Sweden-Based Kenyan Singer Lioness Afreeka Shares Struggles Of Making It Abroad

Multi-talented Sweden-based Kenya musician Lioness Afreeka is one of the most respected Reggae and Dancehall stars to have ever made it out of Africa.

The singer, who boasts of a number of EPs and Albums is undoubtedly one of the forces to reckon with in the music.

Well, Lioness may have made it to the top but all the success did not come on a silver platter.

The star, who is currently causing ripples on the airwaves with her new hit song Jättebra recently opened up on the struggles Africans face while trying to make ends meet abroad.

Lioness disclosed that to survive in different countries in Europe, one has to be focused, strategic, hardworking and most importantly, persistent.

According to Lioness Afreeka, who is a professional Housekeeper doubling up as a vibrant musician in Sweden, it has not been a smooth sailing even as she tries to manoeuvre in her housekeeping career and music journey, all while in a far away country.

A passionate musician, the singer revealed that she had to juggle music and her work to live comfortably in Stockholm, Sweden.

Lioness Afreeka also pointed out that raising her children abroad and still pushing her music and remaining productive in his housekeeping career have toughened her up over the years.

Despite being a notable Kenyan musician in Stockholm, Sweden, Lioness Afreeka has never stayed without a formal job, all to ensure every minute spent in building her empire counts.

Since her early days in Europe, the Jättebra crooner has been doing her best in different hotels working hard to make ends meet and at the same time, following her passion which is her music.

Lioness Afreeka, in an interview with a top Kenyan blog disclosed that it takes her a lot of prior planning and discipline to be able to juggle her job in hospitality and her music career.

“Life has never been a bed of roses for artistes abroad. Here, we don’t depend on music and everything has to be planned in advance for you to combine the two. When we narrate to people back home how we hustle they think its an easy thing to do.” Lioness said.

In her own words, one has to be prepared psychologically and be ready to work hard if they want to make it big in countries abroad, specifically Sweden.

“Before even you fit in the system, your mindset has to be well prepared for trials and tribulations. We have seen alot of artists quit ; they either go back to Kenya or give up on the music.” She added.

“‘The Project Is You,’ it doesn’t matter where you are. We learn as we go by and most Importantly is discipline.” The singer stated.

Lioness, who is a loving mum admitted that raising her children abroad has never been a walk in park.

“Children are personal choices as a woman. The different cultures surrounding parenting is not an easy task to handle but we need to keep pushing.” Lioness Afreeka noted.

Despite all the shortcomings, Lioness fought to become a household name, not only in Africa but also the entire globe.

In line with her dream to be the biggest music star globally, the songstress recently released an EP album dubbed Proud Housekeeper, which delves into her real life experiences in Europe.

The five-track EP has been received well by many music lovers across the globe who could not help but laud her prowess.

In her usual giving manner, Lioness Afreeka gave her fans an interesting treat by releasing the official video for Jättebra which is available on her YouTube page and other music streaming platforms.

It should be noted that the singer has so far done well for herself, having rubbed shoulders with Africa’s top music acts such as Nameless, Nyashinski, Amani, Diamond Platnumz, Otlile Brown , Mikal Rose, Gentleman, General Levy during their different tours in Europe.

It took her years of work and building networks to access major music platforms, such as Festivals and arenas in Europe.

This year (2024) alone, the Reggae star secured over four festivals in Stockholm, Sweden.

All the festivals are set for August, 2024.

To keep herself busy, the musician has been perfoming with friendly music bands in Stockholm.

Her struggles inspired her to empower the younger generation by building a viral online media platform abroad which can open up for greater opportunities for them.

 

“What you do before your big break is all that matters.” Lioness says.

She may be a Housekeeper by profession and a well-to-do musician, but she is also an online investor, running the Kenyan Diaspora Media.

At Kenya Diaspora Media, Lioness hosts an entertainment show dubbed Wasanii Ughaibuni.

Lioness’ show has given her unlimitted access and a chance to interact with many Kenyan artistes abroad.

She is also a brand ambassador for Talkcoms Calling App – The easy way to call Kenya.