Kay Figo: The Zambian Musician Who Put Zambian Music on the Global Map with “Kanyelele”
Kay Figo is a Zambian musician who made history by becoming the first Zambian musician to hit one million views on YouTube with her song titled “Kanyelele” in 2012. This feat made her an international sensation and put Zambian music on the global map.
Kay Figo, whose real name is Cynthia Kayula Bwalya, was born on 23 May 1984 in Lusaka, Zambia. She started her music career in 2009 and has since released several hit songs that have earned her a loyal fan base in Zambia and beyond.
“Kanyelele,” which means “shake it” in the Zambian Bemba language, is a catchy dance tune that features Kay Figo’s signature sultry vocals and upbeat rhythm. The song’s lyrics are playful and encourage listeners to let loose and have fun on the dance floor.
“Kanyelele” quickly became a fan favorite and went on to top charts across Zambia and other African countries. Its success on YouTube, however, was unprecedented for a Zambian artist. The song’s million views on the platform marked a major milestone for Kay Figo and put her on the global stage.
In recognition of her groundbreaking achievement, Kay Figo was nominated for the Best Female Southern Africa award at the 2013 African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) and has gone on to win several other awards for her music.
Kay Figo’s success with “Kanyelele” is a testament to the power of African music to transcend borders and connect people from different parts of the world. Her achievement has inspired a new generation of Zambian musicians to pursue their dreams and make their mark on the global music scene.