Danielle Swagger is a Motswana rapper, model and entrepreneur based in Reunion Island, France. Five years ago, she met a French Music Consultant who did not only sweep her off her feet, but also persuaded her to move her life and music halfway across the world.
The creative who hails from Tonota is now making remarkable strides in the international music and modelling market.
Read on to learn more about her journey.
Who is Danielle Swagger?
My real name is Boitumelo Ben, a 29- year- old rapper, entrepreneur and model from Tonota.
I grew up in Gaborone, but I am currently based in France.
How did you end up halfway across the world?
In 2016 I met my boyfriend Christophe Gurand who happened to be a Digital Distribution Consultant.
He helped me release my first single “Sheba Gusheshe” and then introduced me to a French producer named Fabio Marouvin for another single titled “I got it”.
Christophe was convinced that my brand and sound would resonate well with international markets so in 2018 we made the big move to France and released my first album “Are you ready” in 2021.
It’s been five years now, how are you adapting?
I’m learning a lot and my French is almost fluent right now.
My fans are also learning Setswana through my music so the cultural exchange is going well.
The cultural differences can be overwhelming though, but I’m getting a hang of it.
How did you get into music?
My older brother JT SpecialBoy is a music producer and artist so he introduced me to the world of music.
My first time behind a mic was in 2011, I was under DWI records at that time, but later decided to become an independent artist.
What genre is your music?
I do hip hop/rap with a mix of Drill/Trap/Afro-Soul/Reggae.
Seeing that you’ve done a bit of Motswako as well, how was it breaking into that genre as a female artist?
Whether you’re a woman in Motswako or Hip-Hop, people tend to overlook you.
That is until you start delivering hard hitting bars and proving yourself, then they’ll take you seriously.
It’s difficult at first but gets easier after you demonstrate your skill.
Some of your songs are in Setswana, how has the French market responded to those?
When I arrived in France, I only performed English songs and after building a fan base, I brought in the Tswana element, mixed it with a bit of French and the people loved it.
It’s a different sound to what they are used to and they seem to like it.
Any other means of generating income besides music?
When I am not in the studio or booked to perform, I do a bit of modelling.
How is the modelling career going so far?
It’s going really well, so far I’ve worked with a local brand here in France called Pardon, appeared in a number of magazines and have been a brand ambassador for some South African brands which are promoting here.
What have you observed from the European modelling industry in terms of inclusivity of people of colour?
There is a lot of improvement in the beauty industry, we’re seeing more and more women of colour being on different ads and it gives us hope.
Favorite Tswana dish?
Pap, Morogo wa Setswana and Mogodu.
Any plans of coming back home?
We have something planned at the end of the year with the French Alliance and BIMC.
I might even put together a show then.
Which is more sustainable for you, music or modelling?
Music is more sustainable for me.
What or who inspires your unique look?
I’m just a fashion geek.
I happen to be good at throwing on different items of clothing for a creative look.
Sometimes my man is the Creative Director.
Any projects you are currently working on?
My brand new single titled “Wipe em out” is actually dropping today so my fans or anyone curious about my music can check it out.
Five things people don’t know about you?
1.I love to dance
2.I laugh and crack jokes a lot
3.I am a mom to a 6- year -old
4. I am an athlete
5.I would like to pursue acting someday.
Very nice ! We are proud ! She’s doing an excellent work i don’t understand why we not hear her musics on our local radio !?