AFRICAN QUEEN OF MUSIC CELEBRATES WOMANHOOD
SHE may have made the UK her home for the last sixteen years, but everything about Lorraine Lionheart embodies her first love - Africa!
The feisty artist, scholar, university lecturer and producer says it was never her dream to relocate to the UK or anywhere else for that matter. “I always saw my future being in Botswana and I was content with that. However, I always loved travelling and believed there was a lot one could learn through experiencing other cultures and environments. So, even back then, I knew my future would include a lot of travelling, and so far, I have been privileged enough with lots of travel opportunities”.
Lionheart explains that her UK residency was necessitated by the most important role she plays, motherhood and then her music. “
As a single mother who is coparenting a ten-year-old son with his British father, it was important to facilitate a strong bond between the two especially while he is still young. My son’s father is a good man and an even greater father who is present in his life hence there was no reason to attempt playing the roles of both parents and move to another country. In addition, settling in the UK also afforded Lionheart opportunities for artistic development which in turn she hopes to plough back in elevating the music industry in Botswana. A Bachelor of Science in Music Technology and Talent Management graduate, Lionheart is completing her Master of Arts in Music Production and looking forward to undertaking her PHD in Ethnomusicology this September. An opportunity which will further see her teach at one of the UK’S revered institutions. Unable to contain her excitement, Lionheart reveals that her research topic will lead to some extensive time spent on the African continent and most exciting, a chance to spend time in Botswana, too.
Although she is not keen on categorising her sound, lest she boxes herself, Lionheart describes herself as an Afro-pop artist who draws inspiration from her extensive travels. “I infuse sounds from all over the continent to enrich my sound which I describe as contemporary African. It gives me the freedom to keep exploring myself musically and discover other sounds from anywhere in the world.”
Currently, Lionheart is thrilled to be working with musicians from Sierra Leone, Ghana, Congo, Angola and Swahili-speaking countries on an album to be released later in the year. Although she says she has been mildly criticised for not singing enough in Setswana, she is proud to celebrate her African heritage through the medley of African languages infused in her songs. “It really does make my sound inclusive and often sparks conversation with audiences. For instance, clicks from Ndebele or Zulu add uniqueness and style to my sound, which in turn captivates and mesmerises audiences.” She is, however, quick to point out that she ensures to retain her individual Southern African sound lest she is confused to be from other parts of Africa. “One must complement their sound and not be completely overpowered and overshadowed by what ought to be trimmings and not the main course,” she laughs as she reveals a recipe that has been successful for her as she continues to captivate audiences with her sultry voice and sensual stage appeal.
Even though she must be armwrestled to share her most memorable time on stage, she concedes that performing at prestigious Commonwealth events and performing for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were undeniably special moments. However, Lionheart finds being on stage easier than her greatest role of raising her son.
“Motherhood is the most challenging part of who I am and what I do, mainly because I put myself under pressure to do it well. Unlike all my other responsibilities, it does not have second takes and rehearsals. The rest of the work I do is important, too, but I feel if I fail at it, it’s not that catastrophic. I can simply dust myself up and start again or change lanes. However, with motherhood, I have to get it right as much as possible.” To give her best, Lionheart says doing what she loves goes a long way. “It would be very challenging if my career wasn’t my passion. Being a student comes with huge sacrifices - often financial - but I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” she stresses.
The decision to study further has meant turning down gigs hence impacting on the growth of her music career. Despite this, Lionheart says opting to pursue an academic route in music is one of the best decisions she has ever made.
“While it can be difficult to balance the demands of being an artist especially as I have to prioritise my studies, I have taught myself not only to stay believing in myself but also to enjoy and trust the process. Things will fall into place and at the right time. As a constant reminder of this conviction, Lionheart has a tattoo inscribed “the journey is the reward”. “It keeps me grounded and grateful. I feel there is no race nor destination. I stay in my lane and move at my own pace and, most importantly, continue to appreciate all the experiences in the journey as my rewards. So, while I juggle motherhood, studying, teaching, artistic development, and even other interest such as film production, I don’t do any of it with a goal of finding happiness in later success. I find joy and fulfilment in the process.” Lionheart says, there is no point lamenting over challenges and hardships of one’s journey. “It takes a certain level of bravery to make it in the world. To forgo home comforts such as family support and familiarities of one’s culture is a huge adjustment. But thanks to the internet, I can connect with other inspiring and driven Batswana around the globe. It is all about perception and perspective. There is always something positive you can take from any situation. All my experiences have made me a better person and enlightened musician,” she says