Amanda Black is a South African singer-songwriter and recording artist who has gained recognition for her soulful voice and empowering lyrics. Born on July 24, 1993, in the Eastern Cape, Amanda grew up in a musical family and began singing in church at a young age. Her passion for music led her to participate in the eleventh season of Idols South Africa, which helped to kickstart her music career.
Amanda gained national attention in 2016 following the release of her hit single “Amazulu,” which was nominated for several music awards. The song’s success led to the release of her debut album, “Amazulu,” which went on to achieve multi-platinum status in South Africa. Since then, Amanda has released two more albums, “Power” and “Afrika,” both of which have received critical acclaim and commercial success.
In addition to her music career, Amanda is also an advocate for women’s empowerment and gender-based violence. She uses her platform to speak out against these issues and to inspire others to do the same. With her powerful voice and meaningful lyrics, Amanda Black has become a prominent figure in the South African music industry and a role model for young women everywhere.
Amanda Black  |
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| Full Name: | Amanda Benedicta Antony |
| Born: | July 24, 1993 |
| Nationality: | South African |
| Education: | Port Elizabeth’s Nelson Mandela University (NMU) |
| Occupation: | Singer |
| Years active: | 2016-Present |
Early Life and Education
Childhood
Amanda Benedicta Antony, known professionally as Amanda Black, was born on July 24, 1993, in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, South Africa. She was raised in Butterworth, Eastern Cape, where she spent most of her early childhood. Amanda’s parents were both teachers, and they instilled a love for education in her from a young age. She grew up in a household that valued education, and this influenced her academic pursuits later in life.
Musical Beginnings
Amanda’s interest in music began at the age of six when she started singing in church choirs. Her early exposure to music laid the groundwork for her future success. At the age of 12, she showcased her talent on a larger stage when she participated in the South African Idols competition. Although she didn’t win, the experience gave her the confidence to pursue music as a career.
Academic Pursuits
Despite her passion for music, Amanda never neglected her academic pursuits. She attended St. John’s College in Mthatha, where she obtained her high school diploma. After completing high school, she enrolled at Nelson Mandela University in Port Elizabeth, where she studied music education. Amanda’s academic achievements demonstrate her commitment to both her music career and education.
In summary, Amanda Black’s childhood was influenced by her parents’ emphasis on education, and her early exposure to music in church choirs set her on a path to becoming a successful musician. Despite her passion for music, she never neglected her academic pursuits and went on to obtain a degree in music education from Nelson Mandela University.
Career
Debut and Rise to Fame
Amanda Black began her career in music at the age of 6 by singing in church choirs. She gained recognition in 2016 after releasing her debut single “Amazulu”, which was an instant hit and received critical acclaim. The song was nominated for several music awards and won Best R&B/Soul/Reggae Single at the 23rd South African Music Awards (SAMA).
Following the success of “Amazulu”, Amanda signed a record deal with Ambitiouz Entertainment and released her debut album, also titled “Amazulu”. The album was certified platinum within three weeks of its release and received positive reviews from music critics. Her unique voice and heartfelt lyrics quickly gained her a large following and established her as one of South Africa’s most promising young artists.
Notable Works
In addition to “Amazulu”, Amanda Black has released several other successful singles and albums. Her second album, “Power”, was released in 2019 and featured collaborations with popular artists such as Soweto Gospel Choir and Anthony Hamilton. The album received positive reviews and showcased Amanda’s versatility as an artist.
Amanda has also been featured on several other artists’ songs, including “Sthandwa Sam” by DJ Ganyani and “Thandwa Ndim” by Masandi. Her collaborations have further cemented her status as a rising star in the South African music industry.
Awards and Achievements
Amanda Black has received numerous awards and nominations throughout her career. In addition to her SAMA win for “Amazulu”, she has been nominated for several other SAMAs, including Best Female Artist, Best Newcomer, and Best R&B/Soul/Reggae Album.
She has also been nominated for several other awards, including the MTV Africa Music Award for Best New Act and the BET Award for Best International Act. Amanda’s talent and hard work have earned her recognition both in South Africa and around the world.