Amanda Faku, a talented singer and songwriter from South Africa, grew up in eZinyoka, a township in Port Elizabeth. Her love for music started early, as she joined church choirs when she was just six years old. Her big break came in 2017 when she participated in the second season of The Voice SA, which brought her into the spotlight.

After signing a deal with The Vth Season, she released her first studio album, Imali, in 2019. The album quickly became a success, reaching the top spot in South Africa and later earning a Gold certification from the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA). In 2020, her impact in the industry was recognized when Mail & Guardian listed her as one of the top 200 Young South Africans, ranking her at number 27.

Early Childhood

Amanda Faku was born on May 28, 1993, in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Now 32 years old, she has been passionate about music since childhood. At the age of six, she started singing in a small church led by her father. Growing up, she was influenced by different music styles, including church hymns, reggae, and hip-hop.

Her journey into music production began in early 2012 when she started recording songs. Fortunately, her producer lived just a few blocks away, which made it easier for her to focus on developing her sound and building her career.

Career Beginnings and Achievements

Amanda Faku’s rise to fame began in 2017 when she participated in The Voice SA. Though she didn’t win, her talent stood out, earning her a deal with The Vth Season record label. Soon after, she dropped her first single, Ndikhethe Wena, and later collaborated with De Mogul SA on Ungowam.

In early 2020, she was featured on uWrongo, a track by South African DJ Prince Kaybee, alongside Shimza and Black Motion. The song sold 25,000 units and was certified gold by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA). That same year, she teamed up with Sun-El Musician on Into Ingawe, which went triple platinum.

On August 16, 2020, she released Inde Lendlela, which later earned platinum certification. The following month, on September 26, she dropped Imali featuring Blaq Diamond, another track that achieved platinum status. The next day, her debut studio album, Imali, was officially released. Produced by Blaq Diamond, Sun-El Musician, 37MPH, Eternal Africa, and Wilson, the album went on to be certified gold.

In November 2020, Amanda Faku received nominations for Best Female in Southern Africa and Best Newcomer at the African Muzik Magazine Awards. That same year, Deezer named her the most-streamed female artist in South Africa. On August 21, she released her EP EA Wave Reimagines, followed by the single Never Let You Go with Wichi 1080 on October 31.

Her musical journey continued into 2021 with the release of Lala Ngoxolo featuring rapper Emtee on January 22. In September, she was featured on Abalele by Kabza de Small and DJ Maphorisa, which debuted at number 4 on Spotify Charts. The following month, she worked with singer Sha Sha on Nomfundo Moh’s song Phakade Lami and also contributed to Platoon’s African Lullabies Part 1 compilation. In November, she reunited with Kabza de Small and DJ Maphorisa for the track Asibe Happy.

Her success carried into 2022 with the release of Fatela on October 28, a collaboration with Aymos, which went on to achieve platinum certification in South Africa.

Discography

Studio albums

Imali (2019)

EP’s

EA Wave Reimagines (2020)

Music Videos

2020 – Khumbula

2020 – Ilanga

2021 – Sinhlobo Sami

2021 – Phakade Lami

2022 – Themba Lami

2023 – Fatela

2023 – Wena

2024 – Noxolo

Singles

2018 – Ndikhethe Wena

2019 – Love Drunk

2019 – Ubuhle Bakho

2019 – Inde Lendlela

2019 – Ndiyeke

2019 – Mbize

2020 – Khonze

2020 – This Feeling

2021 – Sihlobo Sami

2021 – Lala Ndoxolo

2021 – Ndikhethe Wena

2021 – Asibe Happy

2022 – There’s Music in the Air

2022 – Fatela

2023 – Wena

2023 – Terrified

2023 – Needed Me

2023 – Andikayeki

2024 – Noxolo

2024 – Unozala