The world had better brace itself for a vibrant new star blazing her own path to success. Sofaya is a self-made artist born and raised in Johannesburg South Africa, who has worked, played and hustled to bring her undeniable talent and vibrant presence to the nation’s attention. Sofaya’s powerful vocal style is a blend of old-school jazz influences like Brenda Fassie and Motown flavours of Etta James and James brown with the contemporary urban-soul grooves laid down by her co-songwriter and business partner Thami Dineka. This soulful fusion is best showcased in her first debute single, Love In Soweto and most recent works being, Amagents ft. Stilo-Magolide, Ziyawa, Sokalam, Brand New etc. Sofaya has experienced opulent living as well as tough times. An ambitious achiever, she built a corporate career, which she then left to pursue her musical destiny – determined to find an outlet for her flamboyant look, attitude and musical style. Her compellingly soulful sounds are unique. Sofaya’s irresistible offering of love song is a contemporary take on Motown soul funk, R&B and Sophiatown flavour, her lyrics are locally and internationally relevant and the vocals are simply world-class, evoking the likes of edgy R&B icons like Janelle Monae, Lauryn Hill and yes, even Beyoncé. “I was born in Soweto, the good side of the ghetto,” she sings. “My mama was a kitchen girl, my papa was a garden boy.” These super-hip blending of struggle, love-song lyrics with up-to-the-minute production and classic soul sounds sets Sofaya apart from her contemporaries, and her arrival on the African pop scene is sure to be a game changer. “I fell in love in Meadowlands. Broke my heart, no second chance.” The song drips with catchy elements. A driving brass riff, vocal hooks. “Ain’t no love in Soweto” is a hook difficult to dislodge once it embeds itself in your brain, wait until you've herd Sokalam, Brand New and so much more, you'll be hooked! These sensual, bold and musical tracks are the result of an ambitious, creative partnership forged by Sofaya and songwriting partner Thami Dineka back when the two were both township entrepreneurs on the come-up. “We decided years ago that we want to be the change in the SA music industry,” says Sofaya of the decision that changed their lives. “We bought equipment and started writing songs and rehearsing. There we were, in Thami’s bedroom at midnight,” she laughs. Today, midnight often finds her at upscale events performing and making appearances on South Africa's greatest most popular stages and events. From being the first most unique talent to hold her own on the Afro Cafe' stage to being voted one of the biggest, vibrant, crazy talents on the Voice SA 2016.

Sofaya’s following is an everyday growth with favoured appearances on TV, radio and in magazines, studio band performances and live shows. And it all stemmed from Sofaya’s talent, self-belief and relentless drive. Those early demos would have languished in piles at studios and record companies, unheard, if Sofaya and Thami had not hustled them.“Greatness happens because you decide and make it happen, it’s not by chance,” says Sofaya. We’d arrive at places and claim to have an appointment with executives. Just to get in the door and make them listen to our music.” When they did listen to that music, half the battle was won. Sofaya’s electrifying voice wins over most listeners at the first go. She cannot be compared because she offers an undeniable uniqueness to her blend of local and international flavor. “I love those old school sound of Miriam Makeba, Brenda Fassie, Tina Turner, Etta James, James Brown, Michael Jackson and Sam Cooke etc. My soul is old, but luckily our production is super-contemporary.” In terms of writing and production, she’s a fan of industry icon Robbie Malinga. Business-wise, she admires the brand-building ability of Beyoncé, Lira, DJ Sbu and Black Coffee. Today Sofaya is a musical phenomenon with songs to match her prodigious talent. It’s early days, but the sky’s the limit for Sofaya. “I want to take this music to new levels. We want to put on spectacular events. Be world beaters and game changers!” This is Sofaya. The lady wants to be a global star in a unique musical idiom of her own creation – Mzansi Soul & Funk. And after hearing her music and seeing her on stage, a lot of people are buying into that vision.