Chairo releases a new spirit-revival album

Local artist Chairo’s new gospel album seems to be making heavy waves as the second-most-streamed album on the Deezer music app. The album was first launched on SABC 1’s prime time series Msanzi for Sho on 24 December 2021.

Takalani Chairo Ndou is a solo gospel minister and life coach from Tshavhalovhedzi village. Her new album, titled The Secret Place, comprises 15 tracks, including the songs Ahuna, Umusa, and Izibongo. Ahuna has generated more than 10,000 views on YouTube in less than a week after its release.

“The name of the album is derived from Psalm 91:1, which says ‘He that dwells in the secret place of the most-high God shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty’. The songs on the album were written from a secret place. They are a reflection of my secret place with God,” Chairo explained.

Chairo began her musical journey at the tender age of 10. Her passion for gospel music was inspired by the songs she heard playing on the radio and sang in church. “I grew up as a very active and outspoken girl who loved sport and music, but my love for music stood out,” she said.

She made an appearance on TV shows such as Gospel Classics, Gospel Time, Destiny, and Trace Gospel. She has also served as backing vocalist for award-winning artists such as Takie Psalmist Ndou, Rofhiwa Manyaga, Tebs David, and Dr Tumi, to name but a few.

“I have worked with many musicians, and they have contributed a lot to my style, my delivery and my general understanding of the music industry. I believe I have a good ear, which was developed in my days as a backing vocalist. I love people; this is the basis I approach everything with. It makes me take my music ministry seriously,” she said.

Chairo became especially popular after the release of her debut single, Push (Pray until something happens) in 2018. The song hit the number one spot on Hot Tracks, iTunes and Google Play on the day it was released, and remained number one for almost three weeks.

Apart from being a musician, Chairo also started a non-profit organization, called Women On The Move International (WOMI), in 2015. Her mission is to help young women realise their dreams, pursue them and live purposeful lives. She is a role model for many young people. “I initiate campaigns for young women from disadvantaged homes and villages, and also organise motivational seminars and career days for young women,” she said.

Chairo can be followed on social media and her music is available on most online platforms, such as Deezer, iTunes and YouTube.

Entertainment - Date: 19 March 2022

Thembi Siaga

Thembi Siaga started as an intern during 2021. He assisted with video photography and editing. He also produced numerous small documentaries, focusing on the Vhembe region and its people. Currently he works as a freelance journalist, covering stories in the Elim area.

Thembi studied at the Tshwane University of Technology, where he completed his diploma in Journalism in 2021.

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