FROM CLASSROOM TO THE WORLD STAGE

I met Samukelisiwe Welile Samantha Manana at Enjabulweni’s Got Talent competition that was held a few weeks ago at the school.
She was the programme director at the competition.

She left the audience in stitches with her great sense of humour and dance moves, I thought to myself what a lively person.
She is also a teacher at Enjabulweni High School; she tells Gcwala how her singing career blossomed from singing with Ncandweni.

My childhood and school...
I was born in Manzini at Raleigh Fitkin Memorial Hospital 26 years ago. I completed my high school at the same school I am teaching at, Enjabulweni. I studied for a Bachelor of Social Science Degree at University of Pretoria which I completed in 2008. I then did my Bcom HR Special undergraduate from 2009-2010 at University of Pretoria.  I recently completed my Postgraduate Certificate in Education at University of South Africa.

My music...
I started singing back in 2003 with Ncandweni Christ Ambassadors, before then I used to sing at church. I have performed at number of places when I was touring with the group. We toured places including Canada, Lesotho, Botswana and South Africa. I would love to share the stage with all gospel artists since we all have the same mandate, which is to preach the Word of God and win souls for our God’s kingdom. My music is currently being played on SBIS and VOC. I released a single which had two songs titled ‘Lifikile Livangeli’ and ‘Uyisimanga’. My first album took me two years to record under the guidance of my husband Mduduzi Ziyawa Matsenjwa who is also my producer.
My other passion is teaching. I am also passionate about acting. I also encourage my students to sing. We had a school talent show a few weeks ago where more than five of my students participated. I was so proud of them.
Balancing my music career and being a teacher is not easy as being  just a musician. I have not found the balance yet, the school holidays help though.
My role model...
My mum is my role model. She has lived an exemplary Christian life before me and my brothers, our father passed away 11 years ago. She is a woman of Proverbs, I strive to follow her in her teachings and listen to her advice.

Music industry...
The music industry in the country has improved immensely. I do, however, think more can still be done to improve it. This is because the music is not stagnant, it changes very much over time. So we can never say as a country we have reached the maximum standard, there is definitely room for growth.

My stylist...
I try to be my own stylist, and then of course there is my mum who always makes stylish critique or suggestions which are always good. My hair is done by Prestige Hair Salon in Manzini.

My family...
I have been happily married for six years now. My hubby and I have been blessed with two daughters, Keabetswe and Temagadzeli. I have two brothers and I am the oldest.

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