A Coffee Date with Giovanna Barbosa: Getting the Exclusive Scoop on her Music Career
Breezing into a coffee shop in the heart of Rosebank, Giovanna Barbosa arrived in style. With her standard hairstyle, heeled boots and savvy style, she caught the room’s attention.
“Do you want to wait for your coffee before we begin?”
“No, no, I’m ready to just jump right in.”
This is how our chat began, casual and warm. Her energy showcased in the interview transfers into her entire life, and it set the tone for a conversation that would range from childhood memories to international modelling campaigns and upcoming music projects.
Early Life: Born to Move and Never Stop
At 23-years-old, she has been to America, England, Italy, Portugal, Ireland and counting.
“I was born here in South Africa, started studying medicine in America, changed my mind and studied law in the UK, then moved to Ireland.”
From a young age, she was immersed in sport, playing soccer since she was two. “I played for boys’ teams when I was younger because there weren’t many girls’ teams. I also played at school and local clubs. Then I got asked to play for UJ while still in high school, and later, I was scouted to play for Sporting CP in Portugal. After returning to South Africa COVID-19 hit, and I stopped training formally. Nevertheless, I got a scholarship to go overseas to America to play football, then I moved to the UK to play for Coventry City FC.”
“At the time, from two- until twenty-years-old, I thought football would also be my career path,” she reflects. But life had other plans.
From the Football Boots to High Heels
Whilst pursing her football career in the UK, she also pursued law. “Honestly,” she admits, “I think when I watched Suits, I thought, I could be the next Harvey Specter.” It was also because of what football taught her, that she excelled in this field.
“It taught me resilience. It taught me to win. Failure wasn’t a stop; it was always a chance to do better. It instilled discipline and a mindset to always be better.” But throughout the studying, football remained a central part of her life.
In fact, she also believes it was the physical and mental challenges of playing in a male-dominated sport that shaped her determination and competitive edge — qualities that would later, surprisingly, serve her in modelling.
The Leap of Faith into Modelling
“So, why the shift from football?” we asked.
Her modelling journey began unexpectedly in the UK. While participating in a photoshoot for her soccer team, a photographer noticed her photogenic qualities. “He asked if I wanted to do a test shoot, and that’s essentially how it started.”
“Modelling came fast. I saw how quickly a sports career can end, and being young, it was the perfect time to explore this.” Her first major campaign? A fashion powerhouse that, in magazines, is often described as “luxury at its finest.” “It was surreal,” she recalls. “I was in a foreign country, on a yacht, with 27 crew members. I felt like a celebrity overnight.”
Despite never having formal modelling training, she learned on the job, from posing to choreography for campaigns. Modelling, she explains, mirrors football in terms of mental preparation. “Before stepping on the field or in front of a camera, there’s fear. But it’s about being headstrong and resilient.”
Her latest campaign, Miss Unforgettable, blends elegance with her personality, marking a shift toward music.
Miss Unforgettable: A Transition into Music
The name Miss Unforgettable embodies her ethos: “Being unforgettable is about branding yourself as unapologetically you. Fear is temporary, so just take the chance, put yourself out there, and keep going.”
The campaign is also a steppingstone into music. “I’ve been playing guitar since I was younger, and now, we’re moving toward covers and eventually my first EP, probably around November.”
Her music draws inspiration from artists like Tate McRae, Lana Del Rey and Sabrina Carpenter. “I want my authenticity to show through. If you tell your story authentically, the right people will notice. I want my first song to resonate with young girls and be something everyone can relate to emotionally.” She’s working with international producers to formulate her demos but has plans to collaborate with South African artists too, bridging global exposure with local roots.
PS: Her EP is set to release in November, so be the first to hear Giovanna Barbosa’s ballad by signing up to Apple Music here.
Returning Home: South Africa as a Base
Although she has appeared in European magazines, South Africa remains her home. “It’s where I was born, where my people are. I want to bring my international experience back home and showcase authentic South African talent.”
Her advice to young aspirants? “Be persistent. Fear is temporary. Put yourself out there unapologetically.” She emphasises the importance of authenticity and resilience, whether on the field, in front of the camera, or on stage.
Giovanna Barbosa is not just a rising star. She is a declaration and celebration of embracing oneself fully, no matter the challenges or the critics.
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