Forever Singing

My Story

Beginnings

I was born in 1989 in Gumare, in the northwest of Botswana, on the edge of the Okavango Delta. Growing up in a landscape full of color, sound, and stories, I was singing everywhere from an early age: at home, in school, at parties and celebrations. My voice was heard – and discovered – early on.

By the age of 19, I was already recording regularly in studios and performing as a backing vocalist at major concerts. Over the years, I worked with some of Botswana’s most renowned artists, including Shanti Lo, Lizibo, DJ NT Base, Genius Senyatso, Mmaphala, and many others. But slowly, a desire began to grow in me – not only to enrich the music of others, but to tell my own stories.

So in 2009, under the artist name Lil’ Rozie, I recorded my first solo album. It never got released – a vague contract stalled what had seemed like a promising start. But I kept going. In 2012, I joined the intercultural project Kalahari Roses, which brought together musicians from Botswana and Germany under the direction of bassist and guitarist Peter Herrmann. In 2013, it took me to Germany for the first time – a short tour that left a lasting impression, both musically and personally. It was at the final concert that I met, among others, musician and producer Manuel Steinhoff.

These encounters laid the foundation for what would become my own music: a blend of personal memories, traditional stories from my homeland, and musical influences from different worlds.

A New Beginning

Since 2015, I’ve been working with Manuel Steinhoff and Peter Herrmann on my solo project Monyana Yôle. In the beginning, we spent a lot of time experimenting with vocal harmonies and acoustic instruments in the monkey lab and Studio Kirchberg. Over the years – through breaks, moves (including my relocation from Botswana to Germany), and new phases of life – the sound that now brings my songs to life gradually took shape.

Alongside my own music, I’ve been regularly involved in productions at the Hessisches Landestheater Marburg since 2021 – first as part of the ensemble (“Hair”, “Marburg 800”), and later as a soloist (“Songs of Peace and Hope,” “Alice in Wonderland,” and “Happy Birthday, Landkreis”). I also teach vocals and lead workshops, and I’m active in social and political events, for example performing at major demonstrations against right-wing extremism.

The Songs of My Life

My songs speak of home, loss, hope, and connection. They draw from the myths and melodies of my childhood, wrapping them in a sound that’s entirely my own – warm, rhythmic, honest. Folk, soul, and influences from various African regions can all be heard, but never as a formula. It’s music that breathes, holds depth, carries memory – yet never stands still.

Since 2023, the live project has steadily grown: what began as a duo (bass, beats, vocals) has expanded into a trio with guitar, a quartet with an additional vocalist – and since 2024, a quintet with percussion. This flexible line-up allows for diverse concert formats and highlights the communal, atmospheric spirit of the music.

With my upcoming debut album “Mainane (Folk Tales)” – now in its final stages of production – I’m giving these songs a home. And I’m giving my voice, which has long supported others, the space to finally tell its own stories.

Forever Singing

My Story

Beginnings

A New Beginning

The Songs of My Life

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