BIOGRAPHY
AWARD WINNING SINGER SONGWRITER / PRODUCER / LECTURER/ SPEAKER / WORKSHOP LEADER
MUSIC ARTIST AND ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR 2015 – AWE AWARDS Geneva Switzerland
Lionheart is a dynamic force in the world of music and cultural advocacy, seamlessly blending her African heritage with a global perspective. Born and raised in the Kalahari Desert of Botswana, Lorraine's roots are deeply intertwined with the rich traditions of her homeland. Her journey from this vibrant cultural landscape to her current base in London, UK, has been marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence in both academia and the performing arts.
Lorraine is not only an acclaimed music artist but also a scholar of the highest caliber. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Technology and Management and a Master of Arts degree in Music Production. She is currently completing her PhD in Ethnomusicology at the prestigious University of London. This academic journey has equipped her with a profound understanding of African musical traditions and a scholarly dedication to preserving them. Her research uniquely combines music studies with audiovisual documentation, capturing the essence of cultural practices across Africa. Lorraine’s doctoral work positions her as a leading authority in the field, and her forthcoming project, "55 Shades of Africa," promises to be a groundbreaking exploration of the continent's diverse musical heritage.
Her academic achievements are complemented by an impressive career as a performer and cultural ambassador. Lorraine's distinctive voice and contemporary afrocentric branding set her apart in the music industry. She sings in over 15 African languages, showcasing a versatility that resonates with audiences worldwide. Her performances are celebrated for their exceptional stage presence, charisma, and ability to engage and captivate diverse crowds. Whether at high-profile corporate events, diplomatic gatherings, festivals, or cultural celebrations, Lorraine's dynamic energy and deep-rooted passion for African culture shine through.
Lorraine's global exposure is extensive, with performances in numerous countries across different continents. Her experience includes high-profile engagements with esteemed organizations like the British Royal Family and the Commonwealth, underscoring her capacity to operate at the highest levels of professionalism and diplomacy. Her role as one of the top ambassadors for Botswana and a leading African artist in the UK further highlights her influence and recognition on the international stage.
Beyond her artistic talents, Lorraine is a powerful advocate for African culture and unity. Her work often emphasizes the importance of cultural pride and self-recognition, aiming to foster a deeper appreciation for African traditions and music. As the CEO of DLH Investment and Development Ltd., she is also involved in promoting non-predatory investments in Africa, aligning her artistic endeavors with broader socio-economic objectives.
Her impressive online following reflects her widespread appeal and the impact of her work. She uses her platform to not only entertain but also educate and inspire her audience, making her a beloved figure among fans and a respected voice in the cultural discourse. Her multifaceted expertise spans technical work, marketing, public relations, and the creative industry, enabling her to manage her projects with proficiency and insight.
Her personal story is as compelling as her professional journey. As a grounded mother, Lorraine embodies humility and integrity, traits that endear her to everyone she meets. Her genuine love for Africa and commitment to its development and prosperity are evident in all her endeavors. She is more than an artist; she is a cultural custodian, a rising leader in African unity, and a passionate advocate for the continent's rich heritage.
In Lorraine Lionheart, we find an artist and academic who seamlessly bridges the gap between tradition and modernity. Her unique blend of scholarly insight, artistic brilliance, and heartfelt passion makes her an ideal candidate for live performance bookings across the globe. Whether you seek a captivating performer for a cultural festival, a knowledgeable speaker for an academic event, or a charismatic presence for a corporate gathering, Lorraine's multifaceted talents and deep cultural knowledge promise to deliver an unforgettable experience. Her work not only celebrates Africa's musical diversity but also promotes a message of unity and cultural appreciation, making her an invaluable ambassador of African culture on the global stage.
PERFORMANCE
Since 2012, Lorraine Lionheart has established herself as one of the UK’s leading African and world music singers, captivating audiences with her unique and uplifting blend of African rhythms and soul. As a professional singer-songwriter, producer, recording artist, and performer, Lorraine has released four studio albums and numerous singles, earning global recognition and a dedicated following of world music enthusiasts. Her music, often featured on prestigious platforms like BBC Radio, resonates across the globe, making her a rising name on the international world music scene.
Lorraine’s versatility as a performer shines through her ability to adapt her performances to suit any occasion, from dynamic festival crowds to refined corporate and diplomatic events. Her repertoire includes a rich selection of world music with ethnic African origins, alongside unique renditions of popular favorites. Whether delivering an energetic full-band performance with her six-piece ensemble or an intimate, stripped-back acoustic set, Lorraine’s music creates the perfect atmosphere for any event. Her ability to infuse any gathering with the right amount of energy or provide subtle background music makes her an ideal choice for clients seeking to leave a lasting impression.
Her exceptional standards of professionalism and artistry have made Lorraine a sought-after entertainer for high-profile events. Her client list includes esteemed organizations such as ExportaGroup, the South African Chamber of Commerce UK, the Botswana High Commission, Global Expo, Botswana Investment and Trade Centre, and The Commonwealth Resounds. Lorraine has performed extensively at music festivals across Europe and has graced the stage at prestigious events, including the 2nd Annual African Capital Market Conference & EMEA Finance African Banking Awards in London.
In 2018, Lorraine had the distinct honor of representing African music on some of the world’s most prestigious platforms. She headlined events during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in London, where she performed for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry, and Meghan, at a special event marking their appointment as Commonwealth Youth Ambassadors. Lorraine’s commitment to musical excellence was further recognized when she was commissioned to produce a song and video commemorating the Late Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee in 2022. She represented Botswana at the Coronation concert of His Majesty King Charles in 2023.
Her journey as an international performer has taken her to diverse corners of the globe, including countries such as Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, South Africa, Nigeria, Botswana, and Hong Kong. Notably, Lorraine achieved one of her lifelong goals by performing at Fela Kuti's The Shrine in Lagos, Nigeria, where she co-headlined the iconic Felabration festival in 2017, 2018, and 2019. This experience, among many others, underscores her deep connection to African music and culture and her ability to engage audiences worldwide.
Lorraine’s performances are not limited to her original compositions; she also delivers unique interpretations of songs by artists who inspire her, demonstrating her versatility and deep musical knowledge. Whether collaborating with fellow artists or leading her band, Lorraine is known for her teamwork, professionalism, and ability to elevate any performance to an exceptional standard.
As a cultural ambassador for Botswana and a prominent figure in the UK’s African music scene, Lorraine Lionheart continues to inspire and entertain with her extraordinary talent and dedication to her craft. Her music, rich with the sounds and stories of Africa, offers a unique and memorable experience that resonates with audiences globally, making her a top choice for those seeking to add a distinctive touch to their events. Whether performing for royalty, representing her country on international stages, or collaborating with global artists, Lorraine’s passion for music and culture shines through in every note, making her an artist to remember.
Discography
Lorraine Lionheart currently has 5 independently released studio albums and several singles under her name
DOCTORAL RESEARCHER, SPEAKER, WORKSHOP LEADER, LECTURER
Lorraine Lionheart is currently pursuing a PhD in Ethnomusicology at the University of London, driven by a profound passion for cultural exploration. Her research focuses on the intricate interplay of music, culture, and politics among the indigenous communities of Southern Africa. A notable highlight of her academic journey was her participation as a panelist at the esteemed Moshito Music Conference in Johannesburg, South Africa, where she engaged in discussions on indigenous sound and its global socioeconomic significance.
From 2012 to 2015, Lorraine served as a specialist workshop leader in San music, conducting enriching African music sessions for schoolchildren across the UK. During this time, she not only facilitated these workshops but also managed the overall business operations, ensuring full compliance with legal requirements.
In September 2019, Lorraine took advantage of a valuable work experience opportunity at Staffordshire University, where she had the privilege of teaching the BA Music Business module titled "Revolutions in Music." Additionally, she founded Amacah, a company dedicated to delivering expert lectures on African music and organizing corporate team-building workshops with a strong emphasis on fostering African cultural exchange.
As an independent artist, Lorraine Lionheart seamlessly manages all aspects of her music career with precision and passion. Serving as her own artist manager, she handles a broad spectrum of responsibilities, including negotiating deals, securing bookings, driving marketing initiatives, managing public relations, shaping her brand identity, and overseeing the creative direction of her projects. In addition, Lorraine takes charge of administrative tasks and manages accounting matters, ensuring the smooth operation of her business affairs.
Through her diligent efforts, Lorraine has cultivated significant brand awareness and established a robust digital presence. Her verified Facebook page boasts over 900,000 followers, her Instagram account has reached 960,000 followers, and her presence on X (formerly Twitter) continues to grow, with 27,000 followers. Lorraine’s strategic engagement with her audience has been instrumental in expanding her fan base across various digital platforms. Her endeavors have garnered extensive media exposure, including appearances on numerous TV and radio shows, interviews in newspapers, and features in magazines. Notably, she has graced magazine covers and had the honor of being featured on billboards in New York’s Times Square.
Drawing upon her expertise as a qualified sound engineer and studio technician, Lorraine handles the recording and production process for most of her music. She also extends these skills to recording for other artists, crafting music videos, and creating content that complements her artistic vision. Expanding her creative horizons, Lorraine is currently delving into film production as part of her PhD research output, further enriching her multifaceted artistic journey.
Music Producer , Artist manager , Social Enterprenuer
As the founder and CEO of DLH Investment and Development LTD, Lorraine leads an organization dedicated to facilitating global project financing as a trusted intermediary. Before venturing into the realms of music and academia, she cultivated her entrepreneurial spirit as a social entrepreneur. She established and managed a fitness, leisure, and recreation center in the UK, operating as a not-for-profit community interest company. The center offered a comprehensive array of facilities, including a gym, martial arts school, children’s soft play area, party amenities, dance studio, café, sports massage therapy, and beauty salon. Lorraine’s role encompassed overseeing the overall management and day-to-day operations of the company.
In addition to her entrepreneurial endeavors, Lorraine has ventured into property management as a private landlord, overseeing multiple residential properties and contributing to social housing initiatives in the UK. Currently, she is actively involved in diversifying her business portfolio by building multiple SMEs and expanding personal investments across various sectors. Her interests span fashion retail, food production, education, entertainment, and tourism, reflecting her commitment to dynamic and impactful ventures. Moreover, Lorraine maintains affiliations with several NGOs worldwide, aligning her efforts with organizations dedicated to social causes and community development.
Lorraine has a massive vision for her music and takes it very seriously. She is hands on artist and is determined to win you over with her talent, her authenticity , sincerity and sheer African beauty.