SOUTH AFRICA-BASED Zimbabwean teen Samantha Mundo (17) is proving to be a force to reckon with on the showbiz scene, making waves both in South African and Zimbabwe.

At such a tender age, the Centurion-based Mundo has already secured collaborations with seasoned artistes such as Mzansi’s popular wheelspinner, producer and musician DJ Tira, South African singer and songwriter Mmatema Moremi and local artiste Sabastian Magacha.

Apart from collaborations, Mundo has also shared the stage with Grammy-nominated artiste Pastor Travis Greene when he recently performed at the Shift Concert held at Celebration Centre in Borrowdale, Harare.

Proving that she is a talented composer who has a bright future in music, Mundo had two of her songs, Pray On, which features Mmatema and Simuka Titambe, her duet with Magacha featured on Star FM’s Gospel Greats Top 50.

The song Pray On was on position 33, while Simuka Titambe occupied number 25 and Mundo believes the best is yet to come.

NewsDay Weekender caught up with Mundo from her Gauteng base, who said she was grateful for each and every opportunity that has allowed her to grow and flourish this year.

She said her goal was to bring the youths closer to God and the gospel.

Who is Mundo?

 Samantha Mundo is a 17-year-old girl who is crazy about Jesus and has dreams and goals to spread the gospel. I hope to make an impact on my peers’ lives through singing.

Self-description

I am a very loud and bubbly person who loves seeing her friends and family smiling and laughing, hence I am always making jokes and making sure everyone has a good time.

Venturing into music

Although I have been singing in church since the age of seven, I launched my music career around September in 2021.

For me music has always been a passion and I have always wanted to touch the hearts of people through music.

So far, I am happy that people have been supportive and they have shown that they really love the messages in my music.

Doing music at 17

It is quite scary in the sense of the judgement that comes from my peers, but for the most part of it, it’s very exciting because I don’t know what the future holds for me.

It, however, takes determination, patience, dedication and passion for one to be a respected musician.

Inspiration

For my compositions, I am always inspired by the things that happen in my life and by the artistes that I work with too.

The main message in my compositions seeks to let the youths know that there is a better path and the lord will always be there for them.

Influence of personal experience

Personal experience has no doubt influenced my creativity in music as it helps to provide new ideas and above all, it allows me to relate with the music I make.

Role model

Former Zimpraise singer Sharon Manyonganise-Cherayi is my role model.

Parental support

My parents are the most supportive people that I know. They keep encouraging me to follow my dreams no matter what.

Balancing music and school

I am in Grade 11 at Pro Arte Alphen Park, a school that specialises in arts. When it comes to balancing music and school, it is always difficult to stay focused.

However, because my parents keep reminding me to stay grounded, it has been easy to make sure I give 100% to both schoolwork and music. Much of my focus in music is mainly during school holidays.

When on stage

When given the opportunity to shine, I always give it my all. When I am on the stage, I am at my happiest and I believe the best of me is yet to come.

Featuring on Star FM’s Gospel Greats Top 50

Being a new kid on the gospel music scene, I am pleased about this accomplishment in my career. In fact, it is a great honour to be a part of something as big as the Gospel Greats.

Discography

I am yet to release an album, but so far, I have dropped three singles and have composed four more that will be out soon.

For visuals, I have a video for my latest single Pray On that features Mmatema, a video for Simuka Titambe which is a collaboration with Magacha and for I Win.

I have collaborated with a number of artistes, namely Mmatema, Mathias Mhere, Sabastian Magacha, Betty Makaya, Takesure Zamar and DJ Tira.

My dream collaboration is to record with American gospel musician and pastor, Travis Green and Natasha Tameika Cobbs Leonard, another American gospel musician and songwriter.

Forthcoming projects

I am working on releasing an extended play that will contain different genres of music as well as collaborations with various artistes.

If everything goes according to plan, I will also be recording a live DVD in Zimbabwe around July next year.

Major career highlight

Sharing the stage with Grammy-nominated artiste pastor Travis Greene recently at the Shift Concert held at Celebration Centre in Borrowdale, Harare, has been my major career highlight so far.

I am a big fan of pastor Greene and it was out of the world as I had never imagined that one day, I would be able to share the stage with him. It was an extraordinary moment that will linger in my mind for years and I am truly grateful for that.

Response to criticism

For me, I try to take criticism more as advice and turn it into something positive.

Favourite food

McDonald’s

Soothing

By listening to music, watching television or swimming.

Social media platforms

Instagram: @samanthamundo_31

Tiktok: @samanthamundo_31

YouTube: Samantha Mundo