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 to getting recognition in the music industry. [1][2]
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 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]
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