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Samantha Barrel Bethel, the official dancer for Ugandan songstress Cindy Sanyu, leads a dynamic life, balancing her passion for dance with her ambition to become a lawyer.
Having been with Cindy since 2017, Samantha describes her journey with the star as one filled with invaluable experiences and connections.
“One of the greatest achievements I have attained working with her has been social capital. I have met so many important people,” she shared in a recent interview with Tawfiq Media.
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While working closely with Cindy, Samantha has also managed to carve out a path in law.
She is currently pursuing a law degree, and much of this she says has been because of the connections she made through Cindy.
“These are people from other professions who I would not have met if it weren't for her,” she explained.
Despite the challenges, Samantha is determined to finish her law studies and will graduate next year in November.
She says she has managed to pay her tuition through her earnings from dance and other gigs.
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Read: Cindy, Lillian on why they didn’t help Jackie during the addiction episode
Challenges and Growth with Cindy Sanyu
The road to success, however, has not always been smooth for Samantha.
She candidly shared some of the difficulties she has faced while working with Cindy, admitting there were moments when she thought her career with the star might come to an end.
"There was a time when I thought she was going to fire me. It came close to that," she recalled. But despite these tough moments, their bond has remained strong.
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Samantha praised Cindy's openness and straightforwardness, saying, “Cindy is open. She speaks point blank. She will tell you where she thinks you are going wrong.”
She also described Cindy's perfectionism, particularly on stage.
“She doesn’t tolerate any imperfections. There was a time I made a mistake, and she left on stage. But usually, she calms down once you apologise,” Samantha explained.
Balancing Dance, Law, and a 9-5 JobWhen Cindy’s schedule allows, Samantha is free to pursue her other passions.
“We work with her full time when she is busy, but if she has no events, we are free to do whatever we want,” Samantha explained.
For her, this freedom means balancing her dance career with her day job as a business development manager and her studies in law school.
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"I know that I am not going to be in music all my life,” she said.
Despite the challenges of juggling multiple roles, Samantha remains focused on her goals, determined to succeed in both her creative and academic pursuits.