Award-winning singer and songwriter Ayanda Jiya is dazzling US audiences with her soul/R&B sound.
Born and raised in Klerksdop in the North West, the 34-year-old has a five-city tour in the US as she tries to establish her international profile.
The singer who won in the African Social Entertainment Awards last year began the tour on March 12 in Atlanta, Georgia, and performed in Austin, Texas, from March15 to 19.
From Sunday until Wednesday, Jiya was performing in New York. On Thursday she's scheduled to head to Los Angeles where she has three performances. She will wrap up the tour in Dubai from March 27 to 30.
Speaking to Sowetan, Jiya says her tour has been filled by amazing experience, networking and meeting more creatives.
The singer says she has been well-received and loved by Americans and all Africans living in different parts of America.
“The tour is so amazing. I am having so much fun. I am so happy it has been such a lovely experience for me. Just have been meeting a lot of people and singing to a lot of people which has been nerve wracking. But the way they have been receiving me it has been beautiful and I am so happy.
“I have been engaging with a lot of artists and creative people and it has been an eye-opening experience. I have met a lot of African brothers and sisters who have been supportive and appreciating my music. I have made some great connections and friendships,” Jiya says.
“It is my first time and it is so surreal because we see these cities in movies and for you to be here is a different feeling. Every city has been a different vibe to me. All cities were amazing in their own right. I can’t wait to find out what LA’s got for me. I am looking forward to sing and experiencing LA.
“Through this tour I am building my international profile. So far, it has been glorious. The tour has put me in a different place as an artist. Since more people in SA believe that my sound which is soul and R&B is similar to American sound, being here has made me feel I belong. It has made me realise how versatile I can be.”
Jiya released her debut album in 2019 titled Ayandastand which debuted at number one on iTunes and Google Play.
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