Interview first appeared on Y-Not Culture’s 10th Edition

Afro-pop music has been a constant feature since the days of Sophiatown, whether you’re out with friends at a concert honouring our forefathers’ hardships, at a wedding in the most remote corner of the country, or simply having a lekker braai on a Sunday afternoon. Songbird Boichoko Qwabe, better known as Choko, speaks with Y-Not Culture on the best Afro-pop sound that has kept us hooked all these years.

How was Boichoko Qwabe growing up with a twin sister? And her rise into music?

Growing up with my twin sister has been nothing but a blessing! I had support and a friend so close to me every single day, my entire childhood! We shared everything together and had each other’s back! Although my mother was very clear about making us aware we are not the same person, we just happened to be born on the same day, and that’s what was special about us. She emphasized that God had perfect plans for each one of us in a different way; hence, we never really struggled to find our passions in life as individuals. We are grownups now, and both have families (fortunate enough to live on the same street!). Talk about being inseparable.

Music has always been a huge part of my life, and having grown up in a Christian home where we participated in church activities (without negotiations), I always found myself singing. It was difficult, I must admit, as I grew up very shy. All my teachers always insisted on me taking leads; it just never stopped! Till varsity…

What does the genre of Afro-Soul mean to you? 

It simply means good music with a soulful fusion and a distinctive African element that one can relate to—the kind of music that is not defined by age, race, or time and season.

In SA women in Afro-soul seem to be doing better than male Afro-soul singers. Why do you think this happens?

 I guess it’s through the different approaches we use as artists/ individuals. But the key factor for me personally is understanding the importance of maintaining a healthy-working balance of the business side of things, carrying your brand as an artist, using to your advantage the strengths in your vocal abilities. Couple that with your writing skills- how you present yourself and tell your story is really what puts you on the map.

Do you believe music has boundaries?

Not at all, I just think that we choose what we want to hear, what builds us and definitely which stories we relate best to.

Your album ‚Simply Choko’ goes out as a very intimate album of your personal life, songs like ‘Lerato’ and ‘Baile’ reflect this. How was it possible for you to achieve such an effect?

I guess the influence came from the kind of music I listen to. I wanted it to have calming spiritual content, and I also wanted to address different issues in a way that would reflect my personality, experiences and my definition and perception of what afro soul is to me. This is something which is a bit challenging because you also have to think of the person you want to reach out to, and whom you hope will understand what you are addressing, because as artists we have to  be conscious of the fact that we are not writing music for ourselves. I’m grateful for the overwhelming response I get from people who have listened to those few songs and are constantly begging for more.

You were a Miss South Africa semi-finalist, is modelling part of the Choko package or was it a once-of thing?

I didn’t really go as far as I would have wished to go in the Mrs SA Competition. But the experience was phenomenal and enriching. Modelling is one of the many interests I have.

You founded The Book Cover Initiative, tell us more about it?

The Book Cover Initiative was a project that we ran in 2012 when I was preparing for my very first show at the Roodeport Theatre. The idea was to basically give back to communities and show that help doesn’t have to be expensive. It can come in the simplest of ways but actually go a long way and put a smile on somebody else’s face.

What inspires you in South Africa?

The diversity we are blessed with! Different cultures, the languages we speak, the food, and the people with the spirit of Ubuntu. We live in a beautiful country. 20 years of freedom certainly came to every individual at a huge price, which our former freedom fighters and leaders fought hard and stood for, for us to be liberated and be afforded the privileges that we freely have and enjoy in this country. It is something that one cannot take lightly, especially when you look at what other countries are going through, and the manner in which people are oppressed, ill-treated and discriminated, and dehumanized.

Yes we are a developing country and there’s are a lot of areas that still needs improvement in our country but we are not in the same place as we were before some 30 years back, and the change that we want to see is and can be created by each and every one of us collectively. It is our responsibility to shape South Africa and see it transform to the country we want to live in.

Is Bloemfontein still your home? Or are you planning to eventually move to Johannesburg full-time?

Bloemfontein is my Hometown and will forever be. I now stay in Johannesburg, but the Free State is home for me and whenever time allows me, I make it a point to go see my family and friends.

How do you balance being a wife and performing every other day?

Fortunately I haven’t gotten to a point where I’m on stage on a daily basis, but being on stage for me is work and off stage I’m back to being a sister, a friend and wife. I thank God for a supportive husband who is just as passionate about music as I am and wants to see me thrive in this role.

What was the recipe for such a great album?

Patience, love for good- timeless music, and a dream to live to share my story.

Five minutes before the show starts …

I pray and trust God for a great time on stage!

How crucial is social media to a flourishing career?

100% crucial. It’s a free tool everyone has access to, to communicate their brand and make their presence visible. It needs consistency, research that will keep you running with interesting and relevant ideas. It is just unfortunate that other artists don’t have time and underestimate the power that it carries.

Final words? 

Never stop believing in the beauty of dreams, and always thrive to live out your passions in life. Keep watching, Choko aims to grace South Africa with her presence for a long while!