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Toya Delazy

Biography

Toya Delazy is a South African singer-songwriter, producer, performer, and creative visionary whose work merges electronic dance music with Zulu musical traditions, hip-hop, and contemporary pop. Born Latoya Buthelezi into the Zulu royal family, she studied piano from an early age before pursuing a career in music that challenged both artistic and cultural expectations.


Following the release of her debut album, Due Drop (2012), Delazy established herself as one of South Africa's most distinctive emerging artists. The album earned South African Music Awards for Best Newcomer and Best Pop Album, while Delazy later received a BET Award nomination for Best International Act: Africa. As her career evolved, she developed Afro Rave, a self-described musical movement that fuses electronic production with African languages, rhythms, storytelling, and performance. Her independent releases, including Afrorave Vol. 1, showcase her commitment to innovation while celebrating African identity through futuristic soundscapes.


Delazy has also become an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility and African queer representation. Publicly identifying as queer, she has spoken candidly about her personal journey, the importance of challenging stereotypes surrounding sexuality, and the need to reclaim African histories that recognize diverse gender and sexual identities. Through music, visual storytelling, and public advocacy, she continues to expand conversations about creativity, identity, and belonging while inspiring audiences across Africa and beyond.

BQW Impact

Toya Delazy has helped redefine contemporary African music by demonstrating that electronic music, African cultural traditions, and queer visibility can coexist within a bold and original artistic vision. Her creation of Afro Rave has expanded the possibilities of African popular music while encouraging younger artists to embrace experimentation without abandoning cultural roots.


As one of South Africa's most visible queer musicians, Delazy has used her platform to advocate for greater LGBTQ+ representation and challenge misconceptions about sexuality within African societies. Her work continues to inspire artists and audiences seeking creative freedom, authenticity, and more inclusive representations of African identity.

Notable Works

  • Due Drop (2012)

    Debut album introducing Delazy's energetic blend of electronic music, hip-hop, and pop, earning South African Music Awards for Best Newcomer and Best Pop Album.

  • Afrorave Vol. 1 (2021)

    Independent release further developing Afro Rave through electronic production, Zulu influences, and experimental sound design.

  • Afro Rave 

    Original genre created by Delazy that blends electronic dance music with African rhythms, languages, and cultural storytelling.

  • Pump It On (2011)

    Breakthrough single that established Delazy as one of South Africa's most promising emerging artists.

  • Forbidden Fruit (2014)

    Single reflecting Delazy's evolution toward more experimental, personal, and identity-driven music, foreshadowing the artistic direction that would shape Afro Rave.

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