Amanda Black celebrates 10 years since debut album Amazulu

Singer Amanda Black is celebrating a decade since the release of her debut album, “Amazulu”, according to IOL. She marked the milestone on social media on Wednesday, 11 November, exactly 10 years after the album came out on 11 November 2016.

In her post, Black said the date also represents 10 years of her working as a recording artist. She thanked her followers for being part of the journey and said she had been able to “live out my wildest dreams” while growing into the person she came here to be. She added, in brackets, that she is still growing.

The album that put her on the map

“Amazulu” introduced Black’s voice and sound to a wider South African audience and was a turning point in her career. The title track went on to become one of her signature songs.

The project also brought her wide recognition at the 2017 South African Music Awards, where she won three awards:

• Best Newcomer
• Best R&B/Soul Album
• Best Female Artist of the Year

A message about authenticity

Black used the anniversary to send an encouraging message to her followers. She wished them well as they move through the world “authentically and unapologetically”, and urged them to embrace their individuality.

She also spoke about self-acceptance, reminding people to be kind to themselves, including in moments when they may not like themselves very much. In her words, freedom and peace come from how a person sees and treats themselves.

She closed the post with a line about what she called the “Youniverse”, telling followers: “This is your world.” She signed off by sending what she described as “love vibrations”.

For Black, the anniversary is about more than how far she has come musically. It is also a moment to acknowledge the person she has become along the way.

This story is based on reporting by IOL.