Zua Biography
Zua is an award-winning artist, entrepreneur, and cultural ambassador from Sierra Leone, West Africa. Known for his infectious energy and empowering lyrics, Zua creates music that blends Afrobeats, hip-hop, and soulful storytelling — delivering messages of love, gratitude, and triumph.
His 2024 debut album Triumph has garnered over 1 million plays on Audiomack and earned him critical acclaim. The visuals for his single “By My Side” won Best Music Video at the AWOL Awards 2024, while his collaboration with Famous on “Envy” landed him four nominations at the Sierra Leone Music Awards 2025, including Best Performing Artist and Album of the Year.
Beyond music, Zua is the founder of Gem101 Entertainment and Gumbay Life Wear, blending entrepreneurship with cultural pride. He also leads Wave Box LLC, a multi-service company offering music management, marketing, vending services, and custom merchandise.
Zua is more than an artist — he’s a movement, championing self-expression, peace, and positivity through every beat, lyric, and brand he creates.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Born and raised in Freetown, the capital city of Sierra Leone, Zua began his music journey in 2000 as one half of the duo Black Snoop & Papayzua. The group made an early impact with songs like “All Night Party” and “Me Love You” ft. M2, both of which appeared on the Cassette Sellers Associations (CSA) Power Mix Volume 1. Their collaborative track “E Mona We” addressed social issues and gained popularity nationwide.
Signed under Keep Am Dark Records, the duo released two albums—Work Hard and One Love Africa—before parting ways in 2007 to pursue solo careers.
Solo Career and Rise to Prominence
While studying for his BSc. in Business Administration at UNIMTECH, Zua rebranded and launched a successful solo career with his debut album Focus. The project featured breakout hits like:
Zua also served as a Road Safety Ambassador, releasing five public awareness songs and touring all 12 districts of Sierra Leone. He organized the Miss Road Safety Beauty Pageant to promote safety awareness, aligned with the release of his second solo album featuring the hit single “Sweet Me” ft. Nega Don.
International Expansion & Rebranding to Zua
After moving to Europe in 2013 and then to the United States in 2016, Zua continued to release impactful singles such as:
In 2025, he officially transitioned from “Uncle Papayzua” to simply Zua, marking a new era of his artistry focused on deeper storytelling, broader influence, and cultural pride.
Triumph & Accolades
Zua’s 2024 album Triumph, released on August 24, has earned over 1 million plays on Audiomack and resonated with fans across the globe.
At the Sierra Leone Music Awards 2025, Zua received four major nominations:
He also played a vital role in COVID-19 public awareness, self-funding nationwide campaigns, donations, and educational music releases to support Sierra Leone during the crisis.
Cultural Visionary
Beyond music, Zua is the founder of Gumbay Life Wear, a fashion brand rooted in the sound and soul of Sierra Leone. The brand pays homage to the traditions, rhythms, and resilience of Sierra Leonean people through bold streetwear that tells a story.
Zua continues to represent Sierra Leone on the world stage as both an artist and entrepreneur, carrying forward a mission to uplift, inspire, and connect people through music, fashion, and heritage.
Achievements
- “Look Nar Ein Phone” – a national favorite
- “Da Pikin Dae” ft. Artical Foyoh & Mr. Koolest
- “Mr. DJ” ft. Yok7 – winner of Best Techno Music at the Sierra Leone DJs Union Awards 2016
- “By My Side” – Best Music Video at the AWOL Awards 2024
- “Answer”
- “Ah Don Po-Po”
- “Fuma Fuma”
- “Down Low”
- “Oh My God”
- Best Performing Artist
- Best Music Video – “Money Spender”
- Best Collaboration – “Envy” ft. Famous
- Album of the Year – Triumph