Amantle Brown

"I even became suicidal but I thank God I am still here"

"I just want people to get out of the habit of the ‘pull-her-down syndrome; not just among artists but everyone around them. We are human beings and I have lost count of the times I wanted to quit but kept pushing."

"This was probably one of the hardest decisions I had to take because I worked so hard and popularised the Amantle Brown brand, but it had to be done."

"That was the hardest time of my career as it made me lose credibility to a brand"

"I will represent Botswana and our artists with pride and carry our flag high. I’m excited to show the world what Botswana has to offer and to open doors for more creatives back home"

"This is another partnership worth appreciating as we see our local private sector coming together to support BITC’s efforts towards promoting and positioning Botswana globally"

"It taught me that talent is only one part of the equation, the other part being what you do the platform you have being given. However, that is not to say it was smooth sailing thereafter, I went through a lot in life as well as my career. Right now I understand that I have a role to play in my society, that I am a role model to some, a business woman and a community builder, those ups and downs are the lessons that sharpened me to be the brand that I am today. I have evolved from being that little girl to being the young woman I am today that understands she has to take up space and use her voice not just for music but to also have an impact in the lives of Batswana especially the girl child"

"This song is a love story, but I wanted the video to reflect cultural identity and expression through movement"

"I appreciate the team’s effort and commitment. Azonto’s leadership helped keep everyone coordinated and focused"

"I am so excited that it happened to an ordinary girl. Right now my purpose has shifted, I want to inspire young, upcoming girls from all over the country. I’ve turned what happened to me into a purpose-driven scenario. I want them to know it’s possible"

"When you get to a point where you are cancelled as an entertainer, and people sort of forget about you, it takes a lot away from a person"

"That issue affected my business a lot. Brands didn’t want to work with me. I was basically cancelled. But it made me dig deep. It shaped me into a totally different person. I’m more optimistic now. I’m a dreamer again. I’ve expanded my business and I’m exploring other things"

"I always went back to the moment I wrote Black Mampatile. I was alone then, not waiting for anyone’s validation. I remembered to dream again. I always wanted to go back to the girl who wrote that song. I prayed to God to get me back to that girl"

"I was wondering whether I was good enough, if I would deliver. Would they understand and feel what I was doing or is it only Batswana who relate"

"I was just myself, really. I didn’t try to imitate anyone to fit in. But the pressure was intense I was carrying the industry with me. It was no longer just about me"

"What’s next for me is everything under the sun. I have grown, I have evolved. I’m no longer just an artist. I’m an entrepreneur now"

"I’m going to leave my mark on earth, and I’ve pledged to the Lord that I’ll do it how He planned, because of what I’ve learnt when I was down"

"I believe in my sound, I believe that I will be able to touch those in attendance and hopefully leave my mark. But most of all I just hope my vocal range will be on point"

"We have been rehearsing tirelessly. I am really nervous as this will be my first real challenge"