Amanda Benedicta Antony, known professionally as Amanda Black, is a critically acclaimed South African singer-songwriter. With her powerful vocals and compelling storytelling, she has carved a niche in the music industry that's hard to overlook.
Early Life and Education
Born on 24 July 1993 in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, Amanda was raised in Butterworth. Her passion for singing began at the tender age of six, starting in church choirs. She completed her schooling in Port Elizabeth at the Kabega Christian School and later advanced her education at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, majoring in Music Education.
Career Onset and Growth
While Amanda began singing at an early age, her formal career trajectory took off when she participated in season 11 of Idols South Africa. In 2016, she relocated to Johannesburg to accelerate her musical career. It was here she inked a record deal with Ambitiouz Entertainment. That very year, her hit single "Amazulu" hit the airwaves. It wasn't just a critical success; it also earned her multiple music award nominations.
Albums and Accolades
Her debut album, "Amazulu" (2016), wasn't just a commercial success; it scooped up several awards including "Album of the Year", "Best Newcomer of the Year", "Best Female Artist of the Year", and "Best R&B Soul/Reggae Album". Fast forward to 2019, she was crowned the most-streamed artist on Apple Music. Continuing her journey in the music world, she released her third studio album, "Mnyama", in 2021, which was led by singles "Kutheni Na" and "Let It Go".
Artistic Style
Amanda Black’s music exudes a fusion of Afro-soul, hip-hop, and R&B. She showcases her linguistic prowess by singing in Xhosa and English. Her songs are interwoven with potent storytelling and poetry, making her sound distinctively South African. A signature mark is her Xhosa face art, a proud display of her cultural heritage and roots.
Activism and Community Involvement
Beyond her musical realm, Amanda is an aspiring activist and a vocal advocate for women's empowerment, youth leadership, and the fight against inequality and gender-based violence. Over the years, she has leveraged her platform to shed light on these issues, aiming to build a better world where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.
Conclusion
Amanda Black is more than just a talented vocalist; she's an inspiration for many young South Africans. With her unique voice, storytelling prowess, and passion for activism, she has firmly secured her place in the South African music industry and continues to make an impact on the nation.
Latest Song
Listen to Amanda's music here YouTube : Click Here Spotify : Click Here Apple Music : Click Here
