Efya facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Efya
Background information
Birth name	Jane Fara Fauzzier Afia Boafowaa Yahaya Awindor
Also known as	Miss Jane
Born	(1987-04-10) April 10, 1987 (age 38) Kumasi, Ghana
Genres	Afro-soul pop neo soul
Occupation(s)	Singer songwriter actress
Years active	2008–present
Labels	One Nation Starboy (former)
Associated acts	Sarkodie Wizkid Richie Mensah Irene Logan Ruff n Smooth M.anifest Mona 4Reall Jayso Black Magic Yaa Pono

Efya, born Jane Fara Fauzzier Afia Boafowaa Yahaya Awindor on April 10, 1987, is a famous Ghanaian singer, songwriter, and actress from Kumasi. She is the daughter of Nana Adwoa Awindor, a filmmaker and the host of the popular TV show Greetings From Abroad.

Efya first became well-known when she competed on the TV show Stars of the Future. Her amazing voice helped her win the award for Best Female Vocal Performance at the Ghana Music Awards four years in a row, starting in 2011. She also received praise for her performance at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards.

She released her first mixtape, T.I.N.T, in 2013. This was followed by her first official album, Janesis, in 2016. In March 2021, she was named one of the Top 30 Most Influential Women in Music by 3Music Network.

From Jane to Efya: The Beginning

Jane Awindor was born in Kumasi, Ghana. She has two brothers and a sister. She went to Yaa Asantewaa Secondary School for her high school education. Later, she moved to Accra with her family.

From a young age, Efya received voice training from family members. She later studied theatre and music at the University of Ghana. Her big break came in 2008 when she was the first runner-up on the TV talent show Stars of the Future. Even though she didn't win first place, she earned a three-year recording contract. This contract allowed her and the winner, Irene Logan, to release an album together called Unveiled.

After the contract ended, she decided to start a solo career. She changed her stage name from Miss Jane to Efya. She said she wanted a unique, African name that felt personal to her.

Becoming a Solo Star

Efya performing at an event wearing creations from Pistis Ghana

In 2011, Efya signed with One Nation Entertainment. Two years later, she released her first mixtape called T.I.N.T, which stands for This Is Not The Album. A mixtape is a collection of songs, often released for free. T.I.N.T included popular songs like "Getaway" and "Best in Me". Efya said the mixtape was all about the different sides of love.

The Janesis Album

Efya's first official studio album, Janesis, was released on April 22, 2016. The album's release had been delayed a few times, so fans were very excited to finally hear it.

In an interview, Efya explained that the album explores themes of love, hate, and pain, drawing from her own life experiences. The first single from the album was "Forgetting Me," a powerful song about love and heartbreak. She also released other popular tracks from the album, including "One of Your Own" and "Gingam Too Much."

In 2016, Efya joined Starboy Entertainment, a record label founded by the Nigerian musician Wizkid. She also launched her own clothing line, The Native Chic, in 2019.

What is Efya's Music Style?

Efya performing at the 4th Annual IND!E FUSE alternative music concert

Efya describes her music as Afro-soul, which blends African rhythms with soul music, and adds a little bit of pop. She says her sound can change depending on her mood and the artists she works with.

She grew up listening to Ghanaian highlife music and classic jazz. Some of her biggest musical heroes are the Ghanaian singer Kojo Antwi, the American "Queen of Soul" Aretha Franklin, and the classic group The Temptations.

Helping Others

Efya is an ambassador for the Awal Children of the Future Foundation (ACOTF). This is a non-profit group that helps children who have been through difficult times, especially orphans and kids living on the street.

The foundation, which includes other musical ambassadors like Sarkodie, released a theme song called "This is Who I Am." All the money from the song's sales goes to help the children.

Discography

Studio albums and mixtapes

• Unveiled (2009) (with Irene Logan)
• T.I.N.T (2013)
• Janesis (2015)

Filmography

• Single and Married (2012)

Selected Awards

Efya has won many awards for her music. Here are some of her major wins.