Ami Faku  A Soulful Voice Under the Kirstenbosch Sky

When Ami Faku steps onto a stage, she doesn’t just perform — she connects. 
With a voice that carries both vulnerability and strength, the Eastern Cape–born 
singer-songwriter has become one of the defining voices of South Africa’s contemporary Afro-soul movement.

Born Amanda Faku, she first captured national attention as a standout contestant on The Voice SA in 2017.

 Since then, her star has risen steadily, anchored by the success of her acclaimed debut album, Imali (2019), which earned multiple award nominations and cemented her as a formidable talent. Songs like “Ubuhle Bakho” and “Inde Lendlela” showcase her gift for melody and her ability to tell deeply personal stories that feel universal.

On 2 April, audiences at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden are in for something special as Ami Faku opens for R&B legend Karyn White.

It’s a fitting pairing: two powerhouse women whose music is rooted in soul, honesty and timeless emotion. For Ami, whose dream gig includes performing at Coachella, this moment marks yet another milestone in a journey defined by sincerity and growth.

At her core, Ami describes her purpose simply: to find herself and enjoy life. 
Music, she says, is her way of expressing herself and uniting people. 
Her art is about life — love, resilience, self-discovery — and the beauty and ache that come with it.

Her motto? You only live once.

She doesn’t chase fame for its own sake — to her, fame is merely visibility. 
What truly moves her is hearing how her songs help others find meaning in their own lives. 
That feedback pushes her to remain sincere in her craft.

She draws inspiration from the ocean and from time spent with family and friends her most treasured possession. Off stage, she avoids parties and small talk. 
On stage, despite the nerves, she somehow forgets her fears and fully embraces the space.

Her heroes are her parents. She admires the grace and legacy of Caiphus Semenya. 
Her style icon is Pharrell Williams. She’d love to co-write with Frank Ocean, 
Samthing Soweto and Chronixx , artists who, like her, build worlds through melody and feeling.

If she weren’t a musician? She’d be a kindergarten teacher — a fitting alternative for someone who describes herself as fun, open-minded, kind, patient and a believer.

Her greatest achievement so far? Simply pursuing her passion. 
Her greatest fear? Forgetting her culture and religion. 
Her greatest lesson? You cannot control life.

Happiness, for Ami Faku, is life itself.

And on 2 April, beneath the trees of Kirstenbosch, life  and soul  will be in full bloom.