Toya Delazy’s music genre raises eyebrows, again

Social media users have expressed mixed reactions to South African musician Latoya Buthelezi’s video of her performance in Barcelona last year.

The UK-based Mzansi singer and songwriter, who is popularly known as Toya Delazy, has raised eyebrows among some South African’s who’ve labeled her Zulu-rock genre as bizarre.

While they’ve expressed support for the artist who’s known for her unique “Afrorave” and encouraged her artistry, some are confused about the language she’s singing in.

@toya_delazy

THIS GENRE IS AFRORAVE – I love bringing traditional dance to the rave, I invented this genre (2017) to preserve cultural heritage and language through contemporary music – I’m so grateful to share this with the world. “Behloma, bezingela, bekhohlis’, isizwe sam, sonini sus’ isela ayighube siyangena !!!!” Fun Afrorave vibes @benandjerrysuk sundaes in the park ! Next stop Switzerland @fetesurlelac 🇨🇭 Afrorave saved my life fr!! When I get into the traditional dance, it becomes a healing space & I really envision everything and anything trying to keep me down – spiritually, physically and mentally, conquered – It is what these movements were created for anciently, today we have watered dance down mostly to carnal energy, when for most indigenous nations dance to us was a intentional healing space to connect with nature, ancestor, body, mind and soul through chants & fast paced drums using our kinetic energy for amplified transmutation – We would dance before battles to fortify the mind, connecting to heal and conquer the things that were crippling us subconsciously. Whenever we rave together, I wish you this healing, may anything trying to hold you down and dim your light be conquered. May August bring a fresh slate of clarity, may everything that needs to be revealed show itself and may you have the courage to make changes and choose what is best for your greatest good. I have had such an intense year so far, it feels so good to be seeing clearer and going out there to share real good energy with others. I am forever grateful for you! Afrorave 2 is ready – the universe will show the way, my team will find me, everything happens as it should and I trust the process wholly! #Afrorave #zulunation #zulutiktok #energy #fyp #princess #rave #dance #indigenious #passion #defence

♬ original sound – Toya Delazy

Kudala intsango yatshaywa kodwa le itshaywa ngulomntana andiyazi ivukaphi.

— Dzana Mncwabe (@thando5640) July 30, 2025

Toya Delazy is my favourite scam in the world. Her plan to scam them people into thinking what she is doing is a thing in SA is immaculate 😂 I don’t blame them, they don’t know any better. On stream someone said their clan names and this European guy thought he was rapping. 😂 https://t.co/Wl1KGEXMG3

— Por Vida (@VUYOrk) July 31, 2025

The way Toya Delazy made a killing around 2012 never thought she’d stoop this low.. she literally took the ‘Lazy’ part of her name 🤔 https://t.co/ugB0uxXvxn

— Boogie Harry__ / King Of Love And Foreplay (@BoogieHarrySA) July 31, 2025

The young artist, who is granddaughter of the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, is no stranger to criticism on social media.

In April, she also made waves when she released her song called, “Phalamende.”

Social media users expressed concern about her well-being.

@toya_delazy

Celebrating the release of my new single ‘Phalamende’ ! Already in the Top 5 GQOM Power House playlist on @spotify 😭🔥🙆🏿👑 ‘Phalamende’ means parliament in Zulu and is about indigenious communities uniting for change and standing for their values in our world and not being counted out when it comes to to making changes that preserve our cultures – we exist ! Enjoy this acoustic version on the mbira #Afrorave #zulutiktok #fyp #parliament #zulunation #newmusic

♬ original sound – Toya Delazy

While Toya Delazy might be seen by others as an interesting creative, many South Africans still hold her in high regard as she is a three-time South African Music Awards (SAMA) award winner. In 2023, she scooped accolades for Newcomer of the Year, Best Pop Album, and Best Produced Album.