Through her relatable and evocative messaging, Ami Faku quickly became a household name and a leading figure within South Africa’s thriving Afrosoul scene in the late 2010s. Born Amanda Faku in Port Elizabeth in 1993, Faku started singing in church and began writing her own original songs as a teenager. During her time as a contestant on the second season of The Voice South Africa in 2017, Faku captured the hearts of many including independent label Vth Season, with whom she eventually signed a deal. On her 2019 debut studio album, Imali, the singer/songwriter’s honest lyrics explore themes such as love, social issues and the pursuit of happiness. While Faku remains rooted in her culture and traditional music sensibilities, she also embraces contemporary Afropop, Afrohouse and amapiano sounds that provide a spotlight for her gripping, breathy voice.