I GOTTA tell you something - my mate Samantha Mumba's new album is just
incredible.
Samantha sent me a copy a couple of weeks ago when she first got it and by
now I know all the songs off by heart.
When we were both members of the Billie Barry school of stage and dance as
kids, we never knew our dreams would take us so far.
I now have an amazing life with Westlife and Samantha has gone on a solo run
with amazing results.
She has even overtaken our achievements in the American charts - her single,
Gotta Tell You, is currently at number nine there.
All of that - and still only 17! It's all happening really fast for her and
she's now on course to become one of the world's biggest female stars. She
even turned down a part in Will Smith's new movie about the legendary boxer,
Muhammad Ali. Can you believe that! It just shows how busy she is right now.
Exhausted
When Samantha left school last year she knew she had a record deal to look
forward to. She packed in her studies because she'd been so busy performing
on stages and in studios for the previous six months that she would get into
school in the mornings exhausted and think to herself, "I don't have a clue
what's going on in this class."
Because she was always good at school subjects and didn't like to do things
by halves, Samantha made a decision that she would concentrate on making
music while she had the opportunity.
If it didn't work out she could always return to her studies and do
something else.
But judging by the songs on her new album, which is also called Gotta Tell
You and went into the record stores this weekend, things are certainly not
going to slow down for Samantha in the pop world.
Her songs, which she co-writes, are a brilliant poppy R&B numbers that
easily match the likes of TLC, Brandy and even Britney Spears.
From Gotta Tell You and Body II Body to other top tunes like Baby Come On
Over, Feelin Is Right, Believe In Me and Never Meant To Be, this is an album
you just can't switch off.
I've been playing it for the other Wesflife lads over and over and over
again. And they love it too.
OUR own album is on the way and this week we have an open invitation to
Westlife fans to come out and meet us at Dublin's Blanchardstown Shopping
Centre where we'll be making an appearance at the Virgin record store next
Friday.
Win Her Debut Album
TODAY the Sunday World is giving Samantha Mumba fans the chance to win a
copy of her debut album, Gotta Tell You.
It features 15 songs: Gotta Tell You, Body Body, Baby Come On Over, Isn't It
Strange, Lately, What's It Gonna Be, Always Come Back To Your Love, Lose You
Again, Feelin Is Right, Never Meant To Be, Believe In Me, Til The Night
Becomes The Day, Stand By Your Side, Gotta Tell You (Teddy Riley Remix) and
Signed Sealed Delivered.
To be in with a chance of winning, all you have to do is phone 1550123 and
answer three simple questions.
Winners will be chosen at random by computer, Calls cost 58p per min (inc
VAT).
An ITOUCH service, 3050 Lake Drive, City West Digital Park, Co Dublin.