Ami Faku: I'd love to work with Black Coffee

Born Amanda Faku, the 27-year-old singer credits The Voice as a launch pad for her career. Faku emerged in the top 16 at the 2017 edition of the TV show and later landed an impressive deal with local entertainment agency The Vth Season.

Ami Faku debuted in 2017 with the ‘Ndikhethe Wena’ single. Her other single, ‘Into Ingawe’, which features Sun-EL Musician, was certified gold. In October, Apple Music featured the singer as part of the streaming platform's New Artist Spotlight series. This was shortly after the release of Faku’s debut album Imali. In 2019, she topped Deezer’s list of the most streamed South African female artists.

Ami Faku has undoubtedly become a force to be reckoned with. In February, ahead of Valentine’s Day, Deezer curated her personalised playlist, which featured the singer’s favourites.

Music In Africa caught up with Ami Faku ahead of her performances at Untitled Basement in Johannesburg on 12 and 13 March.

MUSIC IN AFRICA: How does it feel to be one of the most talked about singers in South Africa?

AMI FAKU: It feels great and like a dream come true. It has always been my dream to be appreciated for the music I do, so I am very grateful and happy about that.

Who was Ami Faku 10 years ago?

I was Amanda, I was a student and I was recording music in the community I used to live in. I was travelling around Port Elizabeth, I had never recorded music professionally and it’s a recent thing that I decided to actually do as a profession.

When was your breakthrough?

I would say there was no specific breakthrough but I guess it all started when I auditioned for The Voice and I managed to get in there. I made contacts within the show because I never won. I was in top 16 but no one knew me when I got eliminated. The contacts I created at The Voice helped me to be introduced to Benza, the co-founder of The Vth Season. That’s how it started, so creating contacts at the show was a breakthrough for me.

Most of your songs are about love. Why does love take centre stage in your music?

I feel like it explains the kind of person I am because I love love. My songs are not romantic but there is love involved when I write and I guess it’s something that reflects what I feel most of the time.

Which artists did you look up to when you were growing up?

I never really. The thing with me is that I am never obsessed with one person; I love all people that are equally talented. So I never had someone whom I was obsessed with. All I could think of was me listening to different genres so I could take inspirational elements. I remember listening to Chronixx, Caiphus Semenya, Brandy. I am even inspired by Drake.

How is your album Imali doing in terms of streaming and sales?

My album is doing great. It was No 3 recently on iTunes. Even on Deezer I just found out that I am the most streamed female artist in the country. The support is there and I am so grateful. I never thought it was possible and I am very happy about it.

You have collaborated with some of the top artists in the country. Who do you dream working with for your upcoming projects?

I would say Black Coffee is someone who I would love to work with locally. He has been consistent for many years and I feel like he has a lot to teach upcoming artists like me.

Would you collaborate with artists from any genre?

You definitely have to have a list. Even before my album, I had a list of people whom I wanted to work with. You can’t just work with anyone just because they can sing. You have to find people that make you better and complement your work.

What challenges did you face to be where you are today?

I would say getting people to give me advice and knowing when to not take advice. People come and tell you and pretend they know what’s good for you and all that. The challenge for me was knowing when to take advice from someone. Thinking of the right people to work with was challenging but thankfully I managed to find good people.

Should fans expect any collaborations at the Untitled Basement?

They should come and see for themselves. It will be a surprise, but it will be a very emotional moment for a lot of people who know the songs.