Tkay Maidza

Tkay Maidza is a Zimbabwean-born Australian singer-songwriter and rapper recognized for her genre-blending approach to hip-hop, pop, and electronic music. Maidza studied architecture at the University of South Australia before pursuing a full-time career in music. She participated in Adelaide's Northern Sound System artist development program and released her debut single, "Brontosaurus," at age 17.

Maidza gained attention in Australia with "Brontosaurus," followed by the singles "Ghost" and "M.O.B." from her EP "Switch Tape." These early successes led to collaborations with artists such as Troye Sivan, DJ Martin Solveig, and Killer Mike of Run the Jewels. Her debut album, "Tkay," features an electropop sound and reached number 20 on the ARIA charts, earning multiple nominations at the ARIA Music Awards.

After the release of "Tkay," Maidza explored new creative directions, seeking greater artistic control and moving toward more personal and experimental sounds. This shift resulted in the "Last Year Was Weird" trilogy of EPs, which delved into her African-Australian experience and showcased her evolving style across hip-hop, R&B, and pop. The project earned her an ARIA Award for Best Soul/R&B Release and an NME Award for Best Solo Act from Australia.

Maidza became the first female rapper signed to 4AD, releasing the single "Shook" and later her second studio album, "Sweet Justice." The album features production from Flume, Kaytranada, Stint, and Dan Farber, and debuted at number 3 on the ARIA Albums Chart. Critics highlighted the album's genre-defying sound and personal themes. "Sweet Justice" won Best Soul/R&B Release at the ARIA Music Awards, and Maidza received a nomination for Best Solo Artist.

Her cover of Pixies' "Where Is My Mind?" was featured in an Apple AirPods commercial. Maidza has toured with Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, and performed arena shows with Lizzo. She was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list in the Entertainment & Sports category. With collaborations including Kaytranada, JPEGMAFIA, and Charli XCX, and over 300 million streams, Maidza continues to influence the global music scene through her innovative approach to genre and identity.