Toya Delazy Explained

Toya Delazy
Birth Name:Latoya Nontokozo Buthelezi
Native Name Lang:Zulu
Birth Place:eMahlabathini, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Origin:Durban, South Africa
Years Active:2011–present

Latoya Nontokozo Buthelezi, who is known professionally as Toya Delazy, is a London-based South African singer, producer, pianist, dancer and performer from KwaZulu-Natal.[1] [2] [3] [4] She is known for her music genre called Afro Rave, which fuses techno, drum, bass, and beats with Zulu lyricism.[5] [6] Delazy was nominated for Best International Act (Africa) at the 2013 BET Awards.[7] Her debut studio album, Due Drop, was supported by the 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.[8]

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.[9] 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 and was raised by a single mother, who died in a car accident in 2008.[10] In 2009, she matriculated from Domino Servite School.[11] She played hockey for KwaZulu-Natal and won provincial awards for discus, but lost interests in both games after her mother's death. Delazy is a supporter of the Princess Mandisi Health Care Unit in Ulundi, a center that takes care of people with HIV/AIDS.[12]

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.[13] [14] 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.[15]

2011–2018: Due Drop, Ascension, Jetlag and Uncommodified

In 2011, Delazy started working on her debut studio album Due Drop, which was acclaimed by both music critics and fans. The album's music is a mixture of several genres, including electro hop, soul, jazz and a cappella. "Pump It On" was released as the album's lead single on 28 October 2011.[16] Produced by Jax Van Heerden and Johnny De Ridder, the song received substantial airplay on 5FM and Metro FM.[17] The music video for "Pump It On" was released on 15 November 2011, and was conceptualised and shot by Tristan Holmes of Star Productions.[8] [18] Delazy assisted the director with the creative aspects of the video.[19] The music video for "Memoriam", which was filmed by Fausto Becatti and released in September 2013, shows an intimate side of Delazy.[20] "Memoriam" was written in honour of one of her teachers who died in 2009, and 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.[21] On 25 February 2013, Sony Music Africa released the album's deluxe edition and the behind-the-scenes documentary film, Takes a lot to make a Classic.[22]

Delazy announced on Twitter that her second studio album, 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."[23] Delazy relocated to London and started her own record label, Delazy Entertainment. On 28 March 2017, she released a 10-track mixtape titled Jetlag, which features collaborations with producers and guest artists such as WTF, Moonchild Sanelly, Dopeboy LDN, EW, Amin and Synesthetic.[24] On Cartoon Network Africa's "Power of Four" one-hour special, Delazy voices the character Bliss.[25] She previously performed an Africanized cover of the Powerpuff Girls extended theme song, which was uploaded to Cartoon Network Africa's official YouTube channel.[25]

In December 2017, Delazy released her third studio album Uncommodified, which comprises sixteen tracks and features guest appearances from Killason and Aaron Beezee.[26] She describes the album as the third and final chapter of her musical trilogy and said 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.[26] 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.[26]

2019–present: Afro rave genre creation and Afrorave, Vol.1.

In 2019, Delazy created a genre called Afro rave, which she describes as "edgy Afropop".[27] Afro rave is sometimes called Zulu rave and stylized as Afro Rave, Afrorave, or Afro-rave.[28] In 2021, she released her fourth studio album Afrorave, Vol.1., which features a collaboration with Young Mbazo.[29] Her debut song to be labeled as Afro rave was the tune "Funani", which she wrote "to encourage people to be what they want".

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.[13] [14] 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.[30] 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.[31] Delazy was also dressed by Suzaan Heyns, a well-known South African designer.[32]

Artistry

In 2019, Delazy created a genre called Afro rave, which she describes as "edgy Afropop".[27] She previously 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.[13]

Discography

Studio albums

Mixtapes

Filmography

Television

Awards and nominations

YearEventPrizeRecipientResultRef
2014African Muzik Magazine AwardsBest Female Southern AfricaHerself[33]
South African Music AwardsMusic Video of the Year"Memoriam"[34]
2013Metro FM Music AwardsBest Top 5 Produced AlbumDue Drop Deluxe[35]
Best Top 5 Female Album
Best Top 5 Newcomer
Top 5 Styled Artist/Group
South African Music AwardsNewcomer of the Year[36]
Best Pop Album
Best Producer
Record of the Year"Love is in the Air"[37]
Remix of the Year"Heart (Pascal & Pearce Remix)"
BET AwardsBest International Act: AfricaHerself[38]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: History books are written from a white perspective. As a queer black woman, I had to educate myself. Independent.co.uk. 7 October 2019. 13 August 2020. 11 June 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200611131955/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/black-history-month-toya-delazy-mc-musician-south-africa-culture-education-a9142956.html. live.
  2. Web site: Toya Delazy: Moving up, up and up . Sowetan LIVE . 2 April 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140407084214/http://www.sowetanlive.co.za/entertainment/2012/12/31/toya-delazy-moving-up-up-and-up . 7 April 2014 . live .
  3. News: SA's Toya and Zizo have the edge . . 24 April 2013 . 1 April 2014 . Joseph, Gordon . https://web.archive.org/web/20140407071856/http://www.namibiansun.com/art-and-entertainment/sas-toya-and-zizo-have-edge.52149 . 7 April 2014 . live .
  4. Web site: Garner. Kim. I don't see a racial divide – Toya Delazy. The Africa Report. 18 July 2014. 11 April 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140704211329/http://www.theafricareport.com/Society-and-Culture/i-dont-see-a-racial-divide-toya-delazy.html. 4 July 2014. live.
  5. https://www.beatportal.com/features/cover-story-toya-delazy/
  6. 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/
  7. Web site: BET Awards 2013 Nominations: The Complete List . MTV.com . 14 May 2013 . 1 April 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140407135425/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1707339/bet-awards-2013-nominations.jhtml . 7 April 2014 . dead .
  8. Web site: Arts . Toya Delazy | 200 young South Africans . Ysa2013.mg.co.za . 1 April 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140605090118/http://ysa2013.mg.co.za/toya-delazy/ . 5 June 2014 . dead .
  9. News: Africa Beats: Zulu pop princess Toya Delazy . BBC News . 3 May 2013 . 1 April 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140321032053/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-22384341 . 21 March 2014 . live .
  10. Web site: Upclose with Toya Delazy . SundayWorld . 9 June 2013 . 1 April 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140407062733/http://www.sundayworld.co.za/lifestyle/2013/06/09/upclose-with-toya-delazy . 7 April 2014 . live .
  11. Web site: Cover Story : More on Toya Delazy . Live Mag . 2 April 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140407102750/http://livemag.co.za/cover-story-more-on-toya-delazy/ . 7 April 2014 . live .
  12. Web site: Q&A with Toya DeLazy . YOU . 19 January 2014 . 1 April 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140407061642/http://you.co.za/mobile/hey-you/qa-with-toya-delazy/ . 7 April 2014 . live .
  13. Web site: Toya Delazy Interview . 14 September 2013 . Youth Village . 27 March 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140320125615/http://www.youthvillage.co.za/2013/09/toya-delazy-interview/ . 20 March 2014 . live .
  14. Web site: Toya Delazy Continues To Pump It On . Music Industry Online . 15 August 2012 . 27 March 2014 . Hoohlo, Nomsa . https://web.archive.org/web/20140407085318/http://www.mio.co.za/article/toya-delazy-continues-to-pump-it-on-2012-08-15 . 7 April 2014 . live .
  15. Web site: A project of Brand South Africa – Toya Delazy . Brandsouthafrica.com . 1 April 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131201032225/http://www.brandsouthafrica.com/tvc/profiles/23-toya-de-lazy.html . 1 December 2013 . live .
  16. Web site: Pump It On – Single by Toya Delazy. iTunes. 16 July 2014. 28 October 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20141224230418/https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/pump-it-on-single/id475321398. 24 December 2014. live.
  17. Web site: Toya Delazy, South Africa's Most Exciting New Artist, Set For Pan-African Breakthrough With Debut Single 'Pump It On' . ROCKSTAR4000 . 24 March 2012 . 2 April 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140407073321/http://www.rockstar4000.com/profiles/blogs/toya-delazy-south-africa-s-most-exciting-new-artist-set-for-pan-a . 7 April 2014 . dmy-all .
  18. Web site: Toya Delazy Releases New Single. 25 June 2013. Mio.co.za. 1 April 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140407085944/http://www.mio.co.za/article/toya-delazy-releases-new-single-2013-06-25. 7 April 2014. live.
  19. Web site: Toya DeLazy releases fresh video . Channel24 . 15 November 2011 . 1 April 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140407073800/http://www.channel24.co.za/Music/News/Toya-DeLazy-releases-fresh-video-20111115 . 7 April 2014 . live .
  20. Web site: Toya Delazy – "Memoriam" – Rolling Stone South Africa . Rollingstone.co.za . 29 October 2013 . 1 April 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140227074626/http://www.rollingstone.co.za/videosrev/item/2888-toya-delazy-memoriam . 27 February 2014 . live .
  21. Web site: Toya Delazy: Memoriam Music Video – Between 10 and 5 . 10and5.com . 14 October 2013 . 1 April 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140407073419/http://10and5.com/2013/10/14/toya-delazy-memoriam-music-video/ . 7 April 2014 . live .
  22. Web site: Due Drop – Deluxe by Toya Delazy . Itunes . 29 March 2013 . 1 April 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20141224230444/https://itunes.apple.com/ng/album/due-drop-deluxe/id580290872 . 24 December 2014 . live .
  23. Web site: Weg. Z. Listen to Toya Delazy's 'Forbidden Fruit,' The First Single Off Her Forthcoming 'Ascension'.. OkayAfrica. 25 September 2014. 24 September 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141205044541/http://www.okayafrica.com/news/toya-delazy-forbidden-fruit-ascension/. 5 December 2014. live.
  24. Web site: Toya Delazy releases new mixtape. Zkhipani. 3 April 2017. 28 March 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170404043601/http://www.zkhiphani.co.za/listen-toya-de-lazy-jetlag-ep/. 4 April 2017. live.
  25. Web site: Crystal Bell . THERE'S A FOURTH POWERPUFF GIRL NOW AND WE KINDA SORTA HAVE A FIRST LOOK . MTV . 16 March 2019 . 16 November 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180702220839/http://www.mtv.com/news/3034740/powerpuff-girls-new-member/ . 2 July 2018 . dead .
  26. Web site: ALBUM OF THE WEEK: Toya Delazy's final chapter 'Uncommodified' . 11 December 2017 . Yomzansi . 16 March 2019 . 10 August 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220810195530/https://www.yomzansi.com/2017/12/11/album-of-the-week-toya-delazys-final-chapter-uncommodified/ . live .
  27. Web site: Zeeman . Kyle . TimesLIVE . 2019 . Toya Delazy is creating her own genre called Afro-rave, and she says it’s the future . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20191009072656/https://www.timeslive.co.za/tshisa-live/tshisa-live/2019-10-09-toya-delazy-is-creating-her-own-genre-called-afro-rave-and-she-says-its-the-future/ . 9 October 2019 . 15 December 2023 . Times Live.
  28. Web site: Films . Eggs . 14 October 2019 . Director Kyle Lewis brings Toya DeLazy’s ‘Afro Rave’ to life . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20191014141151/https://www.screenafrica.com/2019/10/14/film/film-content/director-kyle-lewis-helps-to-brings-toya-delazys-afro-rave-to-life/ . 14 October 2019 . 15 December 2023 . Screen Africa.
  29. News: Modise . Kedibone . Independent Online . 14 June 2021 . Toya Delazy resurrects the fighting spirit in youth in her new album ‘Afrorave Vol. 1’ . IOL . live . 15 December 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210614081621/https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/music/local/toya-delazy-resurrects-the-fighting-spirit-in-youth-in-her-new-album-afrorave-vol-1-87433cc5-f9de-4f6d-a51a-5829db9af825 . 14 June 2021.
  30. Web site: Mbhele . Londiwe . Talking Style with Toya Delazy . iFashion . 28 November 2012 . 1 April 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140407062423/http://www.ifashion.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5041:talking-style-with-toya-delazy&catid=78&Itemid=114 . 7 April 2014 . live .
  31. Web site: Kaulinge . Selma . Namibia: Toya Delazy Launches Her Line in Windhoek . allAfrica.com . 25 April 2013 . 1 April 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140407085451/http://allafrica.com/stories/201304250757.html . 7 April 2014 . live .
  32. Web site: SAMA photo diary: Suzaan Heyns dresses Toya Delazy and Reason | Glamour South Africa . Glamour.co.za . 2016-01-07 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150416144936/http://glamour.co.za/2013/05/sama-photo-diary-suzaan-heyns-dresses-toya-delazy-and-reason/ . 16 April 2015 . live .
  33. Web site: See Nominees for the African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) 2014. Bellanaija. 28 July 2014. 9 June 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140728233201/http://www.bellanaija.com/2014/06/09/see-the-nominees-for-the-african-muzik-magazine-awards-afrimma-2014/. 28 July 2014. live.
  34. Web site: 2014 SAMA Nominees Announced . e.tv . 13 March 2014 . 2 April 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140318002359/http://www.etv.co.za/news/2014/03/13/2014-sama-nominees-announced . 18 March 2014 . live .
  35. Web site: Metro FM Music Awards Finalists Announcement 2013 . . 17 January 2013 . 13 April 2014 . Bucibo, Bonga . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140802020039/http://metrofm.co.za/content/news/metro-fm-music-awards-finalists-announcement-2013/ . 2 August 2014 . dmy-all .
  36. Web site: Sanelisiwe . South African Music Awards winners . DRUM . 13 May 2013 . 2 April 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140407060714/http://drum.co.za/entertainment/south-african-music-awards-winners/ . 7 April 2014 . live .
  37. Web site: SAMA 2013 nominees announced. Channel 24. 19 July 2014. 20 March 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20140725133348/http://www.channel24.co.za/Music/News/SAMA-2013-nominees-announced-20130320. 25 July 2014. live.
  38. Web site: Bang Showbiz, Times LIVE . Toya Delazy nominated for BET Award, Drake leads with 12 nods . Times LIVE . 15 May 2013 . 1 April 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140407074308/http://www.timeslive.co.za/entertainment/2013/05/15/toya-delazy-nominated-for-bet-award-drake-leads-with-12-nods . 7 April 2014 . live .

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