Community Impact

Manasseh Samone Raises Her Voice On The National Stage

Community Center Alumna, Manasseh Samone, knows all about second chances and she’s back home ready to conquer the next chapter of her career.

Manasseh, a Cedar Hill High School graduate, had hopes of making it to the WNBA. Her great aunt is St. Philip’s coaching legend, Robert Green. She played basketball as a young girl and Coach Green would often attend her basketball games. Eventually Coach recruited her to participate in the Community Center’s basketball program and from there she played for many years traveling to various cities in the south and even winning championships through the St. Philip’s league.

She continued to play in high school, but an injury and doctor’s orders closed that chapter in her life. Thankfully, music, particularly gospel music, has always been a part of her life and with her one-of-akind talent, Manasseh decided to pursue music.

Now, she can call herself a history maker! Manasseh performed and participated in season 22 and 23 of NBC’s “The Voice” but not without some challenges to overcome in the beginning. She initially auditioned in 2018 for the popular singing reality competition t.v. series but did not make it very far.

Determined to pursue her dreams, she tried out again in 2021. She was invited back for Season 22 but did not get a chair turn.

Unwilling to give up, she returned again for Season 23 during which she became a member of Team Chance and made NBC “The Voice” History by being the first “Playoff Pass” ever.

She shared that she got an amazing opportunity to work with Chance The Rapper while on the show. “It was an amazing experience,” she shares. “I got eliminated during the playoffs but I’m still pursuing my music career, entrepreneurship, and my very own music.”

Manesseh has no plans on stopping anytime soon. “I am going to continue making a name for myself and doing what I love.” She’s been connecting with brands and doing a lot of social media collaborations as she explores what is next for her. “I want to continue touching the world with my voice.”

Prior to “The Voice” she was a music major at Richland College. Being a self-taught vocalist, she by no means takes her gift for granted. She has studied opera and music theory, and learned melodic scales to really understand music and hone her skills. “Not only do you have to believe in yourself, but you have to invest in your craft,” she explains.

Her fond memories from playing basketball at St. Philip’s still resonate with her today. As someone with a unique talent, she explains how St. Philip’s poured into her life. “You have to be humble, you have to be a student, you have to practice. Practicing comes with humility,” she says. “When I was a part of the team, there was always something to work on and room for improvement. I’ve grown with that. You may be good but you could be better.”

Manesseh’s ultimate goal is to become a mainstream artist and vocalist and to inspire women, specifically Black women. “As Black women, we have to do the most to get the credit we deserve,” she says. “You can create your own lane and your own journey.”

Samone’s story thus far has been an inspiring reflection of this thinking. “I want to inspire people with my life and be an inspiration for others to never give up. I’m super grateful.”