Toya DeLazy whose original name is Latoya Nontokozo Buthelezi was born on February 5, 1990 in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. She is the grand-daughter of Mangosuthu Buthelezi a politician and founder of the Inkatha Freedom Party and the great grand-daughter of Princess Magogo who was a traditional Zulu composer. Toya grew up in a religious setting since she attended a convent hostel at the age of six. It’s no surprise then that she even learned to recite the Hail Mary.
At the age of 9, she started to compose music and also play the classical piano. She also played hockey in her hometown but then a tragic event stopped her from continuing this sport. Her single mother died in a car accident in 2008 but that did not stop her from graduating on the following year from the University Of KwaZulu-Natal Howard College. She obtained a degree in jazz piano.
Toya is a supporter of the Princess Mandisi Health Care Unit which is a center that treats people with HIV/aids. So one day she was invited to record a few songs at a studio by a producer called Markus Els after a live show performance. Eventually Sony Music Africa signed her record deal and in 2011, she made her first solo appearance in the African Day concert in Newtown, Johannesburg.
One of her recent songs from September 2013 called “Memoriam” is very significant to her because it was written in honor of one her teachers who passed away and also relevant to her mother, Princess Lethuxolo.
DeLazy is the ambassador of the Reebok Classic Drop R range. Reebok seemed to like her fashion, music, and style so they made her the representative of the brand throughout the African continent. She loves fashion because with it you have the freedom of expression and determines her style as classy and funky with a street and vintage sense. There is also a clothing line inspired by her in Namibia.
She has been very influenced by John Legend, Radiohead, Adele, Kings of Leon, John Lennon, John Mayer, Black Eyed Peas, Deadmau5, Skrillex, and many more. Her music goes by daily like experiences and it’s these kinds of artists like Toya Delazy that we need, to feel inspired.
This is her, a pianist, singer, and dancer who really feels the music within and just enjoys giving out positive energy to her public.