At the age of 17 Mumba released her debut album, "Gotta Tell You", in late 2000. The album reached the top ten in both Ireland and the UK, and number 67 on the "Billboard" 200. Following the success of "Gotta Tell You", she was chosen to play Mara in "The Time Machine". Directed by Simon Wells, H.G.Wells' great-grandson, Samantha co-starred with Guy Pearce and her real-life brother, Omero. At the Teen Choice Awards in 2001 and 2002, she was nominated for Choice Music: Best Breakout Artist and Choice Movie: Best Breakout Artist for the film "The Time Machine", respectively.