UNMASKING THE ARTIST WITH WANDA BALOYI

ABOUT

Wanda Baloyi (born 6 May 1980 in Johannesburg) is a South African- Mozambican singer. The Afro-soul and R&B singer has bagged the KORA and SAMA awards.Lately, she decided to try out being a Disk Jockey. She began doing music in her days in high school.She was a member of the group girl-group Ghetto Luv and was the lead singer.She has also performed with big names on stage both on the local and international scene. She was honored to share the stage with Oleta. According to her, Oleta is one of the voices she listened to while growing up. Her parents are Mozambican and played huge roles in shaping her into who she is today.

In her words, both her father and mother added their spices both good and bad. Her father was a lead singer in Ozila, a popular act in the 80s. Though, she draws her inspiration from her father Jaco Maria. Brenda Fassie, Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela, Chaka Khan, and Anita Baker also inspire her. The songbird has dropped 4 albums. Hailing from a multicultural background has a positive impact on her music profession. 

She has had collaborations with music heavyweights in South Africa. Wanda collaborated with Thembi Seete on Sure Ntombazana. The song was for the hit television serial Yizi Yizo 2.

Wanda was offered an opportunity to record her debut solo project “Voices” with Jimmy Dludlu in 2003.

The project received positive feedback from music lovers and earned her a KORA Award.

She smiled home with the Best African Arrangement 2004. She is a nominee for 2 SAMA awards and a Channel O music video (2005-2006).

The next album under her belt is “So Amazing” in 2006. In 2009, after three years, she dropped another album titled “Colours“.

Love & Life release followed in 2013 and was produced by Kabomo. The producer was also behind the production of the single Bitter Sweetness.

The singer has held performances in notable festivals in and outside South Africa. Other countries on her visited list are Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Nigeria.