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This appointment closely follows her recent work with Nala Project Masters and the ongoing Tune Into Empowerment program (funded by CIPA’s Levy on Technical Device Fund), both of which champion structured, meaningful support for women in the music business.

“To be one of the voices voting in the GRAMMYs is surreal. But what excites me more is the opportunity to connect, shape new pathways, and advocate for the future of African music from inside the room. I do this for every young Motswana who dares to dream.”

Samantha also took a moment to acknowledge the individuals and efforts that paved the way for this honor. She expressed deep gratitude to Mpho Sebina, the first Motswana artist to join the Academy, whose quiet promise to hold the door open for others is now bearing fruit.

She also highlighted the role of Baobab Media. A stakeholder meeting they held some time ago unintentionally planted seeds that would blossom into this very opportunity. “I’m especially grateful to Kindra Parker and Pat Dambe, whose leadership at that convening created meaningful connections at a time when none of us could predict where they’d lead. Sometimes, bridges are built long before you know what they’ll connect.”

This moment is a powerful reflection of what can be achieved when vision, excellence, and collaboration align, and when artists and advocates lead with both heart and strategy.

“I don’t take this lightly,” Samantha adds. “I accept this invitation not just as an artist, but as a Motswana woman committed to building, holding space, and making room for more of us. Our stories matter. Our sound matters. Our presence matters.”

As part of the Recording Academy’s 2025 New Member Class, Samantha joins a new generation of creatives shaping what excellence, equity, and influence look like in music, across borders, genres, and generations. This is a truly inspiring time for the music industry, and particularly for artists from Botswana and across Africa.