Monika Samtani

Monika is an Independent Producer and Talent Manager/A&R. She began her career as a radio DJ in England in the 80s and became the first South Asian TV news anchor for CBS Washington, DC in the 90s. Monika founded the South Asian House initiative as a hub to connect and elevate diverse creatives at festivals and is the producer of the South Asian Music Showcase at SXSW in Austin and London. She has a deep passion for discovering and championing untapped talent, and also uses her background to support the growth and success of artists with media coaching.

As Founder of Ms. Media, she has produced documentaries highlighting girls’ education in underserved communities, and "Power of Priya," India’s first female animated superhero named UN Women's 'gender equality champion', and “the Brown girl superhero the world needs right now” by The Washington Post.

Monika has been a cover feature for her work, and is a SXSW and TEDx speaker. She will be hosting the South Asian Music Showcase at SXSW 2025, and moderating a South Asian Music panel with industry leaders.