Ayah Tlanyane Feature Interview
Aya Tlhanyane Feature Interview Zone Magazine Issue 048
Aya Tlhanyane is a South African singer, songwriter, and performer known for his soulful vocals and significant contributions to the Afro House and Soulful House genres. His musical journey is a testament to perseverance, artistic evolution, and a deep connection to her cultural and spiritual roots.
Aya Tlhanyane: A Biographical Sketc
Early Life and Musical Beginnings: Born and raised in the ghettos of South Africa, Aya’s musical path began in school and gospel choirs, where he quickly rose to prominence as a lead vocalist. His talent was recognized locally, leading to invitations to conduct choirs and collaborate with underground gospel artists, all while he was building the foundation of her career.
Career Breakthrough and Solo Journey: A pivotal moment in his career came in 2013 when he participated in “Clash of the Titans,” a major South African music show. This experience was transformative, pushing him to transition from a collaborative artist to a solo performer. Despite growing up in an environment with limited opportunities for artists, his unwavering faith and commitment to his craft enabled him to explore various musical genres and develop his unique sound.
Artistic Evolution: While his early music was rooted in Afro Soul and Afro Pop, Aya’s sound has evolved significantly. He has embraced Afro House and Soulful House, a change he is proud of. This transformation has led to collaborations with numerous international artists, allowing him to share music in his mother tongue and learn from other cultures and languages, making his journey more engaging and globally resonant.
Nominations and Recognition: Aya has been nominated for awards at the MAMA and GAMA ceremonies. While he has yet to win, these nominations are a powerful validation that his voice is being heard and his music is impacting listeners. Competing alongside established artists has been a key driver for him to continuously improve and engage more deeply with the music industry.
Musical Philosophy: Aya’s music is deeply spiritual and cultural. He uses chants as a symbolic element to help listeners connect with their inner selves. His songwriting, as demonstrated in tracks like “Imithandazo,” aims to merge emotional depth with rhythmic energy, creating a meaningful experience for his audience. He believes music is a universal language and strives to incorporate diverse languages in his work.
Collaborations and Future Aspirations: A key aspect of Aya’s career is her collaborative spirit. he has worked with a range of international and local labels and artists. A notable collaboration is the Nitefreak remix of one of his tracks, a project he highlights as a motivating experience. Looking ahead, Aya aspires to be a recipient of a SAMA award and dreams of collaborating with South African music legends like Black Coffee or Zakes Bantwini. He believes that his commitment and passion for music will continue to take him to places she has yet to imagine.
In Conversation with Ayah Tlanyane: From Church Choirs to the Dance Floor
Let’s start at the beginning. You mentioned your musical journey started in a very different place. Can you tell us about your roots?
My musical path began in the ghettos of South Africa, singing in school and gospel choirs. I started as a lead vocalist, and my talent was recognized early on. Soon, I was getting invitations to conduct choirs for local schools and churches. I was collaborating with other underground gospel artists, all while building my career. It was a challenging but incredibly formative period.
Was there a specific moment when you realized you could break into the wider music scene?
Absolutely. It was in 2013 when I competed in a huge South African show called “Clash of the Titans.” That was a turning point for me. It was the moment I realized I had to break out of my shell and go solo. My journey wasn’t easy—growing up with so few opportunities for artists was tough—but my faith and consistency kept me focused. It also pushed me to explore different genres and rhythms, which opened up a whole new world.
Your sound has evolved significantly. You started with Afro Soul and Afro Pop, and now you’re a standout in Afro House and Soulful House. How did that transformation happen?
Honestly, I never imagined I’d be an Afro House or Soulful House artist! But I’ve grown so much from who I thought I was going to be. The journey has been about embracing that change. I’ve collaborated with so many international artists, providing music in my mother tongue, and even learning other languages along the way. That’s what makes this journey so engaging—connecting with people and learning about their cultures and languages.
You’ve been a nominee at the MAMA and GAMA awards. What did that recognition mean to you, even without a win?
Being a nominee was a huge win in itself. It showed me that my voice was being heard and my music was resonating with people. Competing with artists who had already made a name for themselves became a significant growth point for me. It motivated me to up my game, learn more about the industry, and engage with my peers. I’m certain that one day, I’ll be nominated again, and hopefully, I’ll bring home an award.
The Music and the Message
Your music feels deeply spiritual. What’s the cultural and spiritual fabric of your sound?
Whenever I write, I want to ensure my music connects with my followers. I use chants as a symbol of celebration and a way to connect with the inner self. When you listen to my music, you’re not just hearing beats; you’re connecting with your spirituality. My track “Imithandazo” is a great example—it reminds everyone about the everyday hardships we face. Merging those emotions with the energy of the beat requires creativity so that both the lyrics and the rhythm make perfect sense to the listener.
You’ve collaborated with some incredible artists. What’s that process like, and how has it influenced your career?
Collaborating with international and local labels has been a major learning experience. It taught me not to be a one-trick pony and to be ready for any genre. Social media has played a huge role, too. There are people watching your work from a distance, and they reach out. The Nitefreak remix is a perfect example. He requested to remix my track, and we approved it. It’s so motivating to work with people who are already established in the industry. I’m always open to working with anyone. We learn from each other, and I’m always glad to help.
On the Road and Beyond
What’s the difference between a televised performance and a live show for you?
They’re both fun, but being on TV is different because you have to represent yourself well and stick to a strict time frame. When I’m performing live, I make sure I leave no stone unturned—I tell myself I can’t spoil the fun. It’s all about connecting with the crowd.
Tell us about a particularly memorable live performance.
I’ll never forget a show I had at a local club with no security. The crowd was all over me—singing, pulling me from side to side, and shouting my name. That direct, powerful connection with the audience was an experience I’ll cherish forever.
What are your key business lessons for aspiring artists?
Market yourself and always deliver on time. These are the two key lessons to making it in this industry. You have to prioritize every single project, no matter how small.
What’s next for Ayah Tlanyane? Any dream collaborations on the horizon?
My goal for the next five years is to be recognized at the SAMA awards. And if there’s one person I wish I could work with, it’s Black Coffee or Zakes Bantwini. I truly believe I could make an amazing collaboration with one of those guys. The South African music scene is growing every day and is admired by other nations. Seeing genres like LEKOMPO from Limpopo making waves is proof that music is expanding and people are reacting positively. My advice to anyone is to have commitment and love for what you do. It will take you to places you never imagined. Just have faith, and it will all happen.