Amina Buddafly, best known for her soulful voice and reality TV appearances, is more than just a former Love & Hip Hop: New York star. She is a singer, songwriter, author, and proud mother whose journey from Germany to American fame is both inspiring and emotionally complex. In this article, we’ll dive deep into her early life, career beginnings, rise to fame, personal life, and what she’s doing now.
Early Life: From Germany With Music
Amina Buddafly was born as Amina Pankey on April 18, 1983, in Hamburg, Germany. She comes from a mixed-race background—her father is Senegalese, and her mother is German. Music ran through her veins from a young age, and she grew up singing with her twin sister, Jazz, and older sister, Safa.
The three formed a girl group called Black Buddafly, which would later launch Amina’s music career.
Black Buddafly: The Starting Point
In the early 2000s, Amina and her sisters moved to New York City to pursue a music career. Black Buddafly quickly caught attention with their blend of R&B, soul, and pop. The group signed with Def Jam Recordings under the guidance of music mogul Russell Simmons.
They released several singles, such as
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“Rock-A-Bye”
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“Bad Girl” ft. Fabolous
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“Dirty Luv”
Despite their talent, the group faced industry setbacks and eventually disbanded. Amina decided to continue her career as a solo artist.
Solo Career: Finding Her Own Voice
After the group’s breakup, Amina Buddafly transitioned into a solo career, releasing heartfelt and introspective music that resonated with fans. Her music often reflects her personal experiences and emotional journeys.
Some of her solo albums include
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“I Am, Pt. 1” (2013)
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“Music in My Room” (2017)
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“Mother” (2018)
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“After Dark” (2021)
Her smooth vocals, relatable lyrics, and raw vulnerability gained her a loyal following. She often blends piano-driven ballads with contemporary R&B.
Love & Hip Hop: Amina Buddafly’s Breakthrough
Amina rose to wider fame after joining VH1’s Love & Hip Hop: New York in Season 4 (2013). Her story quickly became one of the show’s most dramatic and talked-about storylines.
She was romantically involved with Peter Gunz, a rapper and fellow cast member. However, their relationship was complicated, to say the least.
The Love Triangle
Peter Gunz was already in a relationship with Tara Wallace when he secretly married Amina. The explosive love triangle played out on national TV, leaving fans divided.
Despite the drama, Amina and Peter had two daughters together:
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Cori Gunz (born July 2014)
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Bronx Gunz (born August 2016)
Eventually, Amina chose to walk away from the toxic relationship, focusing instead on raising her children and healing.
Life After Love & Hip Hop
After her time on Love & Hip Hop, Amina moved to Los Angeles to start a new chapter. She focused on
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Motherhood
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Music career
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Fitness and wellness
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Writing books
She published her memoir titled “The Other Woman,” where she opened up about the painful relationship dynamics with Peter Gunz, self-worth, and her road to self-love.
Amina as an Author and Motivational Voice
Her book “The Other Woman” (released in 2017) served as both a tell-all and a guide for women dealing with infidelity, betrayal, and emotional turmoil. The book resonated with women across the globe.
She also released “Mixtape Memoirs,” a combination of music and personal storytelling.
Amina Buddafly has used her platform to speak on
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Toxic relationships
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Co-parenting
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Women’s empowerment
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Healing and transformation
Her journey became a beacon of strength for women learning to choose themselves.
Personal Life and Siblings
Amina Buddafly, born Amina Pankey, comes from a multicultural and musically inclined family. Raised in Hamburg, Germany, Amina grew up in a household where music was a daily rhythm, not just a hobby.
Her father is originally from Senegal, and her mother is German, giving Amina and her siblings a rich blend of African and European heritage that shaped both their identity and sound.
Twin Sister: Jazz Buddafly
Amina shares a deep bond with her twin sister, Jazz (Safietou Pankey). They started singing together in childhood and later formed the group Black Buddafly with their older sister. Jazz played a key role in the group’s success, and even after the group disbanded, the two sisters remained very close.
Older Sister—Sophie Buddafly
Amina’s older sister Sophie was the third member of Black Buddafly. She later stepped away from music but was crucial in the group’s early success. The sisters still remain close.
Parents
Amina was born to a Senegalese father and a German mother in Hamburg, Germany. Her multicultural background shaped her identity and musical style.
Children
Amina has two daughters, Cori (2014) and Bronx (2016), with rapper Peter Gunz. She is raising them as a single mom in Los Angeles and often shares their sweet moments online.
Relationships
Amina married Peter Gunz secretly while he was still involved with another woman, which led to public drama on Love & Hip Hop: New York. She later divorced him and focused on her healing and family.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Amina Pankey |
| Birthplace | Hamburg, Germany |
| Heritage | Senegalese father, German mother |
| Twin Sister | Jazz Buddafly (Safietou Pankey) |
| Older Sister | Sophie Buddafly |
| Children | Cori (2014), Bronx (2016) |
| Ex-Husband | Peter Gunz |
| Current City | Los Angeles |
| Family Bond | Very close with both sisters |
| Parenting | Single mom, very active in daughters’ lives |
Amina Buddafly’s Net Worth
While exact figures vary, Amina Buddafly’s net worth is estimated to be around $600,000–$1 million. This comes from her music sales, reality TV appearances, book royalties, and live performances.
Where Is Amina Buddafly Now?
As of 2025, Amina continues to live in Los Angeles, balancing her time between music, motherhood, and wellness. She frequently performs intimate live shows and is working on more music and writing projects.
Her message to women remains clear: “Know your worth and never settle.”
Conclusion
Amina Buddafly’s life is a compelling story of talent, love, heartbreak, and transformation. From her early days in Germany to navigating fame in the U.S., she’s never stopped evolving. Whether through music, writing, or motherhood, Amina continues to inspire women everywhere to embrace their strength and live authentically.
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