'I always express myself authentically while not being tone-deaf to music trends' - Lady Zamar

Award-winning singer-songwriter Lady Zamar continues shining on the local scene, and is setting her sights on the international music world.

The Tembisa-born artist, whose real name is Yamikani Janet Banda, emphasizes the need for her music to stay consistent and relevant, while adapting to new trends.

With a background in house and pop, the muso is incorporating more afrobeat rhythms into her tracks like 2025 releases Show Me and Russian Roulette.

"I'm so grateful for the fact that my fans have stayed consistent and stayed loyal."

Lady Zamar, Singer-songwriter

During her quieter periods when she's focused on creating new music, Lady Zamar says she and her team still stay on top of what the fans are listening to and what they want from her.

"We do a lot of research... and one of the most most important things I've realised for myself is the need to expand into a more global arena, and because I've had so much success in the local sound, I figured it was time to spread my wings a little... to try and incorporate a bit more afropop, a more continental vibe into the music intentionally not just as an 'oh by the way'."

Lady Zamar, Singer-songwriter

"With Russian Roulette we moved the sound over to a more globally accessible and exciting sound."

Lady Zamar, Singer-songwriter

Is there any conflict between what she wants to do and the pressure of commercial success?

Because she is both the writer and the producer in most of her work, it's easier for her not to have that 'sword of Damocles' hanging over her art, says the singer.

"The messaging always remains purely mine. I choose to always express myself authentically while not being tone-deaf because I don't want to create in a void. I want people to enjoy the music and relate to it."

Lady Zamar, Singer-songwriter

Lady Zamar's future plans include an album set for release in November.

Fans will be just as excited as the muso herself about a new single also set for release 'very, very soon'!

Scroll up to the audio player to hear more from Lady Zamar