In a vibrant mix of rhythm, tradition, and determination, Botswana has found its Drumqueen. Gonewa Monei Mojumi, a 30-year-old powerhouse born in Serowe and raised in Mahalapye, is not just an artist, she’s a cultural movement wrapped in melody and thunderous drum beats.
From her early years, music has always coursed through Monei’s veins. She discovered her love for performance in primary school as a traditional dancer. The pulsing rhythms of Setswana culture, the energy of live performances, and the beat of traditional drums all laid the foundation for what would become a lifelong passion. It was during her time at senior school, however, that fate nudged her towards the drums, quite literally.
“I fell in love with drumming at senior school through church,” Monei recalls. “One day, our drummer was absent and someone had to step in. I stood up and did the things.” That moment sparked a fire that hasn’t gone out since.
Monei’s musical influences are as rich and rooted as the soil of her homeland. Growing up with a deep appreciation for traditional dance and Setswana music, she gravitated towards artists like Culture Spears and Maxi. “I listened to how they composed their songs. It wasn’t just music, it was storytelling, it was soul,” she says. It’s no surprise then that many of her own lyrics are infused with maele and diane,proverbs and wisdom from Setswana culture.
Balancing singing, dancing, and drumming is no small feat. Most would find it daunting, but for Monei, it’s a calling. “If you love what you do, it’s nothing. I enjoy it most when I’m doing everything at once.” But her drumming isn’t just background percussion, it’s her signature. “When I drum, I approach the music differently. I can mix the song with the drums to make it more unique, unlike just performing the original version on stage.”
And indeed, what sets her apart isn’t just her passion, it’s her rarity. “I’m the only female drummer in Botswana,” she declares proudly. “That alone is unique.” On stage, she transforms. “The energy changes, the movements become more powerful. It’s like I become another person, not the Monei that people know in everyday life.”
But the path hasn’t always been easy. As a female artist in a male-dominated arena, Monei has had to push against more than just societal expectations. “Being a woman in this industry comes with its own challenges. You constantly have to prove yourself. People look down on you,” she explains. Yet her spirit is unbreakable. “I overcome everything by facing it head-on. I don’t give up, I pray, I find solutions.”
That resilience paid off. One of her proudest achievements to date is winning her first BOMU Award in the Best House Kwasa category, a moment that confirmed her rightful place in Botswana’s music industry. But Drumqueen isn’t stopping there.
Her creative process is refreshingly organic. “Most of the time, songs just come to me, maybe because of something happening around me. I record that moment on my phone and later sit down to write.” The result is music that is raw, authentic, and deeply rooted in the Tswana experience.
When asked to define her style in one sentence, she answers with confidence:
“Drumqueen is a unique girl with a vision to take music to another place with her drumming styles.”
Indeed, that vision is beginning to take shape. Though she hasn’t collaborated with other artists yet, she expresses eagerness to work with the likes of Chama Girl, Slizer, Tshapo G, and many others who share her passion for authentic, culture-infused music.
To young girls who may be watching her journey and dreaming of following in her footsteps, Monei has a simple but powerful message:
“Do what your heart wants. Take those sticks and beat those drums. Don’t listen to anyone who tells you otherwise. If Drumqueen can do it, so can you.”
Beyond entertainment, Monei sees her music as a tool for inspiration. “I just hope my music and drumming can inspire more people, especially the young ones. It only takes passion and dedication.”
And what’s next for Drumqueen? Big things. “I’m currently cooking… I’m in the studio,” she teases. “Before August, we’ll be dancing. Be prepared, because this time re tlhapolla mosepele, we’re changing the rhythm!”
For those eager to be part of her journey, her music is already available on all digital platforms, with music videos on YouTube and regular updates on her Facebook page: Drumqueen BW. You can also reach her directly via 77636333 / 74780365.
In a world that often tells women to quiet down, Drumqueen beats louder, and she’s just getting started.