Early Life and Family Background
Amanda Benedicta Antony, professionally known as Amanda Black, was born on July 24, 1993, in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, South Africa. She hails from the Xhosa ethnic group and was raised in Butterworth, Eastern Cape, where she spent most of her early life. She also lived in East London before moving to Port Elizabeth, where she completed her high school studies at Kabega Christian School. Amanda furthered her education at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, studying Music Education
Musical Beginnings
Amanda’s musical journey began at the age of 6 when she started singing in church choirs. By 12, she began competing in talent hunts, which exposed her to stage performance and laid the foundation for her future career. Her participation in Idols South Africa Season 11 marked a significant milestone, where she made it to the Top 7, gaining national recognition.
Career Trajectory and Breakthrough
In January 2016, Amanda relocated to Johannesburg to pursue her music career. She signed a record deal with Ambitiouz Entertainment and released her debut single, “Amazulu”, on July 1, 2016. The song garnered over 4 million views on YouTube and was included in her debut studio album, Amazulu, released on November 11, 2016. The album achieved Platinum certification within three weeks of release and earned her multiple awards, including Album of the Year, Best Newcomer of the Year, Best Female Artist of the Year, and Best R&B/Soul/Reggae Album at the South African Music Awards (SAMA).
In 2019, Amanda signed with Sony Music Entertainment and released her second album, Power, on October 25, 2019. The album was well-received and won Best Album of the Year at the South African Afro Music Awards (SAAFMA).
Her third studio album, Mnyama, was released on August 6, 2021, featuring singles like “Kutheni Na” and “Let It Go”. In 2023, she released her fourth album, From My Soil To Yours, on November 17, which was produced by her longtime collaborators Christer Kobedi and Vaughan Fourie, along with producers Fundile Dlamini, Thato Modika, Andziso Ngobeni, and Batundi Muisha.
Artistic Influences and Sound
Amanda Black’s music is a fusion of Afro-soul, R&B, and Afro-pop, characterized by her soulful vocals and emotive songwriting. She draws inspiration from artists such as Beyoncé, Whitney Houston, Brandy Norwood, and Brenda Fassie. Her music often explores themes of love, self-empowerment, and personal growth, resonating with a wide audience.
Awards and Recognitions
Throughout her career, Amanda Black has received numerous accolades, including:
- South African Music Awards (SAMA):
- Album of the Year for Amazulu
- Best Newcomer of the Year
- Best Female Artist of the Year
- Best R&B/Soul/Reggae Album
- Metro FM Music Awards:
- Best R&B Single for “Separate”
- Listeners Choice Award
- South African Afro Music Awards (SAAFMA):
- Best Album of the Year for Power
- BET Awards:
- Viewers Choice: Best International Act nomination
- All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA):
- Best Female Artist in Southern Africa nomination
In 2019, she was named the most-streamed artist on Apple Music in South Africa.
Discography
Studio Albums:
- Amazulu (2016)
- Power (2019)
- Mnyama (2021)
- From My Soil To Yours (2023)
Notable Singles:
- “Amazulu”
- “Kahle”
- “Thandwa Ndim”
- “Kutheni Na”
- “Let It Go”
- “Nguwe”
- “Love is for Mahala.”
Personal Life and Challenges
Amanda Black has been open about her personal experiences, including her relationships and the challenges she has faced in the music industry. She was previously in a relationship with fellow musician Sjava, which garnered significant media attention. Despite facing public scrutiny and personal challenges, she has remained focused on her music and philanthropic endeavors. In addition to her music career, Amanda Black is an advocate for women’s rights and has been involved in various charitable activities aimed at empowering women and youth in South Africa.
