Aya kaMpama

Aya kaMpama is a creative industries specialist with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music and Drama performance (majoring in Jazz voice) and an Honours degree in Drama and performance studies from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

Mpama has over 15 years of experience in her field as a performer, producer, writer as well as a political and environmental activist. Her professional music career began in 2005 when she entered the popular music competition programme, Idols SA where she came sixth. This set Mpama on the path of becoming a professional recording artist which saw her sign he first recording deal with major label, Sony BMG now referred to as Sony Music Africa.

Her debut album entitled A State of Aya was popular in her home country of South Africa and created the platform for her to perform at music festivals like the Ugu Jazz Festival, the Women in Arts Festival and record a collaborative song that was released on the 2010 World Cup official album. Performed on world stages such as South African heritage site The Market Theatre (Johannesburg, South Africa), The Playhouse (Durban, South Africa), The Grand Theatre (Wolverhampton, UK), Turner Centre (Keri Keri, New Zealand) to name a few, KaMpama is a vibrant, hypnotic performer that produces memorable performances consistently. Ka Mpama is a mother, lover of God, her ancestors, life, mountains, academia, politics, and the environment. She is also very well known for being the first and the last one on the dancefloor at a good party with good music. Balanced and brave, KaMpama is currently pursuing a Masters degree at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and is in pre-production of the release of her sophomore album.