Ami Faku

About Ami Faku

Ami Faku, born Amanda Faku on May 28, 1993, is a South African singer, performer, and songwriter hailing from Port Elizabeth's eZinyoka township. She developed a passion for music at age six, singing in her father's church, and later rose to prominence as a contestant on The Voice SA in 2017. Her musical style is often described as modern Afro-pop and Afro-soul, blending R&B influences with her Xhosa heritage, and she is also known for playing genres like amapiano, afro soul, afropop, private school piano, 3 step, gqom, afro tech, and afro house. After signing with The Vth Season, Faku released her acclaimed debut studio album, "Imali," in 2019, which debuted at number one in South Africa and achieved Gold status. The album earned her multiple award nominations, and she was named Deezer's most-streamed female artist in South Africa in 2019. In terms of recent endeavors, Faku has been actively involved in numerous collaborations. In September 2021, she was featured on "Abalele" by Kabza de Small and DJ Maphorisa, a song that debuted at number 4 on Spotify Charts. The same year, she collaborated with Sha Sha on Nomfundo Moh's "Phakade Lami" and contributed to the "African Lullabies Part 1" compilation album. In November 2021, she once again teamed up with Kabza de Small and DJ Maphorisa for the single "Asibe Happy". Faku released "Fatela" with Aymos on October 28, 2022, which later achieved platinum certification in South Africa. More recently, in 2023, she collaborated on tracks such as "Terrified" with British-Ghanaian artist Juls, "Wena" with Mr Eazi, "LOML (Love of My Life)" with Nigerian Afro-fusion artist Seyi Vibez, and "Chasing Peace of Mind" with Adekunle Gold for his album "Tequila Ever After". Her captivating voice and ability to blend various African sounds have positioned her as a driving force in African pop culture. Latest news indicates that Ami Faku has been involved in a legal dispute with her former manager, Raphael Benza, and his stable, Vth Season, over royalties. Court papers filed by Faku in May 2025 seek to compel Benza to disclose accounting books and remit royalty payments, and also to declare that her artist, management, and publishing agreements with them have terminated. She has also stated that Benza has threatened to interdict her from recording new music with other artists unless done through him. Looking ahead, Ami Faku is scheduled to open for R&B legend Karyn White at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden on April 2.