Frya, a Zimbabwean artist based in South Africa, has carved out a distinctive niche in the world of music by blending Afrobeats, Afropop, AfroRnB, Soul, and Amapiano to create a sound that is as bold as it is beautiful. Her journey to becoming an independent artist, whose music has captivated audiences far and wide, is nothing short of inspiring.

The Early Days: A Passion for Music

From a young age, Frya found solace and expression in music. At just five years old, she began singing and writing music, performing in church choirs, and remaining actively involved in music throughout her schooling years. However, like many artists, Frya initially placed her musical dreams on the backburner. The reality of adulthood and financial stability led her into the corporate world, where she worked in finance. Despite the detour, music remained an ever-present part of her life, something that came more naturally than conversation.

But everything changed when she posted a cover of an Adele song on Instagram. This small act of self-expression caught the attention of an executive producer from SABC, South Africa’s largest broadcasting network. That serendipitous moment led to her creating the title track for the television show Side Dish, which was successful enough to stream on Netflix.

Breakthrough Moments: From TV Syncs to a Debut Album

The success of Side Dish ignited a fire in Frya’s music career, propelling her to work on her first EP, Dots, in 2019. From there, bigger opportunities came knocking. Netflix approached her to work on the theme song for their hit series Blood & Water. Frya’s distinct sound resonated with the show’s producers, leading to eight of her eleven tracks from her debut album, Balance, being placed in the series.

This exposure introduced Frya’s music to a broader audience, helping her establish her name as an artist whose music is both versatile and emotionally resonant. Her tracks began finding homes in movie soundtracks and additional TV sync placements, solidifying her reputation as an artist who knows how to capture a moment on screen with her music.

Lifetimes (Deluxe): The Journey Continues

Today, Frya stands proud of her most recent project, Lifetimes (Deluxe), a continuation of her musical evolution. Her journey from corporate life to independent artistry was not without risk, but she saw the potential of her sound and embraced the leap. Now, Frya continues to flourish as an independent artist, a choice she made after realizing that the music industry had a place for her unique sound.

Influences and Inspiration: A Fusion of Genres

Frya’s sound is deeply rooted in a rich musical background. Growing up, her influences ranged from the powerful voices of Nina Simone, Amy Winehouse, Beyoncé, and Adele to the sounds of African legend Oliver Mtukudzi. These artists, known for their soulful delivery and raw emotionality, helped shape her own songwriting style. She credits her family’s diverse taste in music—gospel from her mother and disco and reggae from her uncles—for providing her with a balanced exposure to different genres. This upbringing allowed Frya to experiment and diversify her sound, crafting music that is both familiar and fresh.

The Creative Process: Music as Therapy

When it comes to songwriting, Frya’s process is both natural and emotive. Rather than approaching it with a cerebral mindset, she lets the music guide her. Once she hears a beat, she intuitively knows what message the song needs to convey, often drawn from her own life experiences. The result is raw, bold, and unapologetic music.

For Frya, songwriting is therapeutic. She aims to empower African women through self-expression, vulnerability, and boldness—qualities that many in traditional African homes are taught to suppress. Through her music, she encourages women to embrace all aspects of themselves, painting honest and reflective portraits of her personal journey.

A Sound Like No Other: Defining Frya’s Music

Frya describes her sound as Pan-African, a blend of various genres that reflect both her roots and her contemporary influences. By mixing Afrobeats, Afropop, AfroRnB, Soul, and Amapiano, she has created a genre-defying sound that resonates with listeners across the globe.

Frya’s ability to blend traditional African elements with modern sounds allows her to connect with a wide audience while staying true to her heritage. Whether you’re listening to her on a Netflix show or a streaming playlist, her music transports you into a world of rhythmic beats, soulful melodies, and empowering lyrics.

Conclusion: A Rising Star with Boundless Potential

Frya’s journey from posting Instagram covers to creating music for international platforms like Netflix is a testament to the power of passion, talent, and perseverance. Her sound, which is as versatile as her influences, continues to break boundaries and reach new heights. As she moves forward with her career, Frya is not just making music—she’s making a statement about empowerment, self-expression, and the universal language of music.