MISS VOVOS: SACRIFICE FOR MUSIC

Miss Vovos, known on stage as CheiStar, is a Swati Greek goddess. She grew up in between Manzini and Ezulwini. She has always been an over-achiever and maintained top of her class, won many national and international competitions from science fair, debating, drama and music.

She graduated from the University of Eswatini With a double major Degree in Accounting and Finance in 2016 and is still furthering her studies in Finance and Childhood Development as she has a passion for working with the youth.

 She says Music chose her. She gave up her professional life and chose music.
 GCWALA catches up with the talented Vovos who takes us into her world, where music rules.

Before music, what was your life like?

Before I actively started pursuing music I was working at the Eswatini Stock Exchange as an ATS and CSD Officer but music has always been a part of me. I was an MC for many different events for over eight years and hence, my passion for entertainment was always being nurtured. I loved working in the finance space and I will always love it because finance I believe is the new colonialism if you are unaware of just how it impacts each and every one of us. One of the things I loved was the opportunity to do roadshows around the country educating emaSwati on the financial services the exchange provides.

The choice of committing to music, how did it come about?

I will say this, music chose me. Initially when I relocated to South Africa I was still within my field of study and working with young people. I have been teacher Chei for nine years, Tutoring even while I was studying but it took one random day for a friend to ask me why I was afraid to do what God blessed me to do and I decided to stop running and just do it! When I put my mind to something I work hard and accept nothing but the top. I had nothing to lose and truth is the stage is my favourite place in the whole world so a year later I’m here and I’m grateful I took the risk and followed my purpose.

How can you describe your growth in music?

My growth I would say has been exponential, I have learnt so much in one year. The Music industry is hard just like any other industry and I respect everyone who is getting the bag and is still sane, that takes God. I am proudly part of an entertainment movement called Le Musique Agency with my bestie, John Talhas, and successfully hosting four events in one year. Music is life and we aim to connect cultures all over Africa and undoubtedly the world over. I am also a cofounder of the newest, hottest independent artists label called Sublime Records, giving upcoming artists the platform to release music professionally and guide and teach each other industry hacks while promoting each other.

What does January mean to you?

January is my birthday month so I reflect from the 31st right up to the 20th of January. I believe that every new day is a blessing with new opportunities to be even greater than you were yesterday January you should plan, set goals and start grinding strong! I’m a game changer and that requires you to see every day as if it were your last.

How can you define goal-setting?

It is important to set goals based on a dream so step one is to have a dream that scares you or seems impossible to achieve, then based on your dreams you set daily goals, weekly goals, monthly and yearly. The way to achieve your goals is to keep your circle tight and like-minded so those you love and trust can hold you accountable, be consistent; when you want to quit take time to appreciate how far you have come, when you fail get back up again and most importantly trust God, you are nothing without him.

What are your plans for this year?

20plenty is a year of harvest so I have a lot up my sleeve. Le Musique is set to host amazing events which will be even bigger and better than last year. I will be releasing my second single end of January which will be a part of my EP set to be released around the end of the first quarter of the year. I honestly see myself touring southern Africa and who knows what God’s plans are, they are always greater. There is much more but they just going to have to follow me on instagram @cheistar_official to keep up to date with the latest because you want to be the first with the scoop!  My goal this year is to work harder than the last and to be on even bigger stages than I was last year! To take my country to the world and inspire others through music.

What is you recent project?

My first single called ‘Stay’ feat Cassasoul was released 20th November so I’ve been pushing that song and performing with the biggest audience being about 6-7 thousand people to date. I have also been pushing the glow Saturday events and connecting cultures between Eswatini, Mozambique and South Africa. I am currently working on a school tour which will run from the first term, to work with young people and give them hope using music to give life and inspire them to want to be better than their background and encourage them to be who they dream of being. My EP is also about Africa, by Africa, for Africa, in Africa so it will be a truly African experience but that’s all I will divulge for now LOL.

How has the industry changed your life?

In all honesty it continues to change my life, it has humbled me, reassured my faith, taught me forgiveness, perseverance and most importantly how to enjoy every step of the journey. I have met phenomenal people and international industry moguls. Having worked on a project with Edgar’s Active South Africa, being a part of the Mandoza commemoration, meeting and learning from Prince Kaybee thanks to Apple Music, collaborating with Will IAm and simultaneously being awakened to the drugs and depression and being motivated to make a change, countless jam sessions with truly talented individuals, it is safe to say that it’s changed my life.

These are but a few of the amazing moments and this year I look forward to many more. I would love to do all the festivals at home this year! I’m just putting that out into the universe. Music has given me the blessing of performing, the honour of being with my first love, THE STAGE!

What should your followers expect from you this year?

My followers can expect nothing but all things real! More shows, more music, more love and truly iconic moments. My motto in life is to live, love and laugh and there truly is never a dull moment so expect to see more of me! I’m also set to venture into some new exciting stuff so stay tuned! You don’t want to miss this one nana!

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