Yamikani Janet Banda, known professionally as Lady Zamar, is a South African singer and songwriter. She has had a successful career both as part of a duo with Junior Taurus and as a solo artist.
Career
2015-2016: Lady Zamar & Junior Taurus, Cotton Candy
Lady Zamar and Junior Taurus met in 2011. On October 14, 2015, their debut album Cotton Candy was released. The album produced three singles including “Mamelodi”, “Run Away” and “Pitori”.
At the 22nd ceremony of South African Music Awards, Cotton Candy was nominated for Duo/Group of the Year and Best Dance Album. Soon after its release, Lady Zamar decided to pursue a solo career.
2017-present: Solo projects, King Zamar, Monarch
Her first solo album, King Zamar, was released in March 2017. In February 2018 the album was certified gold and in June 2019 it was certified double platinum.
In 2017, Lady Zamar won the Song of the Year Award at the DStv Mzansi Viewers Choice Awards for her song “Charlotte”, produced by Prince Kaybee. At the 24th South African Music Awards she won the award for Best Dance Album. On 11 March 2018, she headlined to Vivo Nation Festival.
On 9 August 2018, National woman’s day, she performed at a concert dedicated to women alongside fellow artists Mafikizolo and Sho Madjozi.
Her second solo album Monarch was released on 21 June 2019.
At the 2019 4th ceremony of Mzansi Kwaito and House Music Awards her single “This is Love” won Best house single.
Discography
Studio albums
List of studio albums, with selected chart positions and certifications:
| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions | Certifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton Candy (with Junior Taurus) | Released: 14 October 2015<br>Label: Ca city Records<br>Formats: Digital download | — | — |
| King Zamar | Released: 31 March 2017<br>Label: Universal Music<br>Formats: CD, Digital download | — | RiSA: Platinum |
| Monarch | Released: 21 July 2019<br>Label: Universal Music<br>Formats: CD, Digital download | — | — |
“—” denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.
Awards and nominations
Throughout her career as a solo artist, she has received several awards, including 5 SAMA awards, 1 Independent Music Award, 1 DMVCA, 2 Dance Awards, 1 Darling Award and Coolest Female Celebrity Award.