Tsonga Monday

Welcome to a new week, folks, as we continue to work our way through the backlog of Tsonga CDs that I picked up in Johannesburg last year. Last time out we featured George Maluleke, the patriarch of one of the two great Tsonga musical clans. In the interests of balance we feature a representative of the opposition, the Chaukes.

Hamilton Chauke uses his full name when writing and producing, but as a performer went by the name of Hammy Chauke. For his fifth album, "Hlolwa (Lumba Ncuma)" - the one we feature today - he added a "Shinyori" in the middle. I am not sure why. The backing singers of Thomas Chauke - George's equivalent - are the Shinyori Sisters, so possibly Hamilton (I can't bring myself to call a grown man Hammy) is related to one of them. Or maybe Thomas, who produced the album, insisted on it. If anyone can shed any light on the matter, please do.

"Makweru" - Hammy Shinyori Chauke

"Ximutwani" - Hammy Shinyori Chauke

Today's clip comes from the American branch of the clan. It is a genuine true fact that this lady's real name is Chauke Khan.