Life Abroad Isn’t A Bed Of Roses – Housekeeper Turned Singer Lioness Afreeka Confesses

Sweden-based Kenyan Dancehall and Reggae songstress Lioness Afreeka has bursted the bubble for many people who thought life abroad is a smooth ride.

The musician who is currently riding high with her new song Jättebra has disclosed that one has to be strong, hardworking and persistent to survive in different countries in Europe.

Lioness Afreeka who is a housekeeper by profession recently shared with the world the challenges she has been facing as she tries to manoeuvre in her housekeeping career and music journey, all while in a far away country.

The Jättebra hitmaker revealed that it has not been a walk in the park for her juggling music and her work.

That is not all; Lioness Afreeka also opened up about the struggles of raising her children abroad.

Despite being a popular Kenyan international female reggae artistes in Stockholm, Sweden, Lioness Afreeka has never stayed without a formal job.

Since her early days in Europe, the musician has been in changing, hotels working hard to make ends meet and at the same time, following her passion which is her music.

Speaking during a virtual interview with Ghafla.com, Lioness Afreeka stated 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.” She revealed.

According to Lioness, one has to be prepared mentally and be ready to push hard if they want to survive 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.” Lioness said.

Lioness Afreeka added:

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

Being a mother, she admits that raising children abroad is a hard task that needs a sane mind.

“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 has managed to make a name for herself in the much-competitive music industry, not only in Africa but also the entire world.

To stamp authority in the game, the songstress recently released an EP album dubbed Proud Housekeeper, who h revolves around her real life experiences.

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

Lioness Afreeka gave her fans an interesting treat by dropping the official video for Jättebra which is available on her YouTube page and other music streaming platforms.

The singer is not new in the game, having shared the stage with Africa’s heavy hitters such as Nameless, Nyashinski, Amani, Diamond Platnumz, Otlile Brown , Mikal Rose, Gentleman, General Levy during their different tours in Europe.

It has taken her years of work and building networks for her to get major platforms, such as Festivals and arenas in Europe.

This year (2024), Lioness Afreeka managed to secure four festivals in Stockholm, Sweden.

All the festivals are set for August.

She also keeps herself busy by perfoming with friendly music bands in Stockholm city.

Her struggles inspired her to lift the younger generation by building online media platforms both in Kenya and abroad which can open up for greater opportunities for them.

“What you do before your big break is all that matters.” She said.

Lioness’ impressive music has seen her land greater opportunities both in Kenya and in Sweden.

Apart from being a revered Housekeeper and a well-to-do musician, she is also an online entrepreneur, running the Kenyan Diaspora Media where she hosts a show called Wasanii Ughaibuni.

Lioness’ show gave her 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.