Toya Delazy, whose real name is Latoya Nontokozo Buthelezi, is a talented South African singer, producer, pianist, dancer, and performer. She’s from a place called KwaZulu-Natal and now lives in London, where she creates her amazing music.
Toya Delazy
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| Birth name | Latoya Nontokozo Buthelezi |
| Born | eMahlabathini, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa |
| Origin | Durban, South Africa |
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| Years active | 2011–present |
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One thing that makes Toya special is her music style, which she calls Afro Rave. It’s a cool mix of techno, drum, bass, and beats with Zulu lyrics. People love how her music sounds fresh and unique.
In 2013, Toya was even nominated for a big award at the BET Awards for Best International Act (Africa). That’s a huge deal!
Her first album, “Due Drop,” came out with some awesome songs like “Pump It On,” “Love Is in the Air,” and “Are You Gonna Stay?” After the album’s release, she won two awards at the SAMAs in 2013, including Newcomer of the Year.
Biography
But Toya’s journey to success wasn’t easy. She had to overcome some tough times. She grew up in a religious family, raised by her mom after her dad passed away. Tragically, her mom died in a car accident when Toya was just a teenager. Despite the sadness, she never gave up on her dreams.
Toya’s big break came when she was performing at a live show, and a music producer noticed her talent. He helped her record some songs in a studio, and soon, Toya’s music caught the attention of Sony Music Africa. They were so impressed that they offered her a record deal!
Since then, Toya has been making waves in the music industry, performing at big concerts and festivals alongside famous artists. She’s not just a musician; she’s also passionate about giving back to her community. She supports a health care unit in Ulundi that helps people with HIV/AIDS.
Toya Delazy’s story is a reminder that with hard work, talent, and determination, you can achieve your dreams no matter where you come from.
Music career
Toya Delazy has been making waves in the music industry since 2011 when she released her debut album, Due Drop. Critics and fans alike loved the album’s mix of electro hop, soul, jazz, and a cappella. Her hit single “Pump It On” became a favorite on radio stations across South Africa.
Following the success of Due Drop, Toya worked on her second album, Ascension, which was released in 2014. The lead single, “Forbidden Fruit,” showcased her unique sound and earned praise from music critics. Toya also ventured into voice acting, lending her talents to Cartoon Network Africa’s “Power of Four” special.
In 2017, Toya released a mixtape called Jetlag, featuring collaborations with other artists. She also voiced the character Bliss in the Powerpuff Girls special. Later that year, she dropped her third studio album, Uncommodified, which she described as the final chapter of her musical trilogy. The album blends jazz, electro, and hip-hop influences and includes tracks like “Greatest” and “Khula Khula,” which raise awareness about gender inequality in Africa.
In 2019, Toya made a bold move by creating her own music genre called Afro rave, a fusion of Afropop with edgy vibes. She released her fourth studio album, Afrorave, Vol.1., in 2021, featuring collaborations with artists like Young Mbazo. Her song “Funani” became a hit, inspiring people to embrace their true selves.
Throughout her career, Toya Delazy has been pushing boundaries and breaking stereotypes, proving that she’s not just a talented musician but also a creative force to be reckoned with.
Endorsements
Toya Delazy isn’t just a music icon; she’s also a trendsetter in the fashion world. From 2011 to 2012, she served as the brand ambassador for the Reebok Classics Drop R range. Reebok recognized her unique sense of style and creative flair, allowing her to put her stamp on their classic designs across Africa.
But her influence doesn’t stop there. Toya’s fashion philosophy is all about freedom and individuality. She sees fashion as a form of self-expression, and her style reflects that. Mixing classy with funky, she loves incorporating streetwear and vintage pieces into her wardrobe.
In 2013, Toya’s fashion influence reached new heights when Legit Clothing launched a clothing line inspired by her. The line was a hit, showcasing her eclectic style to fans across South Africa and Namibia. Plus, she’s been dressed by renowned South African designer Suzaan Heyns, further cementing her status as a fashion icon.
With her music and fashion sense, Toya Delazy continues to inspire people to express themselves boldly and authentically.
Artistry
Toya Delazy’s artistry is as unique as it is diverse. In 2019, she introduced the world to Afro rave, a genre she describes as “edgy Afropop.” But her musical journey began earlier, when she coined the term JEHP to define her sound: a fusion of jazz, electro hop, and punk.
Drawing inspiration from her own life experiences, Toya’s music is deeply personal and authentic. Along the way, she’s been influenced by a wide range of artists spanning various genres. From the soulful melodies of John Legend and Tracy Chapman to the electronic beats of Goldfish and Skrillex, Toya’s musical palette is rich and eclectic.
Her love for music was ignited by classical and orchestral pieces like “Clair de Lune” and “Psalms of David,” but it was Lauryn Hill’s performance in Sister Act that truly inspired her to pursue a career in music.
With her innovative sound and diverse influences, Toya Delazy continues to push boundaries and redefine what it means to be a modern artist in today’s music industry.
Discography:
Studio albums:
- Due Drop (2012)
- Ascension (2014)
- Uncommodified (2017)
- Afrorave Vol. 1 (2021)
Mixtapes:
- Jetlag (2017)
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