Dr Thomas Hasani “Shinyori” Chauke, born in February 1952. Dr Thomas Chauke was granted an honorary Doctorate in African Languages for the role his music has played in the development of the Xitsonga Language.
EARLY LIFE
Dr Thomas Chauke was born in Salema (Saselamani) Village under Malamulele in Limpopo Province – South Africa. He dropped out of school at primary level to work at a flower firm in Heidelberg in 1969. He then moved to Alexandra in 1971 where he fixed swimming pools and tennis courts in neighbouring Sandton. While there, he met his uncle, who was into Mbaqanga music and played the Tsonga guitor, which he taught Dr Thomas Chauke how to play. Dr Thomas Chauke travelled back home in 1978 and started fixing radio sets. By then, he was already married with a child.
MUSIC CAREER
Dr Thomas Chauke started his band with 13 singers in the late 70s. After a few months, only five of the band members remained. They performed at school halls to raise money to go to Johannesburg and realize their recording dream. Dr Thomas Chauke signed a contract to start recording with Gallo Record Company. Under the company, the music was branded as Nyoresh. He then moved to Wea Records, where he got a better deal and changed his music brand from “Nyoresh” to “Shimatsatsa” which translates “a beautiful girl”in Xitsonga. In 1981, he recorded his first album called Shimatsatsa No. 1 under the burner name Thomas Chauke and Shinyori Sisters. Now he hands out awards yearly in the category: Dr Thomas Chauke ‘s Artist of the year for Munghana Lonene FM.
Awards and accomplishments
* Honorary Doctor of Philosophy Degree, African Languages University of Venda
South African Music Awards (SAMA) won more than 12 awards
* Munghana Lonene FM Awards won more than 10 awards
* Munghana Lonene FM Awards Special Award
* MTN SAMA 19 Lifetime Achievement Award 2013
* In 2014, Munghana Lonene FM introduced new award category, Dr Thomas Chauke Artist of the year
With a career spanning over 34 years, he has released over 34 studio albums which have reached Gold, Platinum or Double Platinum over the years.
* Shimatsatsa No. 1- Nyoresh
* Shimatsatsa No. 2 – Don’t Be Afraid
* Shimatsatsa No.3 – Bomber Mhlengwe
* Shimatsatsa No. 4 -Shimatsatsa xa mina
* Shimatsatsa No. 5 – Shikwamula Mazingi
* Shimatsatsa No. 6 – Xibamuxa Movha
* Shimatsatsa No. 7 – Suka Lovha
* Shimatsatsa No. 8 – Ma jamble Sale
* Shimatsatsa No. 9 – Humelela M.K
* Shimatsatsa No. 10 – Jim Na Jack
* Shimatsatsa No. 11 – Hi Hanya kuvava
* Shimatsatsa No. 12 – Buku Yi Hibyerile
* Shimatsatsa No. 13 – Xifumi Na Lazaro
* Shimatsatsa No. 14 – Suka Davulos
* Shimatsatsa No. 15 – Kokwani Wa Wun’Wana
* Shimatsatsa No. 16 – Sodoma Na Gomora
* Shimatsatsa No. 17 – Bangi situlu
* Shimatsatsa No. 18 – Mati-Endla
* Shimatsatsa No. 19 – I Mutshiveri Muni?
* Shimatsatsa No.20 – Magidi – Mbirhi
* Shimatshana No. 21 – Mpfende Mpfende
* Shimatsatsa No. 22 – Mugawula
* Shimatsatsa No. 23 – Shimovhana
* Shimatsatsa No. 24 – Madzolonga
* Shimatsatsa No. 25 – Xidudla Kedibone
* The Best Of Thomas Chauke – Volume 1
* The Best Of Thomas Chauke Na Shinyori Sisters – Volume 2
* Shimatsatsa No. 26 – Mavholovholo
* Shimatsatsa No. 27 – Rejina
* Shimatsatsa No. 28 – Swelemetee
* Shimatsatas No. 29 – Xihloka Xa Maseve
* Shimatsatsa No. 30 – Jehovha
* Shimatsatsa No. 31 – Dokodela
* Shimatsatsa No. 32 -Virus-Computer ya nhloko
* Shimatsatsa No. 33 – Basopa
* Shimatsatsa No. 34 – Xiganga
* Shimatsatsa No. 35 – Majagani
Tani hi rixaka ra Vatsonga, ha tinyungubyisa hi mintirho ya Dr Thomas Hasani Chauke. Mintirho ya vulavula.
