Toya Delazy

Toya Delazy
Background information
Birth name	Latoya Nontokozo Buthelezi
Born	(1990-02-05) 5 February 1990[1] eMahlabathini, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Origin	Johannesburg, South Africa
Genres	Jazz, electro, hip hop, pop[2]
Occupation(s)	Singer, songwriter, dancer, performer
Instruments	Piano
Years active	2011–present
Labels	Sony Music Africa
Associated acts	Jax Panik, Teargas, The Soil
Website	toyadelazy.com

Latoya Nontokozo Buthelezi (born 5 February 1990), better known to many by her stage name Toya Delazy, is a South African singer, pianist, dancer and performer from KwaZulu-Natal.^[3][4][5] She is currently signed to Sony Music Africa. Delazy was nominated in the Best International Act (Africa) category at the 2013 BET Awards.^[6] 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". Upon its release, the album was acclaimed by both critics and fans.^[7] Following the release of her debut studio album, Delazy took home the awards for Newcomer of the Year and Best Pop Album at the 2013 SAMAs.^[8] She made a major impact on South African top 40 radio with the release of her aforementioned singles.^[9]

Biography and music career

Delazy was born in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. She is the granddaughter of Mangosuthu Buthelezi and the great-granddaughter of Princess Magogo, a traditional Zulu composer.^[10] She attended a convent hostel at the age of six, 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 her single mother who died in a car accident in 2008.^[11] In 2009, she graduated from the University of KwaZulu-Natal Howard College with a degree in jazz piano.^[12] She played hockey for KwaZulu-Natal, and won provincial awards for discus. She lost interest in the game 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.^[13]

Delazy got her first major break while performing at a live show. Producer Markus Els approached Delazy and invited her to record few songs at a studio. A demo of the songs she recorded was given to Vusi Leeuw. Leeuw later presented the demo to Sony Music Africa. Delazy signed a record deal with Sony Music Africa on 19 April 2011.^[14][15] She made her first solo appearance at the 2011 Africa Day concert in Newtown, Johannesburg. She performed alongside Baaba Maal, Habib Koite and Tumi and the Volume, among others.^[16]

2011–12: Due Drop

Delazy started working on her debut studio album, Due Drop, in 2011. The music of Due Drop 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.^[17] The song was produced by Jax Van Heerden and Johnny Deridder. It received substantial airplay on 5FM and Metro FM.^[18] The music video for "Pump It On", which was released on 15 November 2011, surpassed 200,000 views on Vevo.^[8] It was conceptualised and shot by Tristan Holmes of Star Productions. Delazy assisted the director with the creative aspects of the video.^[19] The music video for "Memoriam" was released in September 2013. It was directed by Fausto Becatti, and shows an intimate side of Delazy.^[20] "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 October 2013 interview posted on Between 10and5, 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 deluxe edition of the album.^[22] A behind-the-scenes documentary film, Takes A Lot To Make A Classic, was also released.^[7]

2014–present:Ascension

Delazy announced via Twitter that her second studio album, entitled 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 describes the song as a "gospel-tipped cauldron of throbbing drums and jittery electronic spurts, is unquestionably one of Delazy’s most thrilling songs yet."^[23]

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 that Reebok approached her and told her that they liked her fashion flair, music, and style. She represented the brand throughout Africa, and had the creative power to certify her own classics.^[14][15] 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.^[24] 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.^[25] Delazy was also dressed by well known South African designer, Suzaan Heyns.^[26]

Artistry

Delazy has described her sound as JEHP, an acronym for the fusion of jazz, electro hop, and pop. 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.^[14]

Awards and nominations

Discography

Studio albums

• Due Drop (2012)
• Ascension (2014)

References

External links

• Official website