AYANDA


Ayanda was born in Durban in a township called KwaMashu. She grew up with her mother, grandparents, brothers and lots of cousins. She is the 2nd generation of the famous Nokwe family. Ayanda's career started when she was 12 years old. Her talent and dedication landed her international roles.

She did the voice over of young Simba in "The Lion King" (Zulu version); sung jingles for Fredd Woods; acted in the "Sarafina" movie as Sarafina's young sister; sang and toured with Mango Groove to Portugal and Cape Town with her mom who has been backing vocalists for the band all her life; toured with Tu Nokwe and her band to Wales, Uganda and South Africa as a backing vocalist and dancer. Ayanda was also feautured in a compilation album called "Rights Africa" as new talent- she recorded 2 tracks written by John Layden from Mango Groove. Her greatest breakthrough as a young developing artist was when she recorded with other respected artists and musicians the theme song of e-T.V.

If you want to find Ayanda, you will most definitely find her engaged in Social responsible programs and community voluntary work which she does with other students from an arts school called "Amajika Youth and Children Arts". Amajika is a school that was founded by Ayanda's family in the hope to target youth who have been disturbed during the uprisings of June 16, 1976. The aim of this arts school is to support young children and youth to break free in a positive way and use their talents productively and responsibly. Ayanda grew up in this school, starting of as a student, to choreographer, to co-ordinator and now training as Artistic director and Human Resources manager. Amajika taught Ayanda to ground herself spiritually and take each day as it comes as a new, much positive beginning. She toured with Amajika to Italy and U.S.A to represent the Zulu Culture through dance, music and poetry.

Ayanda recently shook South African fans and media as a controversial, intelligent and fascinating contestant in the program "IDOLS" and made it to the top 6 out of over 8000 applications.

Ayanda believes that assertiveness, seeking knowledge and wisdom from family and advisors is what made her who she is. "Being assertive doesn't mean being arrogant. You
Must know who you are and what you are for. That makes you an assertive person.
When tings get hectic and chaotic, go in and calm down. But the ultimate is to STAY TRUE TO YOURSELF!"