Exit Interview: Ami Faku

Modelled on Marcel Proust’s questionnaire, we ask our favourite people questions which could either reveal who they truly are — or shroud them deeper in mystery.

Ami Faku is a modern afropop singer whose album Imali sold as the number one South African album at Musica this year, in addition to being named Deezer’s Most Streamed Female Artist in South Africa. Her music has had a great significance on the country’s music scene, as a result it has featured on national and international music charts – making her a groundbreaking newcomer

Describe yourself in two words.
Hardworking and driven.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Being able to live out your dreams.

What is your greatest fear?
Not being able to live out my dream or a good life in general.

What is the trait you most dislike about yourself?
I don’t, but it would probably be if I have to become someone else for the approval of others.

What is the trait you most dislike in others?
Dishonesty and entitlement.

Which living person do you most admire?
Everyone working hard for their family and trying to create a better life for themselves. Life gets hard.

What is your current state of mind?
Right now, I’m focused, working hard on my craft and making sure I stay positive during these times.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?
I wouldn’t say there is anything.

What is the quality you most like in a man?
A man who knows how to treat, not only women but anyone right.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?
That we women are able to care and love deeply.

Which words or phrases do you overuse?
“Guys!”

What or who is the greatest love of your life?
Music.

Which talent would you most like to have?
Acting.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Nothing at this stage, I really like who I am right now.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I would say all of it, being able to do what I’m doing right now as a musician.

If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?
As long as it’s of value and it’s a person or thing that serves to bring joy or help to others, it wouldn’t matter.

What is your most treasured possession?
Family and friends.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Poverty.

Who are your favourite writers?
Locally, it’s Msaki and internationally, it’s Billie Eilish.

Who are your heroes in real life?
Everyone who believes in me and my gift.

What is your greatest regret?
It would be doubting myself and my abilities which took up time,
but I managed to make up for it and now understand that I’m
capable of doing certain things.

How would you like to die?
I wouldn’t but, realistically, as long as it’s peaceful.

What is your motto?
Dreams do come true, you just need to work hard.