Amanda Benedicta Antony (born July 24, 1993), popularly known by her stage name Amanda Black, is a South African singer-songwriter and recording artist who achieved recognition in 2016 following the release of her hit single "Amazulu", which was nominated in several music awards. Her debut studio album Amazulu was certified platinum three weeks after its release. She is presently signed to Ambitiouz Entertainment since 2016.
Early life and education
Amanda Benedicta Antony is Xhosa. She was born on July 24, 1993 in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, South Africa and grew up in Butterworth, Eastern Cape where she spent most of her early life. The songstress later moved to Port Elizabeth where she completed her high school studies at Kabega Christian School, Port Elizabeth before she proceeded to further her education at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University where she studied Music Education.
Career
She started singing at a young age in church and at school until she turned 12 when she began competing in talent hunts which exposed her to stage performance.
2015–present: Career beginnings and Amazulu
The album is about a journey. There are songs in there about me losing and finding myself, my knowing who I am and thriving, songs about heartbreak, love, being happy and comfortable in my skin; and all these are my stories. They are honest.
“
”
-Amanda Black, speaking to Amanda Maliba of Independent Online about her debut studio album
She had took part in three editions of the South African Idol but became fans' favorite at the Season 11 of the talent show in which she made it to the top 7. In view of pursuing her music career, she moved to Johannesburg in January 2016 where she was approached by Ambitiouz Entertainment who offered her a recording contract.
On 1 July 2016, she released her first official single titled "Amazulu", a song off her debut studio album Amazulu. The song is credited to have been instrumental in the upward trajectory of her career following its massive reception which saw it gain rotational nationwide airplay and downloaded over 53,000 times. On 11 November 2016, she released her long anticipated debut album Amazulu through Ambitiouz Entertainment to commercial success and positive critical review. Under a month after its release, the album sold over 31,000 copies which led the Recording Industry of South Africa to certify it platinum. It also earned her nominations in 5 categories at the 16th edition of the Metro FM Music Awards, and 5 categories at the 2017 South African Music Awards.
Artistry
She sings in her dialect Xhosa and in English language. In an interview with Patience Bambalele of The Sowetan, she describes her genre of music as Afro-soul with a fusion of hip-hop and a bit of soul and rhythm and blues. Amanda Black usually adorns her face with stipples of Xhosa face paint as an expression of how proud she is of her roots.
Discography
Studio albums
Singles
As featured artist
Videography
| Year |
Artist |
Title |
Album |
Director |
Ref |
| 2016 |
Amanda Black |
"Amazulu" |
Amazulu |
Ted Magerman |
|
| A-Reece |
"Sebenza" (featuring Amanda Black) |
Paradise |
|
| 2017 |
Miss Pru |
"Phumelela" (featuring Amanda Black, Saudi, Sjava, LaSauce, A-Reece, Fifi Cooper and Emtee) |
Non-album single |
|
| Amanda Black |
"Kahle" |
Amazulu |
|
| LaSauce |
"I Do" (featuring Amanda Black) |
Non-album single |
|
Awards and nominations
Metro FM Music Awards
South African Music Awards
BET Awards
DStv Mzansi Viewers Choice Awards
AFRIMA
Nigeria Entertainment Awards
Dance Music Awards South Africa
