, she released a single "Lala Ngoxolo" featuring South African rapper Emtee. [20]

In September 2021, Ami was featured on "Abalele" by Kabza de Small and DJ Maphorisa. The song debuted number 4 on Spotify Charts. [21]

In early October 2021, she was featured with singer Sha Sha on Nomfundo Moh single "Phakade Lami". [22] That same month, Ami made collaboration on African Lullabies Part 1 compilation album by Platoon. [23] [24]

In November 2021, she made collaboration with Kabza de Small and DJ Maphorisa on a single "Asibe Happy" released. [25]

Faku released "Fatela" on 28 October 2022 together with Aymos. The song was certified platinum in South Africa. [26]

Discography

Studio albums

EP's

As lead artist

List of singles as lead artist, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name
TitleYearPeak chart positions Certifications Album
ZA
"Ndikhethe Wena"2018Imali
"Ubuhle Bakho"2019
"Inde Lendlela"
"Mbize"
"Love Drunk"Non-album single
"Ndiyeke" (Lemon & Herb, Ami Faku)Non-album single
"Regrets..."(Zoocci Coke Dope, Ami Faku)Non-album single
"Into Ingawe" (Sun-El Musician, Ami Faku)RiSA: 2× Platinum [28] Non-album single
"Khonza" (Kekelingo, Ami Faku)2020Non-album single
"Sihlobo Sami" (Kenza, Ami Faku)2021Non-album single
"Fatela" (Ami Faku and Aymos)2022Platinum [29] Non-album single
"There is Music in the Air" (Ami Faku, Black Coffee)Gallo Remixed
"Umthandazo" (Karyendasoul, Ami Faku)WL4OM
"Zimbali" (Prince Kaybee, Ami Faku)Gemini
"Andikayeki" (Heavy-K, Ami Faku)2023Non-album single
List of singles as featured artist, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name
TitleYearPeak chart positions Certifications Album
ZA
"Phakade Lami" (Nomfundo Moh featuring Ami Faku and Sha Sha)202116× Platinum Amagama
"Makwande" (Sun-El Musician, Fk Mash featuring Ami Faku)2022AEDM:Interstellar
"Unozala" (Kenza, Ami Faku, Msaki featuring Sun-El Musician)2024Non-album single

Guest appearances

TitleYearOther artist(s)Album
"Uyathandeka"2020 Mthunzi Selimathunzi
"Hamba Ngifike"Simmy Tugela Fairy (Made of Stars)
"Uleleni"Black Motion The Healers: The Last Chapter
"iLanga"Sun-El Musician, Simmy To the World & Beyond
"Goduka"Sun-El Musician, Mthunzi
"I Like it Anyway"2021Sun-El Musician African Electronic Dance Music
"Esikhathini"2022Murumba Pitch, Sun-El MusicianHorumar
"Ndisize"2024CaiiroCaiiro

Other charted and certified songs

List of other charted songs, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name
TitleYearPeak chart positions Certifications Album
ZA
"Ndisize" (Caiiro, Ami Faku)20248 [30] Caiiro
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Awards and nominations

YearAwardCategoryResultsRef.
2020 26th SAMA Female Artist of the YearWon [31] [32] [33]
Newcomer of the YearNominated [34] [35]
Best Afro Pop AlbumNominated [36]
2020African Muzik Magazine AwardsBest NewcomerNominated [37]
Best Female Southern AfricaNominated
2021SaafmaBest Female Artist AwardCancelled cross.svgCancelled [38]
Best Song of the YearCancelled cross.svgCancelled
Best Rising StarCancelled cross.svgCancelled
2023Content Creator AwardsSong of the YearNominated

Related Research Articles

Simphiwe Majobe Nhlangulela, better known by her stage name Simmy, is a South African singer-songwriter.

Themba Sekowe, known professionally as DJ Maphorisa, is a South African DJ, record producer, singer, and songwriter. As a record producer with a blend of house music, amapiano and afropop, he has worked with and has received production credits from several notable artists, including Wizkid, Sizwe Alakine, Kwesta, Uhuru, Drake, Black Coffee, Major Lazer, Runtown, C4 Pedro, TRESOR, Kabza De Small, Era Istrefi, Mpura, Young Stunna and Killer Kau. He was signed to Kalawa Jazmee Records prior to establishing his own record label, BlaqBoy Music.

Lindokuhle Mgedeza, known professionally as Mlindo the Vocalist, is a South African singer and songwriter. He initially gained notable recognition following his debut single, "Amablesser", taken from his debut album, Emakhaya (2018).

Sanele Tresure Sithole, known professionally as Sun-El Musician, is a South African disc jockey, music producer, and songwriter. Born and raised in Mooi River, he attended the University of KwaZulu-Natal but dropped out to pursue a career in music. His debut studio album Africa to the World (2018), was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">27th South African Music Awards</span> 27th annual South African music awards, held in 2021

The 27th Annual South African Music Awards were the 27th edition of the South African Music Awards. The award show was broadcast live on SABC 1 on July 31, 2021 and was held virtually due to the effects of COVID-19 lockdowns.

MFR Souls is a South African amapiano music duo founded in 2012 by Tumelo Nedondwe and Tumelo Mabe, both of whom are DJ and music producers from Katlehong in the East Rand of Johannesburg. Their hit single "Love You Tonight" was commercial success certified platinum in South Africa.

<i>Motion</i> (Tresor album) 2021 studio album by TRESOR

Motion is the fourth studio album by Congolese-born singer TRESOR. It was released through Jacquel Entertainment Group on October 15, 2021, and features guest appearances from local South African musicians such as Ami Faku, Msaki, Da Capo, Sun-El Musician and Scorpion Kings.

Asanda Lusaseni Mvana known professionally as Msaki, is a South African composer, singer, and songwriter. Born and grew up in East London, during her childhood she was involved in musical activities. Her career in music began in 2008, at the age of 20, when she was a member of alternative rock band while attending college.

Babili Amos Shili, popularly known by his stage name Aymos is a South African singer-songwriter. He is best known for the hit single "Emcimbini" which was produced by Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa.

Sandile Fortune Msimango, popularly known by his stage name Young Stunna is a South African singer. He is known for his hit singles "Bopha" and "Adiwele". He has also extensively worked with record producers DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small.

Thabo Ngubane, is a South African DJ and record producer professionally known as Mas Musiq. He came to prominence subsequent to the release of his singles "Sengizwile" and "Uzozisola", of which the latter was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA).

"Into Ingawe" is a single by South African DJ Sun-El Musician and South African singer Ami Faku, released on June 7, 2019 by EL World Music.

Nomfundo Ngcobo, known professionally as Nomfundoh Moh is a South African singer. Born and raised in Ndwendwe, KwaZulu-Natal, her career began at the age of 16 in 2016. Moh first gained recognition after releasing "Lilizela" in 2021, which received platinum certification in South Africa.

Black Motion is a South African afro house duo formed in Soshanguve, Gauteng and founded in 2010. The group is composed of Roy Thabo Mabogwane (Smol) and Kabelo Koma.

Makhosazana Princess Masango, professionally known as Azana is a South African singer and songwriter. Born and raised in Chesterville, her musical career began at the age of 15. Having signed a record deal with Big City Dreams, Azana's debut studio album Ingoma (2020), debuted number one in South Africa. Its lead single "Your Love" was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA).

"Abalele" is a South African amapiano song produced by Kabza de Small and DJ Maphorisa, featuring the vocals of Ami Faku. It was released on September 17, 2021, and became a hit in South Africa, topping the Apple Music charts and becoming the country's fourth most-streamed song of 2021 on Spotify.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kabza de Small</span> South African DJ & Record producer

Kabelo Petrus Motha is a South African DJ and record producer, popularly known as Kabza De Small. He is a major figure in the amapiano genre of house music. Aside from his solo career, Motha is a member of the Scorpion Kings. Motha gained international recognition after the release of "Umshove", in 2018.

<i>I Am the King of Amapiano: Sweet & Dust</i> 2020 studio album by Kabza de Small

I Am the King of Amapiano: Sweet & Dust is a third solo studio album by South African DJ Kabza de Small, released through Piano Hub on June 26, 2020.

Nkosazana Nolwazi Kimberly Nzama professionally known as Nkosazana Daughter, is a South African singer and songwriter. Nzama gained national recognition after she released her 14-track debut album that featured notable artists such as DJ Maphorisa, Makhadzi, Master KG, Kabza de Small,Tyler ICU, Major League DJz, Young Jonn, and Chronical Deep, and others. She collaborated with Master KG and Lowsheen on "Sofa Silahlane", which was released on 12 May 2022. The track hit number 1 on Apple's Local iTunes Charts. In April 2022, the music video of 'Dali Nguwe' featuring Master KG reached 3 million views in three weeks. In June 2023, her debut studio album got released and charted number 34 on Spotify Top albums, and debuted number 3 in South Africa. She has performed in Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, United States and several other countries.

"Asibe Happy" is a single by South African singer-songwriter Ami Faku and record producers DJ Maphorisa, and Kabza de Small. It was released on 12 November 2021 by Piano Hub under exclusive license from Sony Music Entertainment Africa.

References

  1. Liam Karabo Joyce (25 June 2019). "Ami Faku shares journey through music". www.iol.co.za.
  2. "Ami Faku taking music scene by storm". SowetanLIVE.
  3. "Ami Faku's debut album is here". Channel 0. Retrieved 27 September 2019.
  4. "Mail & Guardian 200 Young South African". Mail & Guardian. 4 September 2020. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
  5. Ndlovu, Romeo (5 July 2021). "Ami Faku Started Singing At Age Six - See How Accomplished A Musician She Is Now". Buzz South Africa. Retrieved 21 November 2021.
  6. Nkosi, Joseph (23 November 2019). "Ami Faku Biography, Career, Record Label, Imali, Songs & Instagram". thenation.co.za.
  7. 1 2 "Ami Faku, 27 - Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans". Mail & Guardian. 4 September 2020. Retrieved 11 May 2022.
  8. Mpiletso Motumi (16 October 2018). "Ami Faku has found her voice". iol.co.za.
  9. "Prince Kaybee releases new single, Uwrongo, featuring Ami Faku, Shimza and Black Motion | JustNje". JustNje. 31 January 2021.
  10. "Reviewing Ami Faku's Album". 702.co.za.
  11. "Ami Faku & Sun El Musician's Hit Into Ingawe Now Double Platinum". 20 May 2020.
  12. "Ami Faku on cloud nine as she rakes in accolades". SowetanLIVE.
  13. Mbambo, Simphiwe (20 May 2020). "Ami Faku and Sun Els "Into Ingawe" goes double platinum - SA". www.musicinafrica.net. Retrieved 23 May 2020.
  14. Adejoy (16 December 2020). "Ami Faku's singles are multiple platinum and debut album certified gold". Fakaza News.
  15. Mkhabela, Sabelo (30 September 2020). "Ami Faku Delivers a Stellar Debut Album with 'Imali' - OkayAfrica". OkayAfrica.
  16. "Ami Faku Earns Top Spot Of Most Streamed Female Artist On Deezer In 2019". ZAlebs.
  17. Herbst, Denika (11 March 2020). "Ami Faku number 1 most-streamed SA female artist on Deezer in 2019". briefly.co.za.
  18. "Ami Faku Number 1 Most-Streamed South African Female Artists on Deezer in 2019 »". 12 March 2020.
  19. Jabulani, John (31 October 2020). "Ami Faku & Wichi 1080 - Never Let You Go". Ubetoo.
  20. Mbendeni, Alutho (5 February 2021). "Ami Faku on new single Lala Ngoxolo and her upcoming second album | Drum". News24. South Africa.
  21. Neophytou, Nadia. "The 10 Best Amapiano Songs of 2021 - OkayAfrica". OkayAfrica. Retrieved 11 May 2022.
  22. Darangwa, Shingai (20 November 2021). "Nomfundo Moh: Ami Faku and Sha Sha collabo was a surprise gift". Independent Online. Retrieved 2 February 2022.
  23. "Ami Faku, Msaki, TRESOR, others feature on Platoon's African Lullabies album -". museafrica.com. 4 October 2021. Retrieved 12 May 2022.
  24. Shumba, Ano (1 October 2021). "SA: Platoon celebrates Kids Music Day with release of African Lullabies album | Music In Africa" . Retrieved 12 May 2022.
  25. Gaanakgomo, Constance (12 November 2021). "Tweeps clap for Kabza De Small and Maphorisa for releasing 'Asibe Happy' 'on time'". TimesLIVE. Retrieved 11 May 2022.
  26. "Aymos's Fatela' Reaches Platinum Status & Surpasses 2 Million Views".
  27. Mike, Steven (26 September 2019). "Ami Faku Imali Album". iminathi. Retrieved 17 June 2020.
  28. Seroto, Butchie (20 May 2020). "Ami Faku and Sun-El's Into Ingawe goes double platinum in SA | Music In Africa". Music In Africa. Retrieved 27 November 2023.
  29. "Aymos's Fatela' Reaches Platinum Status & Surpasses 2 Million Views".
  30. "Local Streaming Chart Top 10". The Official South Africa Charts. Retrieved 11 October 2024.
  31. "Ami Faku bags Best Female of the Year award at the SAMAs | eNCA". www.enca.com.
  32. "Ami Faku, AKA, Benjamin Dube receive top honours at SAMA26 night 4". www.iol.co.za.
  33. Mbendeni, Alutho (22 May 2020). "Ami Faku on her Sama win, the financial effects of Covid-19 and new music". Drum.
  34. "Here's a List of the 2020 South African Music Awards (SAMAs) Winners". okayafricasite.
  35. "AND THE SAMA NOMINEES ARE..." DailySun.
  36. "Samas boss unfazed by snub of hitmakers". SowetanLIVE.
  37. Hansen, Gabriel Myers (16 November 2020). "African Muzik Magazine Awards 2020: All the winners | Music In Africa". Music In Africa.
  38. Patience Bambalele (7 May 2021). "Star-studded list of nominees for 2021 South African Afro Music Awards". Sowetan LIVE.