Makhosazana Princess Masango (born 13 September 2000), professionally known as Azana is a South African singer and songwriter.[1] Born and raised in Chesterville, her musical career began at the age of 15. Having signed a record deal with Big City Dreams, Azana's debut studio album Ingoma (2020), debuted number one in South Africa. Its lead single "Your Love" was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA).

Azana
Birth nameMakhosazana Princess Masango
Born (2000-07-11) 11 July 2000 (age 24)
Engcobo,eastern cape, South Africa
GenresAfro-pop
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
InstrumentVocals
LabelsBig City Dreams

Azana is a talented and versatile artist, born and raised in the vibrant city of Johannesburg, South Africa. Growing up in a creative family, she was exposed to music, dance, and visual arts from a young age. Azana's passion for self-expression led her to pursue a career in the arts, and she quickly made a name for herself as a singer-songwriter, known for her soulful voice and introspective lyrics.

As she continued to grow as an artist, Azana expanded her creative horizons, exploring photography, poetry, and acting. Her unique perspective and talent have captivated audiences worldwide, earning her critical acclaim and a devoted fan base. Through her art, Azana seeks to inspire and uplift others, sharing her story and spreading love and light."

Career

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In early April 2020, Azana was collaborated on a single "Uhuru" by South African DJ Sun-El Musician.[2][3]

Her breakthrough single "Your Love" was released in May 2020, produced by Taffy Da Don.[4] The song was commercial success certified double platinum by the Recording industry of South Africa (RiSA).

Her debut studio album Ingoma was released on 17 July 2020.[5] The album peaked at number 1 on Apple Music Pop Chart.[6][7] It features Afriikan Papi, Disciples of House, and Sun-El Musician.

At the 27th ceremony of South African Music Awards Ingoma was nominated for Best Afro Pop Album and Newcomer of the Year.[8][9]

She made collaboration on Platoon's compilation album African Lullabies Part 1, in October 2021.[10][11]

Azana's single "Higher" was released on 3 December 2021.[12]

In early August 2023, Azana announced her studio album Igagu.[13] The album was released on October 27, 2023.[14]

Azana and Sam Deep released their collaborative extended play Kwakhanya, on June 7, 2024.[15]

Discography

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Studio albums

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  • Ingoma (2020)
  • Uhuru (2021)
  • Igagu (2023)
  • Kwakhanya(2024)

As lead artist

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List of singles as lead artist, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album
ZA
"Ngize Ngifike" (featuring Sun-El Musician) 2020 RiSA: Gold[16] Ingoma
"Your Love" RiSA: 2× Platinum
"Nguwe" (Azana and Lowsheen) 2023 Non-album single
"Shona Malanga" (featuring Amahle) Igagu
"Sifanelene" (Azana, Mthunzi)
"Never The Same"
"For a Reason" (Azana, Major League DJz) 2024 Non-album single
"Love" (Azana, Mpho.Wav) Book of Wav
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.
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List of singles as featured artist, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album
ZA
"Inkumbulo" (Prince Kaybee featuring Azana) 2023 Music Theory
"Amaphiko Ezono" (Prince Kaybee featuring Azana)
"Yena Forever" (King Monada featuring Azana, Mack Eaze) Non-album single
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Other charted and certified songs

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List of other charted songs, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album
ZA
"BoGogo" (Azana, Sam Deep) 2024 8[17] Kwakhanya
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

References

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  1. ^ Ndlovu, Romeo (11 November 2021). "Azana Biography: Who Is the Durban-Born Rising Musical Artist?". Retrieved 20 March 2022.
  2. ^ Jabulani, John (6 April 2021). "Sun-EL Musician's Upcoming Song "UHURU" Gets A Release Date". Ubetoo.
  3. ^ Israel A, John (14 July 2020). "Sun-El Musician Previews Upcoming Album "Uhuru", With Single Featuring Azana". Ubetoo.
  4. ^ Tjiya, Emmanuel (31 July 2021). "Azana wants to be queen of SA music". The Sowetan. South Africa. Retrieved 1 April 2022.
  5. ^ Ntsinde, Mandisa. "Azana Announces Her Arrival in the Industry With New Album, "Ingoma"". Retrieved 20 March 2022.
  6. ^ "Azana's debut album, INGOMA, the #1 Pop album in the country". SA Music Magazine. Retrieved 20 March 2022.
  7. ^ "Apple Music Shines The Spotlight on Durban Singer Azana - Blazon Magazine". Blazon Magazine. 7 August 2020. Retrieved 20 March 2022.
  8. ^ Motumi, Mpiletso (2 July 2021). "Singer Azana loves music but wants to have law by her side". Independent Online. Retrieved 20 March 2022.
  9. ^ Mphande, Joy (30 July 2021). "Songstress Azana chats about her Sama nomination and career". South Africa: Times LIVE. Retrieved 20 March 2022.
  10. ^ "Ami Faku, Msaki, TRESOR, others feature on Platoon's African Lullabies album -". museafrica.com. 4 October 2021. Retrieved 12 May 2022.
  11. ^ Shumba, Ano (1 October 2021). "SA: Platoon celebrates Kids Music Day with release of African Lullabies album | Music in Africa". Retrieved 12 May 2022.
  12. ^ "Azana releases new single, Higher - SA Music Magazine". SA Music Magazine. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
  13. ^ Keteyi, Oluthando (9 August 2023). "Women's Day: Azana on surrounding herself with strong women who uplift her". Independent Online. Retrieved 29 August 2023.
  14. ^ "Azana Is Ready To Conquer The World With Her Sophomore Album 'IGAGU' | Slikouronlife". Slikouronlife. 27 October 2023. Retrieved 28 October 2023.
  15. ^ Matlala, Keamogetswe (7 June 2024). "Sam Deep and Azana hold hands in spiritual EP, Kwakhanyayo | Drum". South Africa: SNL24. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  16. ^ Darangwa, Shingai (16 August 2022). "Azana celebrates 'Ngize Ngifike' going gold ahead of new album release". Independent Online. Retrieved 2 October 2022.
  17. ^ "TOP CHARTS THIS WEEK : Local Streaming". The Official South African Charts. Retrieved 27 July 2024.