Zimbabwean-born singer and songwriter Frya is getting noticed. The artist is a vocal powerhouse and always knew that music was her true calling. Although her life took a different path growing up, she returned to her passion after the pandemic afforded her time and space for reflection and introspection.
In 2020, she took a leap of faith and career opportunities kept unfolding. Now, she is on the verge of releasing her debut album Balance, while four of her songs from the album are featured in the widely successful Netflix African Original Series, Blood & Water.
For Fyra, her songs tell a story, and function as a channel through which she pours her emotions and feelings. Her music represents the modern African woman, she says: Versatile, bold, and powerful.
Here’s what she had to say when we caught up with her:
You only recently decided to take a leap of faith and devote yourself to your music career full time. What was the deciding factor that helped you make that choice?
It was a transition, I started by working part-time in 2019 then I took the leap in 2020. I just honestly wanted to be happy and live my purpose.
How did you get started in the music industry?
I posted a cover of Adele’s song One and Only and an SABC producer messaged me about how well I sounded and asked to meet up and discuss music for a new show titled Side Dish they were working on at the time. We met and based off the story of the show I wrote the song, recorded it and they loved it; it was then used as the theme song for the show. After that, I decided to put out an E.P & other opportunities started opening up for me in the television space like Lockdown, The River, The Kingdom, Jiva, and Blood & Water.
Your debut album Balance is set for release soon. Tell us a bit about it. What can people expect to hear? What inspired you when creating this album?
With Balance I wanted to showcase my versatility, songwriting and all the different emotions we all go through when navigating relationships with others and self. You can expect to hear a spectrum of sounds from Afrobeats, R&B, Soul and some Reggae/Dancehall. I worked with incredible producers like Mr Kamera, GT Beats & Andre Harris.
Four of your songs from the album are featured on the Netflix African Original Series Blood & Water, which is obviously an exciting career milestone. How did this opportunity come about?
Yea really exciting. So I did the theme song for the show from Season 1, so when they were working on Season 2 they reached out for music and my team sent through a few records from the album and they chose 5 songs. The fifth song didn’t make it on the album, I’m releasing that as a single later on.
How would you describe your sound?
The modern African woman: Versatile, powerful, bold.
You have a bright career ahead of you. What are your aspirations for the future?
Aaaw thank you. I want to work with global acts, global movies, travel and ultimately I want to give my fellow Zimbabweans hometown pride & inspiration to be like if Frya could do it, I can do it too.
If you could collaborate with any musical artist, who would it be?
I can’t pick one, my top 3 are Rihanna, Wizkid & Labrinth.
Do you have any advice for people starting out in the industry?
Well I’m still learning and I have a long way to go but what has worked for me is taking time in isolation to work on my craft, to pray, to speak my truth through music & take time to find the right team, you’re team is everything.
