iYA
Singer/Songwriter
iYA born Nkhosiyabongwa Dlamini modest of her innate gift of Voice, which awakens the inner parts of the human soul with a deep love for music.
Music Life for her began when she became a member of a Band formed with friends “The Afroctaves” as the lead Vocalist. In 2015 the band entered the T55 National Talent Search competition and made it to semi finals.
Since then she has been nurturing her talent participating in numerous recordings as a session singer, writer and vocal arranger.
She believes music expresses feelings that words alone cannot. As beautiful and powerful music is, she sees it as a perfect way to touch souls, mend hearts and heal people emotionally.
Simplistic and Natural in approach her sound is a blend of soul RnB and Modern/contemporary Jazz. She Attributes Gospel and the 90’s Soul/RnB to her Childhood and early music development.
iYA draws inspiration from God and from a number of Soul/Jazz musicians like Robert Glasper, Esperanza Spalding, H.E.R. and PJ Morton. She has been influenced by the likes of Erika Badu, Moonchild, Daniel Caesar, Somi. to name a few.
iYA has worked with some rather talented folks. Namely:
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- Yonela manna (SA)
- Lebo Mabe (SA)
- Leagan
- Tlale Makhene (SD/SA)
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Her most memorable performances include:
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- MTN Bushfire 2018 – Tlale Makhene
- Youth Jazz Sessions (2018) by Into Music Society
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Call Me her debut single, a song inspired by the pandemic and sudden long distance relationships and how calls were the lifeline. The song emphasizes on appreciating loved ones in their absentia and treasuring the memories and moments they have spent together.
The only way is up for iYA. She wants to share her gift by touring the world and collaborating with her favorite artists and musicians around the globe.
Available to stream here