Dawn Faith

Mackay's love of singing started in her grandmother's church, which was located in the South African township of KwaMashu, where Mackay herself grew up. This love was nurtured by her mother, who would blast records by Aretha Franklin, Donnie Hathaway and Kool & The Gang early in the morning and late at night. At a young age, Mackay also experienced the power of music in creating social change, as it formed the soundtrack for the anti-apartheid movement.^{[citation needed]}

Influenced by her upbringing and a deep desire to make a difference, Mackay has dedicated much of her life to inspiring young people to rise above their circumstances. She was the South African Director of one of the world's largest youth-run organisation, Oaktree (foundation) and worked in partnership with Nelson Mandela's 46664 to find ways of using music for good. After relocating to Australia in 2009, she expanded her pursuit of justice, working to empower disadvantaged youth and recent immigrants.^{[citation needed]}

Mackay has recorded and collaborated with artists in both South Africa (Loyiso Bala, Zakes Bantwini & Ntokozo Mbambo) and Australia (Evermore, Diafrix).

Her first single, "Messed Up Heart", was produced by Jason Heerah (Electric Empire) and Dorian West (X Factor, Australia's Got Talent) – and helped make Mackay the No. 1 artist in Melbourne and No. 7 in Australia on the ReverbNation R&B/Soul charts. It was followed by her debut EP, "Audience of One", which was written and produced by Mackay herself. The EP integrates elements of jazz and gospel music. It was inspired by the death of her daughter, the birth of her son, and the journey between these two life-changing events.^{[citation needed]}

She's also been called on to share her story as a motivational and keynote speaker at conferences, churches and schools, including Oprah Winfrey's Leadership Academy for Girls.^{[citation needed]}