For what seems like a lifetime Thomas Chauke na Shinyori Sisters have been in the forefront of Shangaan/Tsonga music. Thomas Chauke was born in 1952 in Salema village, Limpopo Province in South Africa. In a career spanning over 30 years, Thomas Chauke has released over 26 albums under his flagship: Shimatsatsa meaning 'a beautiful woman'. Annually, Thomas Chauke has released a new album which every time went on to reach Gold, Platinum or Double Platinum status. 2005 saw the release of Shimatsatsa No. 25: Xidudla Kedibone, 25th album on his Shimatsatsa series.
Thomas Chauke has been a pioneer in Tsonga music. He is arguably the first Tsonga musician to spread positive message through his music. He can be described as a genius on his trade. His music has touched on day-to-day issues that affect people. His ingenuity can be seen at how his uses figures of speech to spread a positive message to the community. One of the key songs that he wrote is called Vakombi ndlela 'show them the way'. Here Chauke talks about a dream he had about a lot of wealth in his grandfather's grave. His grandparents told him to send his children to go dig for this wealth. However, on top on this grave there is now a school. In the song he says that instead of using picks and shovels to dig they need to use pens and books, indicating that education is a key to wealth.
Over the years the name Thomas Chauke has been synonymous with Shangaan/Tsonga music. South African Music Awards (SAMA), the South African equivalent of the Grammy or the Brit Awards, were introduced 12 years and Chauke has since won 9 of the 12 awards for the Best Tsonga Music indicating his dominance in this category.
Despite his popularity in South Africa and neighbouring states such as Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, Uganda and others, it is unfortunate that Chauke has so far failed to reach out to audiences outside the African continent. Music is a universal language, so they say and it is clear that Chauke's music can transcend racial and language barriers.
So, would you please join me in saluting one of South Africa's greatest indigenous music artists. Hopefully, through these 4 tracks you will be able to get a feel of what he has achieved over a career spanning over 30 years. Thomas Chauke's 25 CDs and two recently released Best of Thomas Chauke Vol1 and 2 DVDs are available to purchase online from the following South African Music Stores: Musica at www.musica.co.za and Look and Listen at www.lookandlisten.co.za.
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