My Time to Shine

AMANDABLACK,24, is basking in the limelight of her popular song, Amazulu.

- Phila Tyekana

In a digital world where music downloads are rife, Amanda Zulu did the impossible and went platinum in just three weeks after the release of her debut album, Amazulu, selling 30 000 copies. After just seven months in the limelight, the singer has made South Africa fall in love with her. Her massive hit single, Amazulu, debuted on Metro FM in July and immediately stole our hearts, rocketing Amanda to instant stardom. Her beautiful voice also features on songs of fellow artists signed to Ambitiouz Entertainment record company. These include rapper A-Reece’s Sebenza and Miss Pru’s Phumelela. She has also collaborated with popular Afro pop duo Jaziel Brothers on their song, My Baby.

We meet the singer soon after the 16th Metro FM Music Awards nominations; Amanda is the most nominated artist and is vying for gongs in the Best Pop, Best Female, Best RnB, Best New Artist and Song of the Year categories. She didn’t expect any of this to happen so soon. Whatever the outcome, she says, she’s happy that her talent has been recognised.

“These awards will put me on a higher level in terms of spreading my name even more. They’ll open more doors for me. I’m really honoured.”

The Metros will be the musician’s first ever awards. “I used to watch them on TV and marvel at the artists getting their awards and saying their speeches, hoping that one day it would be me. If I win, I’ll invest the money. The lifespan of an artist isn’t guaranteed, so it’s important that as artists, we look at the business side of life.”