Frya Biography: Early Life | Music Career

This is the biography of Frya, a Zimbabwe-born and South Africa-based singer and songwriter who has gained prominence for doing popular South African series soundtracks. Frya has captured the hearts of many with her soulful voice and powerful performances

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Early Life and Education

Frya, born Rutendo Maregere, comes from a family that appreciated music. Her early life was filled with melodies and rhythms that would later influence her musical career. She relocated to South Africa in 2016 to pursue her studies, laying the groundwork for what would become a dual career in finance and music.

Frya Enters The Music Industry

Frya’s journey to stardom began unexpectedly when she posted a cover of Adele’s “One And Only” on Instagram. The video went viral, catching the attention of a producer from SABC 1, who reached out to her for a potential collaboration. This interaction led to Frya writing and recording the title track for the show “Side Dish,” marking her first official foray into the music industry.

In 2019, Frya took a significant step by featuring on the “Kure Remix” by Ishan. By 2020, Frya decided to quit her 9-to-5 job to focus on music full-time, a decision that would open numerous doors for her burgeoning career.

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Frya On Blood And Water

Frya’s big break came when she created the soundtrack for the hit Netflix series “Blood And Water.” Her involvement in the series not only showcased her musical talents but also introduced her to a global audience. She would follow this up with soundtracks for South Africa’s The River, Lockdown, Jive, The Kingdom and Nigeria’s Glamorous Girls.

Frya Biography [Image: @fryamusic/Instagram]

Described as the embodiment of the modern African woman, Frya’s music is versatile, bold, and powerful. Her sound is a blend of Afrobeats, R&B, Soul, and Reggae/Dancehall. Frya’s music tells stories and channels emotions, resonating with listeners who find pieces of their own experiences within her lyrics.

Frya’s debut album, “Balance,” is a testament to her songwriting skills and emotional depth. The album features a spectrum of sounds that take listeners on a journey through the complexities of relationships. With producers like Mr Kamera, GT Beats, and Andre Harris, “Balance” showcases Frya’s versatility and her ability to convey a range of emotions through her music.

Frya Collaborates With Winky D

Frya’s ascent to fame in Zimbabwe was catapulted by her collaboration with the country’s reggae-dancehall giant, Winky D, on the song “Akayenda.” Released in 2024 as part of Winky D’s compilation “Love Quartet,” the track became an instant hit. Produced by Oskid Productions, “Akayenda” featured the enchanting guitar work of Trust Samende and showcased Frya’s vocal prowess alongside Winky D’s signature style.