In a music industry where female artists are overshadowed by their male counterparts, Jane Awindor popularly known in the music industry as Efya stands out as a shining example of what a strong, independent woman can achieve.
With a career spanning over a decade, she has amassed a dedicated following of fans who appreciate her beautiful vocals and captivating stage performances. Her music is a unique blend of soul, R&B, and afrobeat, and her lyrics are mostly themed on love, empowerment, and self-discovery. In this article, thedistin.com take deep dive into the life and career of such an exceptional singer.
Profile Summary
| Stage Name | Efya |
| Real Name | Jane Fara Fauzzier Afia Boafowaa Yahaya Awindor |
| Date of Birth | 10th April 1987. |
| Martial Status | Single |
| Parents | Mr. Yahaya and Nana Adjoa Awindor |
| Net Worth | $2 million |
| Awards | Best Female Vocal Performance (4 Times at Ghana Music Awards), Most Stylish Artiste Of The Year (Glitz Style Awards 2016) |
Who is Efya?
Did you know the full name of Efya is Jane Fara Fauzzier Afia Boafowaa Yahaya Awindor? Such a beautiful name was given to her by her parents. She is a singer, songwriter, and actress. Efya got the attention of Ghanaians after she participated in the maiden edition of Charterhouse’s “Stars of the Future” talent show.
Unfortunately, Efya lost the ultimate prize to Irene Logan but she managed to secure herself a three-year recording deal with Charterhouse. She won Best Female Vocal Performance at the Ghana Music Awards in four successions.
How did Efya Become Famous?
Efya’s rise to fame began in 2008 when she joined the maiden edition of the Charterhouse Stars of the Future talent show. Jane which was the name Efya was using then amazed the judges and audience with her strong voice. Sadly, she did not go home with the ultimate prize as she lost to Irene Logan.
However, her strong vocals which amazed the judge allowed her to get a free recording deal with Charterhouse. She partnered with the Stars of the Future talent winner to form a music duo called Irene and Jane.
The beautiful and talented young ladies at the time released an album titled “Unveiled” which was launched in South Africa. After her deal ended with Charterhouse, she then decided to go solo and rebrand herself giving birth to the name “Efya”.
According to Efya, her manager Jimmi came up with the name “Efya” as she wanted a name that will unique and African.
She said;
When I decided to go solo, it made sense at the time to reinvent myself in every way, I wanted a name that was African and unique but at the same time relevant to me in some way. My manager, Jimmi, helped me come up with the name Efya”
In 2011, Efya signed a record label deal with One Nation Entertainment. 2 years later on November 12, 2013, she released her debut mixtape “T.I.N.T” which means this is not the album. The mixtapes consisted of songs which have released between 2011 to 2013.
Some of these songs include;
Getaway
Best In Me
This Life
Sexy Sassy Wahala
Weather 4 Two
Nothing…. etc.
In 2016, Efya finally released her debut album titled “Janesis” on April 22, 2016. Some of the tracks on the album included Forgetting Me, Gingam Too Much, and One of Your Own. Ever since she came into the limelight, Efya has won many awards and received many nominations.
She won Best Female Vocal Performance at the Ghana Music Awards from 2011 to 2014. She also won Best Record of the Year at the Ghana Music Awards in 2013. She also won the African Female Act of The Year at Nigerian Entertainment Awards in 2016.
How old is Efya?
The Ghanaian singer was born in Kumasi and at the moment she is 36 years old. Efya was born on 10th April 1987.
Who are Efya’s parents and does she have siblings?
The Ghanaian singer was born to Nana Adjoa Awindor and Mr. Yahaya. Apparently, Efya never met her dad until she was 23 years old.
In an interview with Delay on the Delay Show about 6 years ago, Efya indicated that she was raised by her step-father who is Mr. Awindor. She added that her mother, Nana Adwoa Awindor introduced her to her father when she was 23.
She explained that her father was left because he went to work and make money. She also added that her father was young when impregnated her mother, and he was scared of the commitment of getting married at such a young age so he run away.
She said;
“Yes I asked him, work, money and he was young and was scared. My granny was a full gospel business fellowship man. He was also a headmaster, you have impregnated his daughter, you will marry her, so I think that scared him, the commitment to marry at that age was too much for him, so he run away.”
Her mother Nana Adjoa Awindor was the host of the popular television show “Greetings from Abroad.” Her program kept Ghanaians glued to their TV sets every Friday evening as Ghanaians abroad looked to connect with their families back home.
Efya also has two brothers and a sister.
Where did Efya attend school?
The Ghanaian singer who was born in Kumasi had her basic education at several educational institutions because of how her family moved around. However, Efya had her secondary education at Yaa Asantewaa SHS and her tertiary at the University of Ghana.
At the University of Ghana, she graduated with a degree in theatre and music.
Who is Efya dating or is she married?
A few years ago, there were rumors that the Ghanaian songstress was dating Ghanaian rapper, Sarkodie. However, in an interview about 3 years, Efya set the records straight about her relationship with Sarkodie.
According to her, there was nothing intimate between the Ghanaian rapper and herself.
She said
“I have answered this question over and over again and today won’t be different. Sark and I are very good friends, I respect him so much because he’s done a lot for himself and the nation as well. We’ve been helping each other since day one that we met.”
“Michael and I have never talked about any form of a sexual relationship or getting married before he and Tracy got married.
The Ghanaian songstress always tends to keep her dating life very private and she hardly posts anything concerning her relationship on her social media. At this moment, we can state that Efya is single and not married to anyone.
Concerning marriage, the Ghanaian songstress indicated during an interview that she is not ready for the whole marriage process. She added that she won’t condone anyone who tries to pressure her to get married including her family members.
What is Efya’s Net worth?
The Ghanaian singer is estimated to be worth $2 million. Efya gets most of her earnings from music.