It's been a fist-pumping Women's Month for singer/songwriter Ami Faku.
She won a SAMA award for her album Imali at the start of August and now she's headlining a full episode of a national music show.
Ami's the starring guest on Afro Café this Friday (21 August) where she'll be singing and presenting her set of songs, as is the new custom.
As you probably know, the show's done away with a signature host for Season 15 and each guest hosts their own episode.
Why? We asked the show's Executive Producer Letitia Masina of Bonngoe TV who tells us:
Letitia: It was a collaborative decision between the producers and SABC2 in celebration of Afro Café's 15th season.
We wanted to do something that commemorated this massive milestone. Giving the artists the steering wheel was a fitting way to show our gratitude to them for sharing their talent with Afro Café viewers over the years.
This added dimension makes the show an ideal TV stage for musos to express themselves, especially in these Rona-riddled times where live concerts are out of bounds.
So what's it like for an artist to be on the show? We caught up with Ami to find out:
TVSA: How did you choose the four songs that you’re performing? Are they your favourite four of all time? Are they songs you want to promote? Why did you choose them?
Ami: I chose songs that have received the most support through streams and general feedback online. I wanted my episode to be one that people can sing along to and truly enjoy.
TVSA: You have to host and perform on the show and yet you’re a musician first and foremost so what was the biggest challenge of presenting your episode?
Ami: It was weird having to talk about myself, but I thoroughly enjoyed hosting. Everyone on set was very encouraging and made me feel like I did a great job.
TVSA: How did you decide on what to wear?
Ami: Comfort is very important for me. I chose an outfit that was simple yet chic. Something that people would usually associate me wearing.
TVSA: Congratulations on your Female Artist of the Year win! From the SAMAs and Afro Café to?... what’s next for you now?
Ami: Thank you so much. I’m still in disbelief about winning Female Artist Of The Year. What’s next? A lot of new music! This Friday I’ll be releasing a “reimagined” Remix EP. Look out for it on all digital stores.
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Afro Café airs on SABC2 on Fridays at 19h00.
On-set photos by: Kanya Ntshongwana