Approaching life humbly with ‘attitude of gratitude’
SINGER Samantha Darsen’s “attitude of gratitude” is definitely working for her. Darsen has been singing up a storm and has made a name for herself in the local music industry. Following in the footsteps of her idol, Indian playback singer Asha Bhosle, she has also showed great strength, determination and passion for music.
Darsen, 34, of Hillary, Durban, is a legal editor by profession and is also the brand manager for a technology, media, telecommunication and financial services company.
She owns a photo studio, Bellaro Photography, and is the lead female vocalist for the Bollywood Showband.
Darsen said she is a philanthropist and is involved in a few causes for animals, while also being a radio DJ on the Weekend Wind Down show every Sunday, between 7am and 10am, on the online radio station, Megazone Radio. She also manages Sam’s (Save a man’s) Best Friend – an initiative that assists animals in finding safe and loving homes, and also collects food for pet and rescue shelters so that they can offer animals the best care possible.
Darsen is married to Vishal Darsen, who also shares his wife’s passion for music. He is the music director of the Bollywood Showband.
“I started singing when I was 9. My family is musically inclined and they provided a great opportunity for me to explore music. I discovered my talent for singing while singing in our family bhajan (Hindu religious songs) group,” said Darsen.
Darsen sings mostly cover songs but has recently penned two original songs, for which her husband is busy composing the music.
Inspired by Bhosle – Darsen said her strength, determination and passion for music never let anything deter her from her goals.
Darsen believes in having an “attitude of gratitude” because music is a complex phenomenon. She hopes that through her songs she is able to bring a smile to people’s faces, inspire listeners and take people on a walk down memory lane. Her love for bhajans also led to her managing the Swar Vihar Bhajan Group.
“Last year I performed at the Vidya Vox show and did three shows back-to back with international playback singer, Rahul Jain,” said Darsen. “For the first time
I will perform in a collaboration show featuring musicians and singers from India and South Africa later this year. We also have a purely African concerts line-up and I am excited about it.”