IN CONVERSATION WITH AYANDA JIYA, SINGER & SONGWRITER

Loading player...
Ayanda Jiya is a sultry singer and songwriter from the North West Province in South Africa. She was born in small town called Klerksdorp back in 1987. Musically she is influenced by a lot of genres she grew up listening to, mostly Gospel, Jazz, Neo Soul and RnB. With a family who supported her talent, she was nurtured in the comfort of her own home to become a musician and an exceptional songwriter. Music Journey Working as an Indie Artist, not signed to any major label, Ayanda has worked hard not only to create and produce great music, but also to build her brand. The songstress was nominated for “Best RnB Single” at the Metro FM Awards in 2015 for her hit song “Go Go Girl”.
Now Ayanda has gone independent and is recognised internationally. In 2016 she was granted to perform in Sri Lanka’s capital city Colombo, at their Annual Jazz Festival. She released her second EP “To Whom It May Concern” on the 8th of June 2017. It hit number 1 in its first week of release on both iTunes and Google Play. Her first single “I’m Doing Fine” and second single “Outta Control” were on rotation on all national radio stations. In 2021 she was nominated at the South African Music Awards (SAMAs) for best music video.
In 2024, she got nominated for Best Soul/RnB Album in the 30th South African Music Awards.
In 2025 she embarked on her national tour that started in Durban on the 25th of February, and is set to hit Johannesburg on the 29th of March, with other cities yet to be announced. She also released her first single of 2025 in February, with another one set to drop on the 28th of March. Career Highlights Ayanda finally released her highly anticipated debut album, simply titled “AYANDASTAND”, on the 8th of August 2019. It debuted at number one on iTunes and Google Play.
She teamed up with Areece for her first single “Falling For You”, which dropped on the 14th February 2019. Her previous single, “The Sun” charted at number 2 across all radio stations in South Africa. Guest features on AYANDASTAND included Stogie T, Ziyon and Naomi Parchment (USA).
14 Mar 2025 English South Africa Entertainment News · Music Interviews

Other recent episodes

In Conversation With Bheki Dube WeSorted Skateshop

American skateboarder Jason Vanporppal has captured attention across the continent after completing an extraordinary skateboarding journey from Kampala, Uganda, to Cape Town, South Africa — all to raise funds for the construction of a major skatepark in Uganda. The journey, which began in February 2026, saw Vanporppal travel more than…
26 May 11 min

In Conversation With Karen Farred CEO of Girls and Boys Town South Africa

As South Africa marks the 32nd International Day of Families, organisations working with vulnerable children are calling for greater attention to the growing impact of inequality, family instability, and social hardship on child well-being. Observed globally under the theme “Families, Inequalities and Child Well-Being,” this year’s commemoration shines a spotlight…
26 May 14 min

In Conversation With Abdullah Navlakhi- Central Johannesburg CPF

For thousands of students living and studying around Auckland Park, Braamfontein, Brixton, and Melville, daily life has become increasingly shaped by one reality: fear. Students from institutions such as the University of Johannesburg and University of the Witwatersrand have repeatedly raised concerns about robberies, muggings, hijackings, and violent crime happening…
26 May 8 min

In Conversation With Persy Qamata- CEO of BRO

South Africa’s e-hailing industry continues to evolve rapidly as local platforms attempt to challenge dominant global players in a market shaped by affordability concerns, driver frustrations, commuter safety, and increasing competition. BRO E-Hailing is one of several emerging South African platforms positioning itself as a locally focused alternative within the…
26 May 9 min

In Conversation With Dr Kgosi Letlape- Action SA representative

The crisis surrounding Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital is once again under the spotlight after ActionSA announced plans to approach the Hawks over alleged misconduct linked to the hospital’s fire repair project. This follows a damning report by the Public Protector, which reportedly uncovered maladministration, irregularities, weak financial controls, project…
26 May 10 min