In 1998, she was cast as the lead in The Hot Mikado, a jazzy production based on Gilbert and Sullivan's opera. She also appeared in several Irish television shows, using the opportunity to be recognised as a singer.
At the age of 15, Mumba was discovered in a night club by Irish svengali Louis Walsh (manager of Boyzone and Westlife). Walsh was impressed by her talent and she was signed to Polydor Records, subsequently spending several months moving between Denmark, Sweden, England and Ireland, where she co-wrote and recorded her debut album, Gotta Tell You. She eventually dropped out of school to focus on her music career, citing that it was becoming a difficult task for her to stay in school and work on her music.
Mumba's first hit, Gotta Tell You, was released in 2000 and shot to the #1 spot on three Irish charts, later reaching #2 on the United Kingdom charts. She also scored American success with her debut single, peaking at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album stayed on the charts for a staggering 6 months and eventually certified Platinum for shipments of 1 million copies. Five more Top 10 hits followed in the UK and another top 50 hit in the US, leading some to call her the "black Britney Spears" of pop music, although she has rejected this title. To date, her album has sold over 4 million copies world-wide. Mumba was nominated for a 2002 Grammy award for her song Baby, Come Over (This is our night) in the 'best remixed recording, non-classical' category, but did not win.
In 2002, Mumba prepared to release her follow-up album, entitled Woman, but with the poor sales of the lead single, "I'm Right Here," in both the US and UK, she was dropped from her label and the album was cancelled.
In 2012, she married Charles Porter.
In 2006, she collaborated with Filipino artist Jay-R on a new song, "Just The Way You Are", which will be featured on his upcoming album, scheduled to be released later in the year. It was stated in an article in PC World magazine that Samantha is working on her follow up album with a new label. In October 2008, three new songs "Candyland", "Turn The Beat Up" and "Bad Boy" were posted on her MySpace and YouTube profiles. In a January 2009, Mumba suggested a new would be released in 2010. She also resumed her career as an actress. She will star in the Irish Horror film "Loftus Hall" due for release in October 2010.
What's It Gonna Be
Samantha Mumba Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No need to hide
'Cause baby I'm not gonna fight
No no
Just me and you that's running hard
I want to know what you're all about
Baby baby baby
'Cause I'll show you
You show me
Oh baby oh baby
Could you be my destiny
'Cause I'll show you
You show me
You saw me baby
So if I walk up to ya now baby
Face to face
Eye to eye
Would you turn your back on me?
Or would you stay? (would you stay?)
Or walk away?
What's it gonna be?
'Cause I'll show you (I saw you)
You show me
Oh baby oh baby (oh baby baby)
Could you be my destiny
'Cause I'll show you (I saw you)
You show me
You saw me baby
You saw me baby
What's it gonna be?
'Cause I'll saw you (I saw you)
You show me
Oh baby oh baby (oh baby baby)
Could you be my destiny?
'Cause I'll show you
You show me
It's all in baby
What's it gonna be?
'Cause I'll saw you (I saw you)
You show me
Oh baby oh baby (oh baby)
Could you be my destiny? (my destiny)
'Cause I'll show you
You show me
It's all in baby
The lyrics of Samantha Mumba's "What's It Gonna Be" is about seizing the chance to pursue a potential romance, with the singer being honest with her feelings and asking for the other's intentions in return. The song is driven by the emotions behind the chorus, where Mumba asks repeatedly "What's it gonna be?," searching for an answer about the possible outcome of the relationship. The verse "You know there is no need to run, no need to hide, 'cause baby I'm not gonna fight, no no, just me and you that's running hard" suggests that the singer is willing to be open and vulnerable, asking the other to do the same. The chorus "Could you be my destiny, 'cause I'll show you, you show me" suggests that the singer sees a lot of potential in the relationship and is optimistic about it turning into something meaningful. The bridge "So if I walked up to you now baby, face to face, eye to eye, would you turn your back on me, or would you stay, or walk away?" shows that the singer is nervous about how the other will react to her confession, but is willing to take the risk and face whatever happens.
In conclusion, "What's It Gonna Be" is a sweet and honest song about taking a chance on a potential romance and being willing to be vulnerable with one's feelings. The chorus, in particular, is catchy and memorable, with Mumba's repeating of the question "What's it gonna be?" providing an emotional hook that draws listeners in.
Line by Line Meaning
You know there is no need to run,
You don't have to avoid me.
No need to hide
Don't have to conceal or ignore your feelings.
'Cause baby I'm not gonna fight
I don't want to argue or be opposed.
Just me and you that's running hard
Let's figure this out together.
I want to know what you're all about
I'm curious about you and what you stand for.
What's it gonna be?
What decision will you make?
'Cause I'll show you
I'm willing to demonstrate.
You show me
Show me your truth.
Oh baby oh baby
I'm pleading with you.
Could you be my destiny
Are you meant to be my life partner?
So if I walk up to ya now baby
If I come to you right now.
Face to face
Confronting you directly.
Eye to eye
Looking at each other without pretense.
Would you turn your back on me?
Will you reject me?
Or would you stay? (would you stay?)
Will you stick around?
Or walk away?
Or leave?
You saw me baby
You noticed me.
'Cause I'll saw you (I saw you)
I considered you closely.
It's all in baby
It's up to you.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: SAMANTHA MUMBA, ANDERS SVEN BAGGE, ARNTHOR BIRGISSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind