Ami Faku's music journey: From her sonic evolution to being business savvy
She says the bond she creates collaborating with fellow artists is what shines through in her art.
Ami is working on her next album and will be performing at the Sunset Music Series on 1 June.
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From an Eastern Cape church girl to becoming the voice of amapiano's renaissance, Amandu 'Ami' Faku's creative talent speaks volumes.
She has been a steady presence in South African music since being featured on chart-topping tracks like Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa's Abalele and Asibe Happy, whether she's songwriting or blending her melodic harmonies with the log beats and synths of arguably South Africa's most recognisable music export.
Now with five years under her belt making hits and bagging awards, the 32-year-old artist is honing her craft, more intentional than ever about surrounding herself with the right people in her team and giving her audience what they want.
Ami admittedly describes herself as 'very upfront' - whether it's putting her all in her music or making herself heard during our conversation over the rumbunctious personalities doing her hair at the salon.
Learning the art of business and music
The entertainment and subsequent music industry is no walk in the park, especially if one is surrounded by those who might not have your best interests at heart.
It has been reported that Ami launched legal proceedings against her manager and his record label citing alleged lack of financial transparency and unpaid royalties.
Steering clear from the subject, the musician instead gave TRUELOVE some insight into how she has grown regarding her approach to the technical and business side of music, while staying true to her passion and integrity.
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'I've grown in terms of just knowing my weaknesses and strengths and not being afraid to ask questions. For instance, the business side of things is extremely important. And also knowing that being emotional is - when it comes to the business - it's not about that. So, separating the two, with the music you can be [emotional] but with business you have to use logic and sense.'
Ami continues, 'So I've taken my part in every day trying to learn the business side of things. And knowing when to ask questions and what to ask. And also just having the right team is extremely important, especially for your business. So, understanding that has done a great number for me. Because I wasn't good at that, so I knew I wasn't, so I took my time to just work on that.'
Trusting her instincts
Ami's latest projects include soulful harmonies with artists like Nkosazana Daughter intertwined with expertly curated beats from producers like Black Coffee, MashBeatz and Karyendasoul.
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She is intentional about who she works with, explaining that building relationships, a connection and a bond with fellow creatives gives that art that much more meaning.
Ami says, 'Connection is very important. Relationships are extremely important and that's what I prioritise. So, when you don't have that bond with people, it lacks in the art. So, for me, I've realised through just always working with people that, that's super important in just general, generally in everything you do in life.'
Something new on the horizon
Many are still waiting in the wings for another full album project from the musician since her 2019 release Imali, and Ami assures her supporters that it is well on the way.
'Because it's been too long,' she acknowledges.
But for now, fans can look forward to seeing her at the Johannesburg edition of the Sunset Music Series, set to be held at Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden on Sunday, 1 June 2025 alongside the Thugela Fairy, Sonini songstress Simmy.
'Mostly I'm looking forward to just performing with the full band,' Ami shares.
'That usually is not how I perform, so when I'm getting the opportunity to, that really makes me excited because then there's a connection that we all have, and we've played for over five years together, so it's gonna be a fun for us and as well for the audience.'
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