In Conversation with Ayanda Jiya

For over 15 years, Ayanda Jiya has been a force in the South African music industry, captivating audiences with her soulful sound and heartfelt storytelling. Her journey—marked by triumphs, setbacks, and an unwavering commitment to her artistry—has shaped her into the powerhouse she is today. As she embarks on a new chapter with a highly anticipated album and her first official tour in South Africa, Ayanda opens up about the lessons she’s learned, the personal battles she’s overcome, and the deep spiritual connection that fuels her creativity.

In this candid conversation, she reflects on the challenges of navigating the industry independently, the significance of her return to digital platforms, and how her music serves as both a testimony and a source of healing. With her authenticity and passion on full display, Ayanda reminds us why she remains one of the most compelling voices in contemporary R&B and soul.

Join us as we dive into the mind and music of Ayanda Jiya—an artist whose story is as powerful as the melodies she creates.

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How have you been feeling as you prepare for the tour and album, especially with it being the start of a new year? How have you adjusted while preparing for something so big?

It’s been overwhelming, especially toward the end of last year. I went through a lot personally, including the loss of a loved one right before Christmas, which made it difficult to find joy in the season. But through it all, God remained faithful, giving me strength and reminding me that beauty can come from pain.

This year started on a beautiful note. One of the highlights was seeing my music return to digital platforms—it was emotional because so many people kept asking why it had been taken down. That moment reminded me how much my music means to others. Preparing for the tour and my new release has been a mix of excitement and reflection. I haven’t put out new music in over a year because I needed time to heal and realign my life. Now, I’m back in rehearsal mode, getting into the rhythm of performing again, and focusing on the people who have supported me all this time. I’m staying calm, staying busy, and looking forward to what’s ahead.

With everything you’ve been going through, what has been keeping you inspired?

My environment has been my lifeline. I make a conscious effort to surround myself with people who truly understand me—not just as an artist, but as a human being. Friends and family who remind me who I am when self-doubt creeps in, who ground me when imposter syndrome tries to take over. This industry can be overwhelming, so having that kind of support system is everything.

It’s not about what the world thinks—it’s about knowing that my tribe sees me, believes in me, and celebrates my wins, even when I struggle to see them myself. They remind me of my “glimmers”—those small, beautiful moments of joy that rise above the noise and sadness. That constant reminder of hope, love, and light is what keeps me inspired and alive.

Being in the industry for 15 years takes incredible resilience and dedication. How have you stayed grounded and motivated, especially as an independent artist?

It takes patience and determination, especially when you’re independent. Without a label, you don’t have the built-in support system that many artists do. Not that signing is a bad thing—it’s about finding a deal that truly serves you. For me, I never found one that felt right for my growth, so I stayed independent.

That decision forced me to learn the business side of the industry. I’ve had to rebuild my career twice, and while it wasn’t easy, it made me wiser. Many artists focus so much on the creative side that they overlook the business aspect, but music is also a business, and I had to embrace that.

Now, I feel like I’m truly stepping into my “boss lady” era. It’s been a challenging but rewarding journey. Independence has allowed me to create freely, on my own terms. When someone else funds your career, it can be difficult to say, “No, this is what I want,” especially when their vision doesn’t align with yours. That was always my fear—that my voice would get lost in someone else’s version of my artistry. But embracing independence has allowed me to create with authenticity.

This is more than just music—it’s my purpose, my gift, and a source of healing for others. God has sustained me through this journey, giving me everything I need to keep going. So, I have no complaints.

You mention God often—do you actively involve Him in your creative process? How does that spiritual connection influence your music?

Absolutely. If God wakes me up each day, there’s a reason He still wants me here. So, I depend on Him for everything. The moment I open my eyes, I thank Him and ask, “Why am I alive today?” That’s my prayer—for Him to reveal His purpose for me—and He always does.

I ask the Holy Spirit to guide me, to show me what He wants me to do that day. I leave my worries with Him, and that gives me the confidence to move forward. My path isn’t in my hands; it’s in His.

That same faith shapes my music. Before I create, I always pray: “God, here’s this song. I feel connected to it, but I want You to lead me and show me what I need to say.” That prayer has shaped every song I’ve ever written.

Many of my songs revolve around love, and since God is love, I see my purpose as helping people understand love better—even though I’m still learning myself. Sometimes, I write songs that don’t make sense to me at the time, but years later, I realize God was preparing me for something. That’s why I know this gift isn’t mine alone. My music is a testimony, and sometimes, even a sermon to me.

You’re set to release an album this year—how did your creative process come about, and how long has it been in the making?

Albums take time for me because I write intentionally. I don’t approach them like projects with a deadline; I see them as seasons of my life.

When I wrote Ayandastand, I was in a season of realizing my purpose—understanding love, heartbreak, and the complexity of people. That album was about growth and stepping into my truth. This new album is another season—a journey I’m still on.

I’ll be releasing singles to give people a taste of what’s coming, but what’s special this time is that I’m tapping into different genres. Many people know me for R&B and hip-hop collaborations, but there’s so much more to me. I’ve grown as a person and as an artist, and this album reflects that.

There were moments in the studio when I choked up because I was singing a truth that once broke me. Not because I’m not healed, but because I recognize the journey—I went through it, I survived it, and now I can sing about it with strength and gratitude. I’ve poured everything into this album, and I hope people feel that.

What inspired you to mark your 15-year milestone with a tour rather than a one-time celebration?

I didn’t initially see the tour as a milestone celebration—I just wanted to share love through my music. Love in all its forms, especially God’s love.

This is my first tour in South Africa. My first-ever tour was in the U.S., so I’m excited to finally bring this experience home. We’re starting in Durban on February 25th at UKZN, followed by Johannesburg on March 29th at Untitled Basement, and Cape Town later this year.

With my music back on streaming platforms, 2025 feels like a year of restoration. As the Bible says, “He will restore what the locusts have eaten.”

What can we expect from your tour, and was there a particular intention behind your setlist?

I was very intentional about the setlist. It includes a mix of old songs and some that people haven’t heard in years because they were taken down.

For some, this tour will be nostalgic—reconnecting with music they love. For others, it will be a reintroduction to me as an artist. The world may know my name, but they haven’t all experienced me live. I’ve evolved, and I’m excited for people to witness that growth.

If you could start over, what would you do differently?

I’d trust myself more. I’d listen to my spirit of discernment instead of the noise around me. That’s the truth—I wish I had relied more on my inner voice. But I’m learning now, and I’m grateful that God has given me another chance to do things right.

Is there anything you’d like to say to the people who have supported you throughout your 15-year journey?

I just want to say thank you.

I’m so grateful for the patience, the love, and the encouragement—especially during times when it was hard for me to love myself. When my music was taken off platforms, I was in a dark place. But even then, my supporters never stopped showing me love.

Their messages, their words, their presence—it all kept me going.

The queen is back, and I’m ready for everything that’s to come. Thank you all for being my strength. It means the world to me.