Toya Delazy
Delazy in 2012
Background information
Birth nameLatoya Nontokozo Buthelezi
BorneMahlabathini, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
OriginDurban, South Africa
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Singer
  • producer
  • pianist
  • dancer
  • performer
Instrument(s)
  • Vocals
  • synth
  • piano
Years active2011–present
Labels
Websitedelazy.com

Latoya Nontokozo Buthelezi, known professionally as Toya Delazy, is a London-based South African singer, producer, pianist, dancer and performer from KwaZulu-Natal.[3][4][5][6] She is known for her music genre called "AfroRave", which fuses techno, drum, bass and beats with Zulu lyricism.[7][8] Delazy was nominated for Best International Act (Africa) at the 2013 BET Awards.[9] Her debut studio album Due Drop was supported by five singles: "Pump It On", "Love Is in the Air", "Are You Gonna Stay?", "Heart" and "Memoriam". Following the album's release, Delazy took home two awards at the 2013 SAMAs, including Newcomer of the Year.[10]

Biography and music career

Early life and career beginnings

Delazy was born in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. She is the granddaughter of Mangosuthu Buthelezi, a Zulu chief and anti-apartheid icon, and the great-granddaughter of Princess Magogo, a Zulu princess and traditional composer.[11] She attended a convent hostel at the age of 6 and learned to recite the Hail Mary. When she was nine years old, she started playing classical piano and composing music. Delazy grew up in a religious setting. She was raised by a single mother, who died in a car accident in 2008.[12] In 2009, she matriculated from Domino Servite School.[13] She played hockey for KwaZulu-Natal and won provincial awards for discus, but lost interests in both games after the death of her mother.[2] Delazy is a supporter of the Princess Mandisi Health Care Unit in Ulundi, a centre that takes care of people with HIV/AIDS.[14]

Delazy got her first major break while performing at a live show. Producer Markus Els approached her and invited her to record a few songs at a studio. A demo of the songs she recorded was given to Vusi Leeuw, who later presented it to Sony Music Africa. Delazy signed a two-album record deal with Sony Music Africa on 19 April 2011.[15][16] She made her first solo appearance at the 2011 Africa Day concert in Newtown, Johannesburg, performing alongside Baaba Maal, Habib Koite and Tumi and the Volume, among others.[17]

2011–2017: Due Drop, Ascension, Jetlag and Uncommodified

Delazy started working on her debut studio album Due Drop in 2011. The album's music is a mixture of several genres, including electro hop, soul, jazz and a cappella. It was acclaimed by both critics and fans. "Pump It On" was released as the album's lead single on 28 October 2011.[18] Produced by Jax Van Heerden and Johnny De Ridder, the song received substantial airplay on 5FM and Metro FM.[19] The music video for "Pump It On" was released on 15 November 2011.[10][20] It was conceptualised and shot by Tristan Holmes of Star Productions. Delazy assisted the director with the creative aspects of the video.[21] The music video for "Memoriam" was released in September 2013. It was directed by Fausto Becatti and shows an intimate side of Delazy.[22] "Memoriam" was written in honour of one of her teachers who died in 2009. The song is also reminiscent of her mother, Princess Lethuxolo. In an interview posted on Between 10 and 5 in October 2013, Becatti said he fell in love with the song and was inspired to tell stories that would reverberate with people on a passionate level.[23] On 25 February 2013, Sony Music Africa released the album's deluxe edition.[24] The label also released the behind-the-scenes documentary film, Takes a lot to make a Classic.[20]

Delazy announced on Twitter that her second studio album, titled Ascension, would be released on 28 October 2014. "Forbidden Fruit" was released as the album's lead single on 22 September 2014. The song features a production collaboration with Craig Massiv of Flash Republic. OkayAfrica described the song as a "gospel-tipped cauldron of throbbing drums and jittery electronic spurts" and said it is "unquestionably one of Delazy’s most thrilling songs yet."[25] Delazy relocated to London and started her own record label, Delazy Entertainment. On 28 March 2017, she released a 10-track mixtape titled Jetlag. It features collaborations with producers and guest artists such as WTF, Moonchild, Dopeboy LDN, EW, Amin and Synesthetic.[26] On Cartoon Network Africa's "Power of Four" one-hour special, Delazy voices the character Bliss.[27] She previously performed an Africanized cover of the Powerpuff Girls extended theme song, which was uploaded to Cartoon Network Africa's official YouTube channel.[27]

In December 2017, Delazy released her third studio album Uncommodified. It comprises 16 tracks and features guest appearances from Killason and Aaron Beezee.[28] She describes the album as the third and final chapter of her musical trilogy, adding it embodies her freedom as an artist and devotion to living her purpose and remaining true to herself. Inspired by sounds from Solomun, Black Coffee, Stormzy and Benjamin Clementine, the album is a fusion of jazz, electro and hip-hop.[28] Delazy produced and co-produced four of the album's tracks and enlisted help from producer Wes My Meds and recording artists such as Silas Beats, Khwezi Sifunda, Kofski, Rob Smyls, Lawless Prod, Mantra and Rymez. The album's lead single "Greatest" was produced by Ugandan producer Silas Beats. In addition to the lead single, the album contains the track "Khula Khula", a song that raises awareness about gender inequality in Africa.[28]

Endorsements and fashion style

Delazy was the brand ambassador for the Reebok Classics Drop R range between 2011 and 2012. In an interview with Youth Village, she said Reebok approached her and told her they admired her fashion flair, music and style. She represented the brand throughout Africa and had the creative power to certify her own classics.[15][16] In addition to music, Delazy's love also extends to the fashion world. She believes that fashion expresses one's freedom and showcases their individualism. She has described her fashion style as classy and funky. Her fashion style includes street and vintage pieces.[29] In April 2013, Legit Clothing stores in South Africa and Namibia launched a clothing line inspired by Delazy. The official launch was held at the Town Square Legit store in Windhoek.[30] Delazy was also dressed by Suzaan Heyns, a well known South African designer.[31]

Artistry

Delazy has described her sound as JEHP, an acronym for the fusion of jazz, electro hop, and punk (she swapped pop for punk in 2016). Her music draws from her daily life experiences. Delazy has been influenced by artists such as Kate Nash, John Legend, Radiohead, Tracy Chapman, Aṣa, Goldfish, Imogen Heap, Adele, Kings of Leon, Regina Spektor, John Lennon, Norah Jones, John Mayer, Black Eyed Peas, Sara Bareilles, Nirvana, Deadmau5 and Skrillex. Delazy's love for music was inspired by classical and orchestral songs like "Clair de Lune" and "Psalms of David". She was also inspired by Lauryn Hill after watching Sister Act.[15]

Afro-rave genre

In 2019, Toya Delazy announced the name of a new genre, Afro rave she had masterminded.The music genre appears to have been initialy created to represent her own unique and specific style of, sound described as "edgy Afropop"[32] The genre's debut single was titled "Funani" and the lyrics' message was "to encourage people to be what they want".[32] In 2021, she released the genre's debut album, Afrorave Vol.1.[33] It featured Young Mbazo a South African band which members are the sons and grandsons of the Grammy-award winning acapella ensemble Ladysmith Black Mambazo.[34] The album was described as predominantly Zulu language deliverance and having "taking British audiences by storm".[35] The genre cites numerous spelling styles like ; Afro Rave,Afro rave, Afrorave and Afro-rave.[32][33][36] It is also sometimes referred to as, Zulu rave.[35]

Discography

Studio albums

  • Due Drop (2012)
  • Ascension (2014)
  • Uncommodified (2017)
  • Afrorave Vol. 1 (2021)[33]

Mixtapes

  • Jetlag (2017)

Filmography

Television

Year Title Role Notes
2017–2019 The Powerpuff Girls Blisstina Utonium Episodes: "Power of Four", "Never Been Blissed", "In the Doghouse" and "Lights Out"

Awards and nominations

Year Event Prize Recipient Result Ref
2014 African Muzik Magazine Awards Best Female Southern Africa Herself Nominated [37]
South African Music Awards Music Video of the Year "Memoriam" Nominated [38]
2013 Metro FM Music Awards Best Top 5 Produced Album Due Drop Deluxe Nominated [39]
Best Top 5 Female Album Nominated
Best Top 5 Newcomer Nominated
Top 5 Styled Artist/Group Nominated
South African Music Awards Newcomer of the Year Won [40]
Best Pop Album Won
Best Producer Won
Record of the Year "Love is in the Air" — [41]
Remix of the Year "Heart (Pascal & Pearce Remix)" Nominated
BET Awards 2013 Best International Act: Africa Herself Nominated [42]

References

  1. ↑ Zeeman, Kyle (2019). "Toya Delazy is creating her own genre called Afro-rave, and she says it's the future". Times Live. Archived from the original on 9 October 2019. Retrieved 15 December 2023.
  2. 1 2 "Toya Delazy drops Qhawe". HypeStorm. Archived from the original on 22 April 2020. Retrieved 19 April 2020.
  3. ↑ "History books are written from a white perspective. As a queer black woman, I had to educate myself". Independent.co.uk. 7 October 2019. Archived from the original on 11 June 2020. Retrieved 13 August 2020.
  4. ↑ "Toya Delazy: Moving up, up and up". Sowetan LIVE. Archived from the original on 7 April 2014. Retrieved 2 April 2014.
  5. ↑ Joseph, Gordon (24 April 2013). "SA's Toya and Zizo have the edge". Namibian Sun. Archived from the original on 7 April 2014. Retrieved 1 April 2014.
  6. ↑ Garner, Kim (11 April 2014). "I don't see a racial divide – Toya Delazy". The Africa Report. Archived from the original on 4 July 2014. Retrieved 18 July 2014.
  7. ↑ https://www.beatportal.com/features/cover-story-toya-delazy/
  8. ↑ https://texxandthecity.com/2021/06/toya-delazy-is-pioneering-a-new-genre-of-dance-music-called-afrorave-coming-to-beautiful-fruition-on-her-latest-album-afrorave-vol-1/
  9. ↑ "BET Awards 2013 Nominations: The Complete List". MTV.com. 14 May 2013. Archived from the original on 7 April 2014. Retrieved 1 April 2014.
  10. 1 2 Arts. "Toya Delazy | 200 young South Africans". Ysa2013.mg.co.za. Archived from the original on 5 June 2014. Retrieved 1 April 2014.
  11. ↑ "Africa Beats: Zulu pop princess Toya Delazy". BBC News. 3 May 2013. Archived from the original on 21 March 2014. Retrieved 1 April 2014.
  12. ↑ "Upclose with Toya Delazy". SundayWorld. 9 June 2013. Archived from the original on 7 April 2014. Retrieved 1 April 2014.
  13. ↑ "Cover Story : More on Toya Delazy". Live Mag. Archived from the original on 7 April 2014. Retrieved 2 April 2014.
  14. ↑ "Q&A with Toya DeLazy". YOU. 19 January 2014. Archived from the original on 7 April 2014. Retrieved 1 April 2014.
  15. 1 2 3 "Toya Delazy Interview". Youth Village. 14 September 2013. Archived from the original on 20 March 2014. Retrieved 27 March 2014.
  16. 1 2 Hoohlo, Nomsa (15 August 2012). "Toya Delazy Continues To Pump It On". Music Industry Online. Archived from the original on 7 April 2014. Retrieved 27 March 2014.
  17. ↑ "A project of Brand South Africa – Toya Delazy". Brandsouthafrica.com. Archived from the original on 1 December 2013. Retrieved 1 April 2014.
  18. ↑ "Pump It On – Single by Toya Delazy". iTunes. 28 October 2011. Archived from the original on 24 December 2014. Retrieved 16 July 2014.
  19. ↑ "Toya Delazy, South Africa's Most Exciting New Artist, Set For Pan-African Breakthrough With Debut Single 'Pump It On'". ROCKSTAR4000. 24 March 2012. Archived from the original on 7 April 2014. Retrieved 2 April 2014.
  20. 1 2 "Toya Delazy Releases New Single". Mio.co.za. 25 June 2013. Archived from the original on 7 April 2014. Retrieved 1 April 2014.
  21. ↑ "Toya DeLazy releases fresh video". Channel24. 15 November 2011. Archived from the original on 7 April 2014. Retrieved 1 April 2014.
  22. ↑ "Toya Delazy – "Memoriam" – Rolling Stone South Africa". Rollingstone.co.za. 29 October 2013. Archived from the original on 27 February 2014. Retrieved 1 April 2014.
  23. ↑ "Toya Delazy: Memoriam Music Video – Between 10 and 5". 10and5.com. 14 October 2013. Archived from the original on 7 April 2014. Retrieved 1 April 2014.
  24. ↑ "Due Drop – Deluxe by Toya Delazy". Itunes. 29 March 2013. Archived from the original on 24 December 2014. Retrieved 1 April 2014.
  25. ↑ Weg, Z (24 September 2014). "Listen to Toya Delazy's 'Forbidden Fruit,' The First Single Off Her Forthcoming 'Ascension'". OkayAfrica. Archived from the original on 5 December 2014. Retrieved 25 September 2014.
  26. ↑ "Toya Delazy releases new mixtape". Zkhipani. 28 March 2017. Archived from the original on 4 April 2017. Retrieved 3 April 2017.
  27. 1 2 Crystal Bell (16 November 2017). "THERE'S A FOURTH POWERPUFF GIRL NOW AND WE KINDA SORTA HAVE A FIRST LOOK". MTV. Archived from the original on 2 July 2018. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
  28. 1 2 3 "ALBUM OF THE WEEK: Toya Delazy's final chapter 'Uncommodified'". Yomzansi. 11 December 2017. Archived from the original on 10 August 2022. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
  29. ↑ Mbhele, Londiwe (28 November 2012). "Talking Style with Toya Delazy". iFashion. Archived from the original on 7 April 2014. Retrieved 1 April 2014.
  30. ↑ Kaulinge, Selma (25 April 2013). "Namibia: Toya Delazy Launches Her Line in Windhoek". allAfrica.com. Archived from the original on 7 April 2014. Retrieved 1 April 2014.
  31. ↑ "SAMA photo diary: Suzaan Heyns dresses Toya Delazy and Reason | Glamour South Africa". Glamour.co.za. Archived from the original on 16 April 2015. Retrieved 7 January 2016.
  32. 1 2 3 Zeeman, Kyle (2019). "Toya Delazy is creating her own genre called Afro-rave, and she says it's the future". Times Live. Archived from the original on 9 October 2019. Retrieved 15 December 2023.
  33. 1 2 3 Mike, Steven (17 June 2021). "Toya Delazy Afrorave Vol 1 Album". iminathi. Archived from the original on 17 June 2021. Retrieved 17 June 2021.
  34. ↑ Modise, Kedibone (14 June 2021). "Toya Delazy resurrects the fighting spirit in youth in her new album 'Afrorave Vol. 1'". IOL. Archived from the original on 14 June 2021. Retrieved 15 December 2023.
  35. 1 2 Bambalele, Patience (21 June 2021). "Brits thrilled by Toya Delazy's Zulu rave". Sowetan Live. Archived from the original on 21 June 2021. Retrieved 15 December 2023.
  36. ↑ Films, Eggs (14 October 2019). "Director Kyle Lewis brings Toya DeLazy's 'Afro Rave' to life". Screen Africa. Archived from the original on 14 October 2019. Retrieved 15 December 2023.
  37. ↑ "See Nominees for the African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) 2014". Bellanaija. 9 June 2014. Archived from the original on 28 July 2014. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
  38. ↑ "2014 SAMA Nominees Announced". e.tv. 13 March 2014. Archived from the original on 18 March 2014. Retrieved 2 April 2014.
  39. ↑ Bucibo, Bonga (17 January 2013). "Metro FM Music Awards Finalists Announcement 2013". Metro FM. Archived from the original on 2 August 2014. Retrieved 13 April 2014.
  40. ↑ Sanelisiwe (13 May 2013). "South African Music Awards winners". DRUM. Archived from the original on 7 April 2014. Retrieved 2 April 2014.
  41. ↑ "SAMA 2013 nominees announced". Channel 24. 20 March 2013. Archived from the original on 25 July 2014. Retrieved 19 July 2014.
  42. ↑ Bang Showbiz, Times LIVE (15 May 2013). "Toya Delazy nominated for BET Award, Drake leads with 12 nods". Times LIVE. Archived from the original on 7 April 2014. Retrieved 1 April 2014.
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