Samantha Mogwe is a Motswana singer/songwriter who brings a fused element of neo-soul/RnB. Raised to appreciate poetry and performing arts, she was exposed to music at an early age.
She has had the opportunity to perform not only in Botswana but in South Africa, Namibia, Ethiopia, and Sweden. Sharing the stage with well-known artists such as Zahara, The Soil, Zonke, Joe Thomas, Kenny Latimore, Lira, Micasa, Hugh Masikela among others.
Samantha is a 2014 YAMA award winner for Best Female Artist for the year and a BOMU Award winner for Best packaged Album, in 2015.
She is a multifaceted individual who places great value on edification and re-inventive qualities. She holds a degree in Theology and has studied music with the Trinity College of London.
Samantha is a wife and a mother, radio personality on local radio station Gabz Fm, a voice coach, fitness enthusiast and businesswoman who maintains her work-life balance by scheduling everything and prioritizing what is important.
Tell us about yourself
I have the privilege of being a multi-faceted creative who is born to a Botswana father and a Zambian mother. I am the youngest of 3 kids and I started my public artistic journey as a lover of and a writer of poetry, but my love for music led me to become a singer/songwriter with a passion for Soulful-RnB. My musical style is heavily influenced by legends such as Aretha Franklin and Brandy, Tiwa Savage, Brenda Fassie, the likes of Angelique Kidjo, Letta Mbulu, and many other greats. My unique approach to music involves layering vocals (rich vocal stacking) and harmonization to create beautiful melodies.
In addition to my musical talents, I hold a degree in Theology and I have also studied music at the Trinity College of London. I am constantly re-inventing myself and finding ways to grow as a person. I have taken an interest in Toast Masters, which taught me public speaking and improvisation, which is a skill set I have come to use every day.
I am a:
- Singer/Songwriter
- Radio Broadcaster on The Midday Fix Reloaded on Gabz Fm
- Producer
- Business Woman
- Beauty Aficionado
- Home Maker
- Fitness Enthusiast
Can you tell us about your musical journey and how you got started in the industry?
My musical journey began when I was very young. My mother used to make me sing for visitors when I was around 8 years old and I used to sing everywhere. That side of me met its demise when I entered my dreadful teenage years. I was very unsure of myself and went into high school with no one in my school knowing of my gift. I then joined the youth praise and worship team at church and that’s where I began to rehearse regularly. My sister was also a part of Exodus Live Poets, which I attended out of my love for poetry, but she soon started forcing me to perform on her poetry sets, where a live band would back us. My passion for music grew but my fearful spirit never went away. At the age of 15, a friend forced me to enter a talent show called My African Dream and we came 2nd in our category. I went on to enter Gabz Karaoke Idolz which I won, to my surprise. During that period, my mother did her best to pay for me to start weekly sessions with a vocal coach, who taught me how to harness the strong parts of my voice and also taught me how to perform and bring emotions into songs. I then entered Idols East Africa and was the only representative from Botswana to make it into the Top 24. I didn’t win, and this crushed me and I vowed that I was done with competitions.
After I had recovered from what I deemed to be a defeat, I got into my twenties and I started writing my songs and organising my shows with the help of some supportive loved ones. I also got into contact with a “Destiny Helper”, Thebe Malipiti, who saw the talent in me. He took it upon himself to link me with the right producers to work with to try to bring a body of work to life. I released a hit song titled Transition, and was able to get an international distribution deal under PACE Entertainment with, Sony Entertainment.
It hasn’t always been an easy journey, but I am grateful for every step along the way. I have learned so much about myself and the industry, and I am excited to continue growing and evolving as an artist.
How would you describe your unique musical style and sound, and what influences have shaped your music?
My unique musical style and sound can be described as a blend of RnB/Soul with a distinctive vocal tone and approach to vocal stacking and layering. My music is influenced by a variety of factors, including my personal experiences, the cultural landscape of Botswana, and my musical inspirations from across the globe.
My sound is shaped by a good combination of commercial RnB as well as a few rhythms and melodies of traditional music, native to Botswana as well as an infusion of afro-beat modern elements to create a truly unique and emotive sound. I draw inspiration from various artists and genres, from Dolly Parton in country music, as she is an amazing singer-songwriter, to Anafiki who sings traditional music from Botswana. This eclectic mix of influences allows for a diverse and dynamic musical palette.
What themes or messages do you aim to convey through your music?
My music is characterized by its emotive and soulful qualities, often exploring themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. I believe that we all have a journey of self-discovery that we must go through, and my music reflects this journey. I want my listeners to feel inspired to explore their inner worlds and to find their paths in life. I believe that music has the power to heal, inspire, and uplift people, and I want my music to do just that.
Another important theme in my music is love. Love is a universal language that has the power to connect people across cultures and boundaries. Through my lyrics, I explore the many different facets of love, from the joys of falling in love to the pain of heartbreak. I hope that my music will help people to connect with their own emotions and to find hope and healing in their relationships.
Finally, I aim to convey messages of empowerment through my music. We all have the power to create positive change in the world, and my music reflects this belief. I want my listeners to feel empowered to make a difference in their own lives and the world around them. Whether it’s through acts of kindness, social activism, or personal growth, I hope that my music will inspire people to be the best versions of themselves.
How do you navigate the challenges and opportunities as a female musician in Botswana’s music industry?
Navigating the challenges and opportunities as a female musician in Botswana’s music industry can be both rewarding and challenging at the same time. As a female artist, I have had to learn how to balance the different aspects of my career, including songwriting, performance, and promotion, while also dealing with the unique challenges that come with being a woman in a male-dominated industry. On one hand, being a woman in music can make it harder to be taken seriously and be given the same opportunities as male musicians. However, it also allowed me to create music that represents the experiences of women.
By remaining true to myself and using my music to speak up on issues that matter to me, I believe that I can help empower other women and inspire them to pursue their dreams. Overall, navigating the challenges and opportunities in Botswana’s music industry as a female musician requires determination, creativity, and a willingness to take risks. However, with hard work and perseverance, it is possible to achieve success and make a positive impact on the industry and the world at large.
Are there any specific cultural or traditional elements that you incorporate into your music to showcase Botswana’s rich heritage?
Botswana has such a rich and diverse cultural heritage, and I’m proud to incorporate elements of this into my music. I am an RnB/Soul singer and I have managed to include songs written in both English and Setswana. From an instrumental point of view, the producers that I work with on certain songs have managed to involve traditional instruments like the segaba and setinkane, also merging your mainstream RnB sonar with traditional rhythms and melodies, including claps and ululations. I believe that there’s a lot of beauty and depth to be found in our cultural heritage. By showcasing these elements in my music, I am playing a role in preserving and celebrating our culture, while also introducing it to new audiences around the world but also showing the evolution of these sounds in a modern sonic.
What role do you believe music plays in promoting social change or addressing important female issues in Botswana and beyond?
I believe that music has the power to inspire social change and address important issues, especially when it comes to female empowerment. As a female musician, I feel a responsibility to use my platform to raise awareness and start conversations about issues that affect women in Botswana and beyond. Issues such as gender equality, violence against women, and access to education and healthcare, issues of mental health.
Music can also be used to inspire and empower women and girls and to challenge societal norms and stereotypes about gender roles and expectations. Songs that celebrate the strength and resilience of women, I have a song titled QUEEN, which speaks to this, and promotes messages of self-confidence and self-love, just as my song BEAUTIFUL does. These songs are aimed at being incredibly empowering for women and girls who may be struggling with their own self-esteem or facing discrimination and inequality.
Whether it’s through my lyrics, my performances, my advocacy work, or further, my role as a radio presenter, I hope to contribute to a larger movement toward gender equality and empowerment because music has the power to inspire, motivate, and unite people, and that by working together, we can create positive change in our communities.
What advice would you give to aspiring female musicians in Botswana who are looking to pursue a career in music?
To aspiring female musicians in Botswana, I would say: be fearless, authentic, and persistent. Pursuing a music career is not easy, but if you believe in yourself and your talent, there’s nothing you can’t achieve. Surround yourself with people who support and uplift you, and don’t be afraid to take risks and try new things. Find mentors and collaborators who can support you and help you grow as an artist, Remember that your voice and your story matter, and that by sharing them with the world, you can inspire others and make a difference. Most importantly, always stay true to your unique voice and vision.
How has your music evolved over the years, and what can we expect from your future releases?
My music has evolved over the years. When I first started, I was still figuring out my sound and my message. But with each new release, I feel like I’m getting closer to my true artistic vision. As for future releases, I’m excited to continue exploring different genres and styles and to incorporate even more of my personal experiences and perspectives into my music. I also would love to have more collaborations with various artists across the globe.
Can you talk about the importance of representation and diversity in the music industry, and how it can inspire the next generation of female musicians?
Representation and diversity are crucial in the music industry. When we see artists from diverse backgrounds and with diverse perspectives, it inspires us to think outside of our own experiences and to see the world from new angles. For female musicians in particular, seeing other women succeeding in the industry can be incredibly empowering. I hope that by being a visible and vocal presence in the industry, I can inspire more young women to pursue their musical dreams.
What do you hope to achieve or contribute to the music scene in Botswana and Africa as a whole?
As a musician from Botswana, I hope to contribute to the global conversation about African music and culture. I want to showcase the richness and diversity of our country’s musical traditions and to demonstrate that African music is not monolithic, but rather a tapestry of different sounds and influences. Ultimately, I hope to create music that speaks to people all over the world, and that helps to break down barriers and build connections between cultures as well as sounds.
