Nandy is a Tanzanian singer, songwriter, and actress who has won several awards for her music and talent.
She is also known as The African Princess, the title of her debut album, released in 2017.
She has collaborated with artists from different countries and genres, such as Harmonize, Joeboy, Oxlade, and Fire Mlilo.
She is also a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF’s water, sanitation, and hygiene program (WASH) in Tanzania.
Nandy is one of the most popular and influential female artists in East Africa and beyond.
Profile
Full Name: | Faustina Charles Mfinanga |
Age: | 31 years old |
Born: | 9 November 1992 |
Place of Birth: | Moshi, Tanzania |
Nationality: | Tanzanian |
Height: | 1.65 m |
Parents: | Mary Charles, Charles Mfinanga |
Siblings: | Albert Mfinanga (brother) |
Spouse: | Bill Nass (fiancé) |
Relationship Status: | Engaged |
Children: | Kenaya Lyimo |
Profession: | Singer, songwriter, actress |
Net Worth: | $1 million |
Early Life & Education
Nandy was born on November 9, 1992, in Moshi, a town in the Kilimanjaro Region of Tanzania.
She is the daughter of Charles Mfinanga, a mechanic, and Maria Mfinanga, a tailor. She has one brother named Albert Mfinanga.
She grew up in a Christian family and attended the KKKT Lutheran church in Moshi, where she joined the Sunday school choir at age five.
She discovered her passion for music at a young age and started performing in various events and competitions.
Nandy attended Julius Nyerere Primary School and later joined Lomwe High School, where she became the head of the school choir.
She excelled in her studies and pursued a diploma in business administration at the CBE College of Business Education in Dar es Salaam.
She is also pursuing a degree in social work at the Open University of Tanzania. She is fluent in English and Swahili.
Personal Life
Nandy is engaged to her long-term boyfriend, Bill Nass, a rapper and singer.
The couple announced their engagement in April 2020 after dating for several years.
They had broken up in 2019 but reconciled later. They officially got married in 2022. The couple has a daughter named Kenaya.
Career
Nandy started her career 2010 when she participated in the Tecno Own the Stage competition, a singing contest featuring contestants across Africa.
She emerged as the first runner-up after impressing the judges and the audience with her vocal skills and stage presence.
She also gained valuable experience and exposure from the competition and mentorship from renowned artists such as M.I Abaga, Yemi Alade, and Bien of Sauti Sol.
After the competition, Nandy signed with THT Media, a talent management company, and released her first single, Nagusagusa, in 2016.
The song was produced by Emma the Boy and became a huge hit within a week of its release.
She then rose to fame after collaborating with Aslay on the hit song Kivuruge in 2017, which received massive airplay and positive reviews from fans and critics alike.
In 2017, Nandy also released her debut album, The African Princess, which featured 13 songs, including Aibu, Bado, Ninogeshe, One Day, and Wasikudanganye.
The album showcased her versatility and talent as a singer and songwriter, as well as her fusion of different musical genres, such as bongo flava, afro-pop, R& B, and soul.
The album was well received and earned her several nominations and awards, such as the Best Female Artist in East Africa at the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMMA) in 2017 and 2020³.
Nandy has also collaborated with other artists from different countries and genres, such as Harmonize, Joeboy, Oxlade, and Fire Mlilo.
Her notable collaborations include Kiza Kinene with Maua Sama, Acha Lizame with Harmonize, Number One with Joeboy, and Leo Leo with Koffi Olomide.
She has also performed in various concerts and festivals, both locally and internationally, such as the Fiesta Concert in Dodoma, Tanzania, the Coke Studio Africa in Nairobi, Kenya, and the One Africa Music Fest in Dubai, UAE.
Apart from music, Nandy has also ventured into acting. She played herself in Huba, a series aired on Maisha Magic Bongo on DSTV.
She has also expressed her interest in producing and directing films in the future.
Awards
Nandy has won several awards for her music and talent, such as:
- Best Female Artist in East Africa at the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMMA) in 2017 and 2020
- Best Female Newcomer at the AMI Africa Awards in 2017
- Best Female Artist in Tanzania at the Tanzania Music Awards in 2018 and 2019
- Best Female Artist in East Africa at the Soundcity MVP Awards in 2019
- Best Female Artist in Africa at the African Entertainment Awards in 2019
- Best Female Artist in East Africa at the African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) in 2019 and 2020
- Best Collaboration in East Africa at the African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) in 2020 for Acha Lizame with Harmonize
- Best Female Artist in East and Central Africa at the Zikomo Awards in 2020
Controversy
Nandy has not been involved in major scandals or controversies that could tarnish her reputation or career.
However, she has faced some criticism and backlash from some quarters, such as:
In 2018, she was accused of copying the concept and style of Tiwa Savage’s song Sugarcane for her song Ninogeshe.
She denied the allegations and said Tiwa Savage inspired her but did not copy her. She also said she respects Tiwa Savage as an artist and a role model.
In 2019, she was involved in a car accident that left her with minor injuries.
She was driving with her fiancé Bill Nass, when their car collided with a motorcycle.
The accident sparked rumors that Nandy and Bill Nass had broken up, but they later clarified that they were still together and happy.
In 2020, she was criticized by some fans for featuring Koffi Olomide, a Congolese singer who had been accused of sexual assault, in her song Leo Leo.
She defended her decision and said that she was unaware of the allegations against Koffi Olomide and only collaborated with him because of his musical talent and legacy.
Social Media
- Instagram handle: @officialnandy
- Twitter handle: @officialnandy
- YouTube channel: Nandy
Filmography
- Huba
Discography
- Nagusagusa
- One Day
- Wasikudanganye
- Kivuruge
- Aibu
- Bado
- Ninogeshe
- Kongoro
- Hazipo
- Acha Lizame
Net Worth
Nandy has an estimated net worth of $1 million.
She earns most of her income from music sales, shows, brand endorsements, and business ventures.