Her roots run deep in Sri Lanka

Yes, for UK-based presenter and artiste Samantha Kay, home is where the heart – and the roots – are. And her roots run deep in Sri Lanka. In an exclusive interview with The Island, Samantha says “I’m proud to be Sri Lankan. My mum is from Kandy and my dad is from Colombo, so Sri Lanka has always held a very special place in my heart. “Whenever I visit Sri Lanka, I love spending time on the beautiful south coast, especially Hikkaduwa and Mirissa. It’s somewhere I always feel connected to my roots and completely at peace.” Now living in Bournemouth, on the south coast of England, where, she says, she is lucky to be close to some of the UK’s most beautiful beaches, including the iconic Sandbanks, Samantha has built a career that refuses to fit into one box. She is a radio presenter, podcast host, singer-songwriter, personal trainer and life coach. “I genuinely love the variety because every role allows me to connect with people and, hopefully, make a positive difference in someone’s day.” Of course, music has taken her far. One of her proudest achievements, she says, was releasing a song with 90s music icon Angie Brown, which reached No. 9 in the UK Club Charts. She also reached the final stages of The X Factor and performed at Wembley Stadium in front of thousands. Beyond music, Samantha competed in bikini bodybuilding across the UK, winning several titles. “It taught me discipline, resilience and self-belief,” she recalls. Today, her focus is on radio, podcasting and coaching women. Her podcast encourages people to live life on their own terms rather than feeling pressured to follow society’s expectations. Says Samantha: “Whether someone is single, changing careers, travelling solo or simply trying to find their purpose, I want them to know that it’s never too late to create a life that feels authentic. If you’ve ever felt like you don’t fit into the box, maybe you were never meant to.” Samantha Kay also spent a year in Dubai, performing at five-star hotels, including FIVE, and coaching at the iconic outdoor gym on Palm Jumeirah. “I taught strength and conditioning classes, and hosted wellness retreats, combining my passion for music, health and inspiring others.” However, with family matters calling her back to the UK, she made the choice to return. “Family comes first,” she says. Looking ahead, Samantha plans to grow her radio and podcast work, release more music, and expand her wellness retreats. “My biggest passion is helping people, especially women, build confidence and believe in themselves,” she says. “Wherever my career takes me, I hope to continue inspiring others to live with courage, kindness and authenticity, while never forgetting my Sri Lankan roots.”