Mzwandile Moya (born April 16, 1983), known by his stage name Afrotraction, is a South African R&B and neo soul musician and producer. Born and raised in Nelspruit, his professional musical career began in 2006. Moya comes from a musical family and his love for music was triggered at an early age. Moya is a self-taught pianist and bassist singing in Siswati in neo soul and R&B styles, and he has worked with many South African artists of different genres.[1][2]

Afrotraction
Birth nameMzwandile Moya
Born (1983-04-16) April 16, 1983 (age 41)
Nelspruit, South Africa
OriginNelspruit, South Africa
Genres
Occupation(s)Singer, Record producer
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • Piano
  • Bass
  • Guitar
Years active1994–present
LabelsIndependent
Websitewww.afrotraction.co.za

His studio album For The Lovers (2014) earned him best R&B/Soul/Reggae Album at the 21st South African Music Awards.

Moya's fifth studio album Relationships (2017) became his best-selling album.[3] It was preceded by 5 singles; "Ngiphelele", "Ngeke K’lunge", "Ngimtholile", "Angeke", "Imali Yamalobolo".

Career

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Growing up Moya was a keyboard player at his church, before venturing into music and signing a recording deal with Electromode in 2006 as a record producer.[4][5]

Africa. Love. Music was released on October 7, 2022.

Discography

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studio albums

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  • Soul Deep (2009)
  • Soulfully Yours (2011)
  • For The Lovers (2014)
  • Love & Respect (2016)
  • Relationships (2017)
  • The Gospel Of Afrotraction: Moya Movement (2020)
  • The Launch of JazzYano (2021)
  • Africa. Love. Music (2022)

studio EP's

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  • Love Over Dose (L.O.D EP) (2019)

Awards

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Year Award Category Results Ref.
2013 14th Metro FM Awards Best Afro-pop Album For the Lovers Won [6]
2018 21st South African Music Awards Best R&B/Soul/Reggae Album for their album For the Lovers Won [7][8]

References

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  1. ^ "Afrotraction at Montecasino". Montecasino.co.za. Archived from the original on 23 May 2015. Retrieved 18 November 2014.
  2. ^ Boitumelo Tlhoaele. "Album Review: Afrotraction - 'Soul Deep' - Times LIVE". Times LIVE. Retrieved 18 November 2014.
  3. ^ "WATCH: Afrotraction - As'jabule Music video". 14 November 2017. Archived from the original on 23 April 2022. Retrieved 25 April 2021.
  4. ^ Skota, Vuyo (25 January 2023). "I am doing this for longevity and not popularity – Afrotraction on his 17-year music career". Drum. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  5. ^ Bekker, Charlene (22 November 2023). "Afrotraction - South Africa's Neo-Soul Star Shines Bright". The Go-To Guy. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
  6. ^ "WINNERS of 14th Metro FM Music Awards | YoMzansi". YoMzansi. Retrieved 28 February 2015.
  7. ^ "SAMA 2018 winners so far". zalebs.com. 22 June 2020.[permanent dead link]
  8. ^ "The full list of SAMA nominees". news24.com. 20 April 2018.