Born in the Eastern Cape, Smama is a qualified medical doctor with an MBChB degree from the University of Cape Town, though music has always been his first love. It was at UCT when he first entertained the idea of writing songs and later followed by releasing his first gospel project titled “Ndiphelele” in 2012.

Prior to releasing his album, in 2009 Smama had written the song “Ndicel’impilo” for gospel star Lundi Tyamara. This was followed by two additional songs titled “Ndim Lo Nkosi” and “Ngemini ezinje”.

That year the song “Ndicel’impilo” which he had written for Lundi was nominated at The Crown Gospel Music awards for the Best Traditional Gospel song.